By ALANA MITCHELSON
MARK Caulfield was humbled to be inducted as the new Rotary Club of Berwick president last week, rising to the challenge.
“Good community binds us together,” Mr Caulfield said.
“Everyone has their own reason for joining Rotary, but often it’s because a friend has asked them to join. If everyone asked one person to join, how good would that be? Your friendship has meant a lot through the years.”
Geoff Double handed over his presidency to Mr Caulfield, addressing Rotary members and their families at the 55th changeover dinner on Wednesday 29 June at Holm Park Reserve Pavilion.
After musical entertainment from a Nossal High School string quartet, past president Terry Carmichael proposed a toast to Rotary International. Its charity arm, The Rotary Foundation, is due to celebrate its centenary anniversary this November.
“It’s special the way we greet each other in Rotary and the way we welcome new members in to the club. Let’s continue strengthening the club with new membership this year,“ Mr Carmichael said.
“Rotary gives you more than the ability to help the community, but also the opportunity to pursue your own dreams. My eldest daughter has spina bifida and Rotary allowed some of our fund-raising to go to the Spina Bifida Association to help other families who have a child with the condition.
“My involvement in Rotary has always felt very worthwhile.“
The Rotary Club of Berwick annually runs the Berwick College Presentation Ball, the monthly Rotary Farmers and Craft Market, annual Golf Day, Australia Day at Pioneers Park and Carols by Candlelight among other community events. This year Rotary hosted its inaugural mental health forum in Berwick with leading research psychologists talking about youth suicide issues in Casey.
Rotary of Berwick was presented a communications award at this year’s Rotary district conference in recognition of the club’s communication with the community and other clubs, and its use of social media.
Students Gui from Brazil and Evita from the Netherlands delivered emotional speeches, displaying genuine gratitude for their 12-month youth exchange experience with Rotary.
Berwick College principal Kerri Bolch said the school would not be able to fund the debutante ball without Rotary’s involvement.
“A kid with his fair share of troubles at school came up to me at the deb ball and said how things had changed for him; it was so good to see him turn around the way he had. It gives you goose bumps,“ Ms Bolch said.
“The students were saying hello to Rotary members on the night and saying how much it meant to them.“
The club’s last surviving founding member Bill Minns was presented an award for his 55 continuous years of service to the club.
The long-time Berwick resident and past Rotary president has been a supporter and leader of many community projects.
Other years-of-service recognitions at the changeover included Fred Edwards, Garry Cooper, Sjaak Kusters, Maureen Scott and Peter Castricum.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Berwick, contact Jane Moore at jane.moore@rotaryberwick.org or visit rotaryberwick.org.
