Inner Wheel Club of Cranbourne outgoing president Therese Schreurs presents the collar of office to incoming president Merna Stella.
By Bridget Cook
THE Inner Wheel Club of Cranbourne celebrated the past term and looked to the year ahead at its 20th annual changeover dinner on Monday night.
More than 60 people attended the event at the Settlers Run Golf and Country Club, when president Therese Schreurs handed over the reins to Merna Stella.
Tears of happiness flowed from Ms Stella as she was presented the collar of office from Ms Schreurs.
“I’ve been looking forward to this,” she said.
“I’m proud to be a part of such a great club. Thank you all for supporting me.
“I would like to thank Therese for leading us on such a wonderful year and I hope I can do just as good a job.”
Ms Schreurs said she couldn’t believe how quickly time had gone and thanked those who made it such a great year.
“I would like to thank Tom (husband) for his support during the year,” she said.
“I would ask what seemed like the impossible – always at the wrong time and he arranged it – most of the time graciously. Merna our treasurer and Jannene our secretary, are very important in keeping things on track.
“The executive committee worked tirelessly in arranging and doing what was required.”
Ms Schreurs wished Ms Stella the best for the year ahead.
“Merna, I wish you well as our incoming president, knowing you have the full backing of our club,” she said.
“Your year will pass quickly; it does not seem like 12 months since my term was commencing.
“I have had a wonderful year as Cranbourne’s club president and thank members for their support.”
Ms Schreurs recapped the past year and highlighted the great work the club had done in fundraising events.
She said the club had helped the local community in many ways, including sending four disadvantaged children from Cranbourne West Primary School and supported Wresacare, Cranbourne Food Van, Partners In Aid – Child Sponsorship, Cord Blood, Cranbourne Information and Support Services and donated to district, national and international projects.
Ms Schreurs said the club had also been successful in gaining district support for its Champagnat Crèche Project East Timor.
“This project supports women in East Timor to become educators in their community,” she said.
“The mission of this project is to produce quality school teachers for years one to nine.
“The students, who come from isolated rural areas, are capable, but not able to access tertiary education because of a lack of finances and a number of these prospective students are married with children.
“To enable these women with children to study, Brother Fons has created a crèche.”
The incoming executive committee for 2012/13 was also inducted, with Gay Ellis named senior vice president, Kate Luxford secretary, Annette Allen treasurer, Pam Bankes-Fay international and club correspondent, Val Batchelor historian, Yvonne Bell social convener, while Charmaine Skewes, Julie Cochrane and Marilyn Lynch make up the committee.
City of Casey councillors Amanda Stapledon and Geoff Ablett presented the club with a certificate to recognise the group’s 20th anniversary.
“This is to commemorate 20 years of serving our community,” Cr Stapledon said.
Inner Wheel District A62 immediate past president Kaye Morland, who did the toast to International Inner Wheel and Inner Wheel District A62 chairman Sue Blenkhorn, who conducted the loyal toast, were special guests.
