AT the recent Rotary Hamilton changeover dinner on Wednesday night, current president Noel Howard was again voted in to continue in the role for 2024-25

Mr Howard presented member, Marg Moffatt, with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition for her wonderful contribution to the club, especially her work on establishing the environmental group and her catering skills that she has so willingly used for many events.

Her daughter, Belinda travelled from Violet Town for the presentation.

The Domestic Violence Committee (Kevin Safe, Meg Watson, Peter Irvin, Jenny Hurst, Lorraine Wilson and Geetha Yoga) received the District Governors Award; certificates will be presented at a later date.

Mr Howard read his annual report and highlighted the many activities the club has been involved in during the past Rotary year.

The club has successfully provided financial support to a diverse range of programs, both locally and internationally, thanks to the funds raised through fundraising endeavours, making a positive difference in various communities.

On a local level, they have allocated funds to several initiatives.

These include Standing Tall, the Eisteddfod, scholarships for students at Baimbridge College, transportation for students attending the Science Experience in Warrnambool, participation of two students in the Defying the Drift agricultural program, and support for the Food Distribution program at the Uniting Church.

Additionally, as part of their commitment to promoting literacy, they provide a picture story book to every newborn at the WDHS.

In response to emergencies, such as the fires in Pomonal and the flood recovery in the Rochester area, they have provided emergency funding and financial assistance to the Rochester Rotary Club.

Furthermore, after being presented with the cause by Backpacks 4 Vic Kids in Warrnambool, they decided to extend support to their organisation as well.

Internationally, they have collaborated with other Rotary Clubs to fund the construction of toilets for girls in Nepal.

Additional support to the Rotary Foundation has been achieved by donating to the End Polio Fund, Rotarians Against Malaria, and their general fund.

The Rotary Foundation has utilised the donations to implement service projects that have a profound impact on lives locally and globally.

Over the course of its 100-year history, the Foundation has invested more than $4 billion in sustainable projects that bring about transformative change.

Rotary Hamilton expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported their fundraising efforts, as it was through the community’s generosity that it has allocated funds to numerous worthwhile projects.