Rotary vote is double Dutch

By Bridget Brady
INCREASING membership and working for the homeless and single mothers are some of the aims of the new Rotary Club of Cranbourne president Andrew Pinxt.
Mr Pinxt, who is originally from Holland, returns to the helm as president of the club for the second time, after leading it during the 1989-1990 year.
He said he stood before the club as president 20 years ago when “be kind to a Dutchy” was his motto.
“Kindness has been shown to me and my family,” he said.
The Sapphire Pin recipient said as Cranbourne had grown over the years, so had Rotary’s commitment to the community.
Mr Pinxt said he looked forward to enjoying some “old-fashioned” fellowship this year and congratulated outgoing president Stan Bankes-Fay for his work.
“It’s a bit of a hard act to follow but I’ll try my best,” Mr Pinxt said.
Mr Bankes-Fay thanked all those who had helped him during his year and president.
He reflected on the successful debutante balls and business breakfast that featured guest speaker Ziggy Switkowski.
Mr Bankes-Fay said it was wonderful to see the success of last year’s Christmas carols event, which was earlier cancelled because it was not financially viable.
He thanked Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge for the use of the new venue at the racecourse, and Casey councillors Amanda Stapledon and Geoff Ablett, who arranged sponsorship from Villawood Properties.
Mr Bankes-Fay thanked the ladies from the Inner Wheel Club of Cranbourne for their support.
“My year has passed so quickly,” he said.
The new committee members for 2010-2011 are: president- Andrew Pinxt; vice president- Stan Bankes-Fay; president elect- Paul Rice; international service- Harry Ziegerink; secretary- Tony Hubbard; community service- Matthew Blake; treasurer- Malcolm Wells; vocational service- Chris McIlroy; club service- Paul Rice; youth service- Trevor Bew; sergeant at arms- John Cotter; Bulletin- Peter Scollo.