The Rotary Club of Kiama celebrated its 70th Changeover lunch recently. Errol Chopping has taken the reins from last years’ President Carol Jagger.

The lunch was attended by 68 guests and was held at the Sebel Harbourside, where Errol, the new President, announced his Board for 2023-24. 

The event was attended by dignitaries such as Fiona Phillips MP, Gareth Ward Member for Kiama, and Mayor Neill Reilly and other Rotary dignitaries were also there. 

The ‘Paul Harris Award’ which acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1000 were made to Murray Smith, and Bob and Annette Young.  John Clarke received the ‘Robert East Award’ which recognises Council employees who have made significant contributions as volunteers in the community. 

President Errol Chopping, Rotary Governor Tonia Barnes and Federal Member Fiona Phillips

A special mention to Kiama's own Rotary Member Tonia Barnes, who is now the ‘Rotary Governor of District 9675’.  Tonia is the first District Governor to be nominated from the Kiama club.  

“The District Governor role is all about leadership, more than directive,” Tonia says. “The DG is responsible for 58 Rotary clubs stretching from Sydney Harbour all the way down the south coast, from St Marys and Sydney’s west and far west to Wollondilly and Canberra, so it’s a wide geographical and socio-economic spread.” 

District Governor is a huge role and Tonia can’t do it on her own; she is assisted by ten Assistant Governors that each look after five clubs, split into regions. They all work together on the various projects. 

Rotary is a volunteer organisation where the main aim is to serve communities, and they do this by identifying what is needed.  Currently there is a focus on supporting mental health – especially for children, and the international president Mr Gordon McInally has set the directive to clubs to focus on peace in the world – especially in conflict areas.  Demonstrating this Rotary has made significant donations to the Ukraine and to Syria.

The Kiama Rotary club wants to move in the direction that best benefits the community, so they hold focus groups amongst various age groups from teens through to businesspeople and the aged.  They encourage and welcome new members with fresh ideas.  Open meetings are held regularly, so you can go along to find out if joining Kiama Rotary and getting involved with worthwhile initiatives is something that holds appeal. 

The Bugle acknowledges all award recipients and sends good wishes to the new President in his year ahead, and to the new District Governor in her four-year term ahead.