New exciting year ahead for Rotary

The club’s board members for 2024-25 consists of: president Ian Wake (far right), president elect Sheldon Rodrigues (from right), Anne Taylor youth committee, treasurer Tim Ahern, Greg Peck international, vice-president Terry Williams and secretary Trish Portbury. Pictures: NICK SINIS

The Rotary Club of Pakenham came together in late June to both celebrate its dedicated members and introduce their new committee for the coming year.

Held at the Cardinia Club on 25 June, the club had many reasons to celebrate with three members receiving the Ruby Pin for 50 years service and another the Paul Harris Fellow award.

President Ian Wake spoke of the club’s activities and achievements over the past year, such as a successful deb ball, Christmas trailer raffle and their ongoing Bunnings barbecues and community dances.

Ian highlighted one of their new programs included supporting a new development site for Riding for the Disabled, with around $6000 provided to purchase various items such as a defibrillator and a new water pump as well as helping to build five horse shelters.

Almost $50,000 was also distributed back to the community, with funds going towards Lifeline as well as the local SES and CFA.

The club’s board members for 2024-25 consists of president Ian Wake, president-elect Sheldon Rodrigues, vice-president Terry Williams, secretary Trish Portbury, treasurer Tim Ahern, Anne Taylor youth committee and Greg Peck international.