By BRIDGET COOK
THE Rotary Club of Cranbourne reflected on the year that was and looked to the year ahead as they celebrated their annual changeover dinner on Tuesday night.
Outgoing president Lea Corrigan handed over the wheel to Rotarian John Campbell, who will lead the club for the next 12 months.
The dinner was not only about the changeover of presidency, with the spotlight also being shone on two of the club’s most dedicated and passionate members – Malcolm Wells and Judy Symons.
The two were bestowed with the Paul Harris Fellow honour, which is one of the highest recognitions of Rotary and credits those who have made an outstanding contribution to their community.
Mr Wells has served as treasurer, secretary and president of the Cranbourne club in the past and has conducted debutante balls with the help of his wife Jenny.
He has also helped co-ordinate the Red Cross Appeal in Cranbourne between 2002 and 2009, served as treasurer for Bialla South East, was involved with the Cranbourne Cemetery Trust and was a founder of the Carrum Downs Financial Services Limited, which owns two local Bendigo Banks.
The Wellses also recently started their own organisation, Who Cares? We Do, which assists the homeless and disadvantaged in the community.
Mrs Symons has also made a significant contribution to the area, using her skills in IT and administration to assist a range of community organisations.
She has served on school committees, volunteered at St Margaret’s School library, been an active member of the Rotary Club of Cranbourne taking on a number of roles and volunteered and helped manage the Cranbourne Information and support Services.
Mrs Symons was a foundation member of the Cranbourne U3A and has written user manuals for older people to teach them the basics of computers and technology.
In 2009, she was named the Casey Senior Citizen of the Year, a role she applied herself to by attending many citizenship ceremonies.
Before handing over the Rotary Club of Cranbourne presidency, Mr Corrigan reflected on the past year and thanked all those who had made it a good one.
“Personally, I have been so happy with the progress and achievements of our club,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to lead such a harmonious group of dedicated Rotarians.
“Our successful fund-raising through the likes of the debutante ball, golf day, footy tipping, special events like the Black Caviar night and our many sausage sizzles has left the club in a sound financial position.”
Mr Corrigan said the highlights of the year were being able assist the community by contributing to secondary school scholarships, Cranbourne West Primary School’s breakfast program, Disaster Aid Australia and helping a local mum to purchase a wheelchair accessible car to be able to transport her disabled son.
Mr Campbell said he decided to take on the presidency again, something he did about 10 years, as he left that while he has changed a lot, the need for what Rotary does hasn’t.
“Being lucky myself, in a lucky country, I’ve got an obligation or a duty to do what I can to help.
“This is why I’m in Rotary and this is why I accepted to be president.”
Mr Campbell said he had a number of goals for the year ahead.
“I want to take members outside of their comfort zone,” he said.
“We need to get a new project off the ground locally and to plan another new one overseas.
“So that is my challenge to members.”
The club’s board members for the next year are Peter Sorensen as president-elect, Peter Carpenter as secretary and John Cooper as treasurer.
