By Brendan Rees
Marcel Hendriksen is the new president of the Rotary Club of Cranbourne when the club held its Changeover Dinner at the Settlers Run Country Club on Friday 22 June.
The evening was enjoyed by 70 Rotarians and official guests including the City of Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett, Deputy Mayor Amanda Stapledon and former Casey Mayor Colin Butler.
Donations were also presented to Cranbourne Information and Support Service (CISS) with a cheque valued at $2500 and TRAG – Teenage Road Accident Group ($1000) for their respective community support services provided in the Cranbourne district.
CISS executive officer of Leanne Petrides said the donation had already been put to good use.
Just over $1,000 has already gone towards food/fuel vouchers –which is $435 over CISS’ daily budget.
“We have been able to assist with part-payments towards a life-saving Continuous positive airway pressure machine, repair of broken dentures, and glasses for a young girl at school,” Ms Petrides said.
“None of these payments would have been possible without knowing that cheque is about to be banked.”
A Paul Harris Fellowship Award was also presented to Tim Nolan of TRAG in Mornington Peninsula, in recognition of his outstanding community work in speaking to numerous youth groups about the importance of safe and responsible driving techniques, as they acquire their driving licence.
Club secretary Terry Vickerman said the club’s major project was the planning and development of a community centre within the Blairlogie Care facility at Cranbourne South as well as Rotary Youth Projects for secondary school students including scholarships and the MUNA – Model United Nations Assembly challenge.
“Funding of the these projects is generated through Rotary Club activities such as our Annual Charity Golf Day, catering for the annual Auto Swap-meet and other events plus our annual deb ball,” he said.
New Board Members for 2018/19 elected:
• President: Marcel Hendriksen
• Past President: Kathy Dunscombe
• President Elect: Garry Luxford
• Secretary: Terry Vickerman
• Treasurer: John Cooper
• Community: Scott Pinxt
• International: Lea Corrigan
• Vocation: Bruce Peterson
• Youth: Lloma Shaw
