Rotary Club of Narrabri annual change over dinner 2023

The Rotary Club of Narrabri celebrated a year of giving back to the community at its annual changeover dinner on Saturday night.

Almost 50 Rotarians and guests gathered at the Tourist Hotel to mark what was described as a successful year.

Outgoing president Dylan Smith highlighted Rotary’s many triumphs throughout the past 12 months, including the conclusion of the club’s record breaking book sale, continued support of students’ education, the refurbishment of the Selina Street shelter area, the Narrabri Markets as well as the completion of a Ugandan storm water and sanitation project.

Mr Smith said the club was continuing its long-running support of the Country Education Foundation of the Namoi with a donation of $4000.

Rotary also sponsored Eliza Dampney to attend the National Youth Science Forum as well as supporting a group of Narrabri High School students to attend the Santos Science Experience at UNE.

Mr Smith also made mention of the successful science and engineering challenge held at The Crossing Theatre in May.

Hundreds of students attended this year’s event which again proved a hit.

Donations will also be made to community groups, including Meals on Wheels, 2MaxFM, Shared Table and school P&Cs in the Narrabri district.

This is in addition to previous support throughout the year for the Narrabri Hospital Auxiliary, Life Without Barriers, Stars of Narrabri and the Narrabri RSL Sub-branch.

The club also contributed funds to the Rotary Australia World Community Service appeal for Ukraine.

Donations will also be made to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service as well as international causes including Rotary’s polio eradication program.

In the past 12 months, Rotary has welcomed six new members – Kirk Harvey, Nicole Power, Steve Dalton, Chris Taylor, Tess Lindsay and Ethan Towns.

Mr Smith said he was pleased to end the year on the back of strong membership growth, with the club now boasting almost 40 members.

“Our club continues to grow and the average age continues to decline as we welcome newer, young members to the world of Rotary,” he said.

“We have a great future ahead of us as a club.”

Mr Smith thanked his outgoing board members including Karen Kirkby (vice president), Liz Campbell (secretary), Julie Herbert (treasurer), Grahame Herbert (community service director), Phil Norrie (club service director), Bruce Pyke (international service director), Tricia Hadley (vocation service director), Kim Rozendaal (youth service director) and Darrell Tiemens (immediate past president).

“Without exception I have been supported by an enthusiastic board. They have all worked with tireless dedication to make this year a success,” he said.

Mr Smith also made mention of Jocellin Jansson for her role in publicity for club as well as heading Rotary’s markets committee and to Pat Carberry for his role as club historian.

Mr Carberry, who turns 95 this month, has enjoyed a long association with Rotary and continues active involvement in the club.

Mr Smith asked Mr Carberry to stand and he was applauded for his continued service to Rotary.

Past presidents Phil Norrie, Bruce Pyke, Grahame and Julie Herbert, Darrell Tiemens and Tricia Hadley were also thanked by Mr Smith for their support during his term at the club’s helm.

The changeover night was also an opportunity for Mr Smith to present honours to club members.

Outgoing board members Bruce Pyke and Phil Norrie were awarded Rotary’s highest honour for years of dedication to the club.

Mr Pyke received his Paul Harris triple sapphire and Mr Norrie was awarded his Paul Harris sapphire.

This new Rotary year is the first time Mr Pyke and Mr Norrie will not be involved at a board level after supporting many presidents in recent years.

They both also enjoyed successful years during their own terms as president.

Mr Smith praised Mr Pyke’s success at coordinating both the Rotary book sale and the science and engineering challenge. Mr Pyke has been well-supported in both major events by his wife, Joan.

Announcing Mr Norrie’s honour, Mr Smith thanked him for ensuring the smooth running of the club at an administrative level.

“Many presidents – myself included – are indebted to them for their knowledge and words of wisdom,” Mr Smith said of the two awardees.

“Tonight’s presentation acknowledges their enduring commitment to this club and honours their contribution to Rotary over many years.”

Mr Pyke and Mr Norrie were presented with their new lapel pins by immediate past district governor Neville Parsons, of Wauchope.