The Rotary Club of Port Fairy held its 2023 Changeover Dinner on Monday 26th June at The Sentinel Restaurant in Port Fairy.
Rotarians, partners and special guests made up the 48 people attending the dinner which honoured the out-going President, Graeme Cox, who passes on the reins to the new - and joint Presidents - Jed Macartney and Andrew Long.
It was unfortunate that, due to personal circumstances, both Andrew Long and Jed Macartney could not be present at the dinner to be formally inducted into their new roles. However, despite this, the evening was enjoyed by all present.
Moyne Shire Councillor, Damian Gleeson, got the night off to an entertaining start when he provided numerous facts and a few enlightening anectdotes in delivering his "Toast to Rotary and the Rotary Club of Port Fairy" Cr. Gleeson was formally representing Moyne Shire Mayor, Karen Foster.
Out-going President, Graeme Cox, presented his Annual Report and thanked his team for their efforts in 2022/23. He then passed over to Past District Governor, John Clue, who delivered a a report on behalf of Jed and Andrew before formlly introducing the new Board members for Rotary year 2023/24.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of special, Rotary awards - Paul Harris Fellowships (PHFs) - to three deserving club members. Special guest, the Hon. Roma Britnell (Member for South West Coast) was invited to present the awards to the recipients - Reg Beattie, Maureen Beattie and Brett Murray.
Reg and Brett were awarded PHF certificates and pins whilst Maureen, who already holds a PHF, was given an upgrade with the awarding of a Paul Harris Fellowship Sapphire Pin in recognition of her long-standing service to Rotary and the local community - following her 33 years of delivering Meals on Wheels and her untiring and unselfish service to Red Cross over many years. Maureen also accepted the PHF award on behalf of husband, Reg, who was not able to attend on the night due to his current medical status. Former Club President, Alan Rasmussen, who sponsored Brett into the Club in 2006, was pleased to be able to speak about Brett's service to both Rotary and the community at large.
The evening was kept moving at a lively pace by seasoned MC, John Ellard. Before closing the evening, a raffle was conducted, with some lucky people winning one of the 12 prizes on offer.
All guests seemed to enjoy their meal from the restaurant and, in his closing remarks, President Graeme Cox thanked all of the Sentinel staff for their excellent service.
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