Rotary celebrates year of success | PHOTOS

Rotary Club of Narrabri members celebrated a year of success at its annual changeover dinner on Saturday night.

Outgoing president Darrell Tiemens told members and guests of the club’s many achievements during his year at the organisation’s helm.

Among the highlights were the successful Pink Up Namoi campaign auspiced by Rotary, the club’s 75th anniversary dinner and book, a record-breaking Maitland Street book sale, the commencement of refurbishment works at the Selina Street shelter area and the sponsorship of the Rotaract Club of Narrabri.

The club has also taken on the running of the Narrabri markets, donated to the club by Tricia Hadley.

During the year, Mr Tiemens inducted five new members to the club – Karen Kirkby, David Pierce, Kat Denniss, Sue Duncan and Helen Dugdale.

“Without exception I have been supported by an enthusiastic board. They have all worked with tireless dedication to make this year a success,” Mr Tiemens told the gathering.

Past district governor David Mayne, incoming president Dylan Smith and outgoing president Darrell Tiemens. Past district governor David Mayne, incoming president Dylan Smith and outgoing president Darrell Tiemens.

Rotary’s 2022-23 board members, Tricia Hadley, Darrell Tiemens, Karen Kirkby, Liz Campbell, Dylan Smith, Julie and Grahame Herbert and Philip Norrie. Absent: Bruce Pyke and Kim Rozendaal. Rotary’s 2022-23 board members, Tricia Hadley, Darrell Tiemens, Karen Kirkby, Liz Campbell, Dylan Smith, Julie and Grahame Herbert and Philip Norrie. Absent: Bruce Pyke and Kim Rozendaal.

Karen Kirkby was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship at Saturday night’s Rotary changeover dinner for her extraordinary work in running the recent Pink Up Namoi fundraising campaign. Pictured, Kirk Harvey, outgoing president Darrell Tiemens, Dr Kirkby and Mark Strahle. Karen Kirkby was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship at Saturday night’s Rotary changeover dinner for her extraordinary work in running the recent Pink Up Namoi fundraising campaign. Pictured, Kirk Harvey, outgoing president Darrell Tiemens, Dr Kirkby and Mark Strahle.

John Melbourne and Joan Burrell-Melbourne. John Melbourne and Joan Burrell-Melbourne.

Mike Beale, Margaret Sendall and Pat Carberry. Mike Beale, Margaret Sendall and Pat Carberry.

Len and Ros Hall. Len and Ros Hall.

Darrell Tiemens presented the Dark Horse award to Barry Keys. Darrell Tiemens presented the Dark Horse award to Barry Keys.

Winston and Janelle Hayne. Winston and Janelle Hayne.

Joyce and Rob Walker. Joyce and Rob Walker.

Len Hall and Ron McKenzie. Len Hall and Ron McKenzie.

Holly Hancock and Kirk Harvey. Holly Hancock and Kirk Harvey.

Mark Strahle and Karen Kirkby. Mark Strahle and Karen Kirkby.

Grahame and Julie Herbert. Grahame and Julie Herbert.

Kat Denniss and Pat Norrie. Kat Denniss and Pat Norrie.

Rotarian of the Year was presented to John Ridley, pictured with his wife Sheryl. Rotarian of the Year was presented to John Ridley, pictured with his wife Sheryl.

Liz Campbell and Jocellin Jansson. Liz Campbell and Jocellin Jansson.

In his final acts as president, Mr Tiemens made several presentations to club members.

Karen Kirkby was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship for her tireless efforts in organising the Pink Up Namoi campaign.

Mr Tiemens announced John Ridley as this year’s Rotarian of the Year.

He described Mr Ridley as someone who did not like to be in the limelight, however, was worthy of the honour given his ongoing assistance to the club at many fundraisers and events.

The club’s Dark Horse award was presented to the longest-serving member, Barry Keys.

Mr Tiemens acknowledged Mr Keys for quietly continuing to support Rotary projects after his many decades of ongoing service.

Following the presentation of awards and the delivery of his report, Mr Tiemens presented the club regalia to incoming president Dylan Smith.

Mr Smith outlined the club’s year ahead which he hopes to focus on continuing membership development and growth as well as an emphasis on community.

He introduced his board members – Mr Tiemens (immediate past president), Dr Kirkby (vice president), Liz Campbell (secretary), Julie Herbert (treasurer) and directors Tricia Hadley, Phil Norrie, Grahame Herbert, Bruce Pyke and Kim Rozendaal.