Rotary celebrates year of giving back to community

THE Rotary Club of Narrabri has celebrated a year of giving back to the community at its annual changeover dinner, where outgoing president Chris Cole was recognised for his leadership and named Rotarian of the Year.

Ken Flower, centre, was thanked for his support of the Rotary Club of Narrabri by Tess Lindsay, Jocellin Jansson, Julie Herbert and Chris Cole.

The Rotary year started with a bang, with the club’s annual book sale again proving a fundraising success.

The event raised $26,000, enabling the club to make significant contributions to local organisations and causes.

Immediate past president Jocellin Jansson, centre, congratulated Dark Horse Award recipient Di Ainsworth and outgoing president Chris Cole who was awarded Rotarian of the Year.

Rotary also successfully hosted the Clarence Valley Orchestra, featuring Mirusia, at The Crossing Theatre.

About 250 people attended the performance, which Mr Cole described as a highlight of the year.

Darrell Tiemens congratulates incoming president Julie Herbert.

“The orchestra were very appreciative of our hospitality and our enthusiasm for them,” Mr Cole said in his president’s report.

Board members for the new Rotary year. Di Ainsworth, Julie Drake, Kat Denniss, Liz Campbell, Julie Herbert, Grahame Herbert, Steve Dalton and Phil Norrie. Absent from picture Tricia Hadley.

The club’s biggest project was helping fund an accessible van for local resident Cindee Rose.

Mr Cole said being able to assist Ms Rose and her family was one of the year’s most rewarding achievements.

Phil Norrie, with Chris Cole, was honoured for 22 years of membership.

“With some private donations from our club’s members and friends, a donation from the club and we were able to apply for a grant through RAWCS, the Rotary charity arm,” he said.

Rob Walker, with Chris Cole, was honoured for 33 years of membership.

“This was a fantastic, heartwarming result and a credit to the club and our ideals.”

The club also made several end-of-year donations to local organisations.

Jim Cable, with Chris Cole, was honoured for 42 years of membership.

Rotarians were recognised for their service during the changeover dinner.

Winston Hayne, with Chris Cole, was honoured for 44 years of membership. LEFT: Joan Burrell-Melbourne was presented with honorary membership by Chris Cole.

Alongside Mr Cole’s Rotarian of the Year award, Di Ainsworth received the Dark Horse Award, while local business owner and Rotarian Tim Logan was named a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary’s highest individual honour.

Pat Carberry, with Chris Cole, was honoured for 48 years of membership.

Long-serving member Phil Norrie was recognised for his service.

Rob Walker, Jim Cable, Winston Hayne, Pat Carberry, Joan Burrell-Melbourne and Wayne Wheeler were inducted as honorary members. Len Hall and Barry Keys were also recognised as honorary members but were unable to attend.

Joan Burrell-Melbourne was presented with honorary membership by Chris Cole.

Mr Cole also inducted two new members, Alex Fawcett and Martine Smith, before handing over the presidency to Julie Herbert for 2026–27.

Wayne Wheeler was recognised for 32 years of membership.

Mrs Herbert returns to the role after previously serving as president in 2019–20.

Rotarian Tim Logan received the club’s highest honour and was announced as a Paul Harris Fellow by outgoing president Chris Cole.

The club’s board for the coming year includes Mrs Herbert, Julie Drake (secretary), Kat Denniss (treasurer), Di Ainsworth (vice-president), Liz Campbell (club director), Steve Dalton (international director), Phil Norrie (youth director), Grahame Herbert (community director) and Tricia Hadley (vocation director).