The Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham is welcoming its new committee for 2022-2023 after holding a changeover event at the Deep Creek Golf Club.
About 49 guests attended the event on 16 July, where the official ‘Collar of the President’ was passed from Maureen Lindau to Helen van Diemen.
Attendees included members and partners from Pakenham and Phillip Island Inner Wheel clubs.
Rotary Club of Pakenham president Terry Williams accompanied his wife Alwyn Williams, who is the current Inner Wheel Australia council member.
The evening commenced with the Lighting of the Flame of Friendship by A62 District chair Diane Blackwood.
Diane spoke briefly about the attributes of Inner Wheel and acknowledged the international president Zenaida Farcon’s theme for the year – Work Wonders.
Incoming president Helen van Diemen welcomed several members of her family, including husband Peter, mother Pat Impey, sisters Jo Impey and Laraine Cunningham, together with daughters Tori, Kalinda, and Bree, and granddaughter Olivia.
Helen Reid OAM, a lifelong friend of Helen’s, was also in attendance.
Among the apologies received, a special message was sent from Poroochi and Yezdi Batliwala, from the Inner wheel club of Poona Downtown, India.
Inner Wheel Australia council member Alwyn Williams proposed a toast to International Inner Wheel.
Alwyn challenged members to read about and learn from other clubs, not only locally, but around Australia and the world.
Club historian Deb James presented outgoing president Maureen Lindau with a copy of the video ‘The Year That Was’.
Several comments were made regarding all the work and activities achieved during Maureen’s year, with historian Deb James capturing all the highlights.
Outgoing president Maureen Lindau presented her report and thanked her committee for their support.
The amazing sum of $11,246 was raised and distributed to local charities of Maureen’s choice.
In addition, more than $2700 was sent to Cancer Council of Victoria as profit from the Biggest Morning Tea.
IWA council member Alwyn Williams then performed the induction, congratulating Maureen before exchanging the ’Collar’.
Alwyn spoke about Helen van Diemen’s history at the club before inducting her as president.
Since joining Inner wheel in 2000, Helen has held the positions of junior and senior vice presidents, president, treasurer, and secretary as well as A62 District Historian for two years.
Helen plans to follow the direction of the International theme, Work Wonders, and stated her intention to put emphasis on mental health in the coming year.
Dinner was served by Kelly O‘Shea and staff, and enjoyed by all in attendance.
Those who are interested in joining Pakenham Inner Wheel should email enquiries to iiw.au.pakenham@gmail.com
The committee for 2022-2023:
Past president; membership, assistant delegate and movies: Maureen Lindau.
Senior vice presidents: Deb James and Marlene Burhop.
Junior vice president: Jenny Watson.
Secretary and delegate: Marlene Burhop.
Treasurer and public office: Joy de Jong.
Club correspondent and publicity officer: Jan Ahern.
Social convenor: Bronwyn Kennett.
International and Cord Blood coordinator: Sue Blenkhorn.
Historian: Deb James.
Editor: Joy Board.
Raffle coordinator: Gayle van Diemen.
