The Rotary Club of Berwick celebrated its changeover dinner on Wednesday, 2 July 2024, at The Beaconsfield Club in Holm Park Reserve.
Members and guests gathered to witness the handover of leadership from President Andrew Somers to President elect Jennifer Marshall.
“This year I have set myself the personal challenge to continually remind our members of why Rotary,” Marshall said.
“If I give one of my kids a chocolate and they eat it, they are happy, so one person is happy. If I give them a chocolate and teach them that giving to others makes you happy, now when I give them a chocolate they know if they share, we now have the person receiving the chocolate and the person who created that happiness is happy. So we have double the amount of happiness.
“This is what Rotary does, we help people whom we will never meet, or people that will never say thank you to us, but we know through our efforts we are making people’s lives that little bit easier, better or happy. And that’s what makes us happy.
“Our motto might be service above self, but I believe that when we serve our community it’s not above us, but it is also for us, to bring us joy to know that we are making a positive difference in the world.”
The event attracted a distinguished audience, including Past District Governor and President of the Rotary Club of Traralgon, local MP Brad Battin, City of Casey Deputy Mayor Melinda Ambros, fellow Rotarians, Inner Wheel members, friends, and representatives from St John of God Berwick Hospital and Bendigo Bank. Together, they shared drinks, a meal, and heartfelt reflections on the club’s achievements over the past year.
Battin praised incoming president Marshall for showing that volunteering is open to all ages and can make a lasting impact.
“I think it’s really important that she’s sending a message that it’s okay to volunteer no matter your age,” he said
“You don’t have to wait until retirement—it’s something you can do throughout your life. By giving that little bit extra when you can, you help build a stronger community.”
City of Casey Deputy Mayor Melinda Ambros was also pleased to attend to recognise the “vital” work of community members and volunteers.
“Without our community members and everything they do, we wouldn’t have the direction and leadership needed to provide support and lay the groundwork that makes such a difference,” she said.
“As the president-elect said, what we do and how we support our community is so important. It’s often a thankless job, but it matters.”
Lisa Norman, CEO of St John of God Berwick Hospital looks forward to continuing their partnership through ongoing community projects, including an upcoming gardening initiative.
“Since I started in Berwick in 2010, I’ve been so impressed by the work that they do—not only locally, but also their connections to Rotary International. It really does make a huge difference to people,” Lisa said.
