The Rotary Club of Deniliquin held its annual changeover dinner at the Deniliquin Golf Club last week, celebrating a successful year and announcing plans for the year ahead.
Guests included Assistant District Governor Lorraine Greenwood, and incoming Deniliquin Lions president Mike Hallinan and his wife Cheryl.
Ange Parker served as master of ceremonies for the evening.
Outgoing president Iain Goodway reflected on a busy and rewarding year.
Major highlights included the raising and reburial of the Rotary Time Capsule, which raised more than $33,000 and significantly boosted Rotary’s profile in the community.
The club also used its new catering shed at the Deni Ute Muster, helping raise $16,000, with other catering efforts and collaboration projects raising over $25,000.
In total, the club raised enough to allocate more than $66,000 for local, national, and international causes.
Local recipients included Deniliquin Can Assist, Deniliquin’s Daffodil Day Cancer Council fundraiser, the Deniliquin Community Garden, Edward River Art Society, Friends of the Cemetery, Deniliquin & District Historical Society, Kolety Fishing Classic, Naponda Hospital Auxiliary, Navorina Aged Care, Deniliquin North School’s breakfast program, Orana Aged Care, Outback Theatre for Young People, Riding for the Disabled, Deniliquin Salvation Army, St Vincent De Paul and WIRES.
Funds were also pledged to Deniliquin Business Chamber for its 365 Nights of Lights project, and for Rotary’s planned sensory garden at the time capsule site.
Nationally, the club supported Angel Babies, Animal Rescue Cooperative Craft Guild, Days for Girls, Men’s Health Educational Rural Van, Rotary Health, Rotary Outreach Myeloma Program and Wheelchairs for Kids.
International disbursements included Rotary Foundation, support for clean water in Cambodia and an Umoja Orphanage in Kenya.
A full list is available in the club’s treasurer’s report.
The evening included presentations of Paul Harris Fellow pins.
David McPherson received a PHF+8 pin for his personal contributions to Rotary Foundation.
Tony Kew was awarded a PHF+2 pin for his ongoing service to Rotary and the community.
A PHF+3 pin and certificate were presented posthumously to long-serving member Di Hand, with her family in attendance to accept the honour.
Mr Goodway is to continue as president for the next 12 months, and introduced his 2025-26 board which includes vice president and treasurer Tony Kew and David McPherson as secretary.
Directors are Simon Genoff (projects), Cheryl McMillan (membership and youth), George Maddison (programs) and Angela Parker (community and media).
Mr Goodway shared plans for the year ahead, including a focus on community service projects such as assistance with maintenance of Navorina’s sensory garden, implementing Rotary’s Membership Action Plan, and making Rotary more accessible to younger members.
The evening ended with thanks to all Rotarians, guests, Café 100 for the dinner, Deniliquin Golf Club for hosting, and special acknowledgements to Angela Parker and Debi Goodway for their outstanding support.