Outgoing President Sue Robertson presented her report on the 2019/20 year at the recent Port Fairy Rotary Changeover dinner. Sue described the year as comprising two very different parts - normal operation until March this year then a dramatically changed world with the arrival of COVID-19. The first part was a busy time for the Club with very successful fundraising and service activities. Despite the shutdown of fundraising for the final quarter, the Club was able to distribute over $26,000 to local, national and international good causes.
Sue Robertson
Sue stepped in for a second term as President in September last year when Peter Smith resigned from the position for family reasons. Sue acknowledged Peter's years of service as a Rotarian and thanked him for his support of the Club, including a long stint as Secretary.
Sue outlined the Club's activities for the year in the areas of service, fundraising and youth. Highlights included:
- Replanting in the historic Botanic Gardens led by David Digby and Robert Whitehead under the guidance of the Moyne Council.
- Working on gates for the Folk Festival, the Jazz Festival, the Port Fairy Show and the Replenish Our Planet Festival in Koroit.
- Maintenance at Charles Mills Reserve, and Skene's Road.
- Lighthouse open days.
- The Open Garden Day featuring four outstanding local gardens.
- The Spring raffle, the Wilma Preston painting raffle and the car raffle.
- A host day in Port Fairy for inbound Rotary Exchange Students.
The Club's Youth Exchange student, Destiny Kelly, departed for Switzerland in January. Destiny has reported regularly on her time in that country. Needless to say student life there has taken some unexpected turns due to the COVID -19 virus. Destiny has adapted to the circumstances and is having an enjoyable stay.
The Friends of Rotary continued their good work supporting the Club and were at the planning stages of the annual Fashion Parade when the lockdown came into effect.
The Club continued to meet remotely during the lockdown, via Zoom. Face-to-face meetings recommenced in June subject to the requirements for limited venue numbers and social distancing.
Tony Bawden and Peter Gleeson working the Folk Festival BBQ