Changeover
Tonight we celebrated our 39th Annual Changeover Dinner, gathering in the function room at the Country Club Hotel, Yea, and enjoying the company of many Rotary Club neighbours and friends.PDG David Anderson was our MC for the evening and commenced formalities with Rotary Grace and toasts to King and Country.
President Penny Paxman welcomed us all, noting our Special Guests, MP Cindy McLeish, Murrindindi Shire, Cr Sandice McAulay, RCL Sharon Fox and guests from Yea service clubs and neighbouring Rotary Clubs, together with our Friends of Yea RC members.
Sue Carpenter led the toast to Rotary International.
Tonight, we had the chance to formally say goodbye and thankyou to member Bob Hentschel and his wife Jan, who have relocated to Moana, NSW. Bob has been a member of Yea for the past 11 years and will be missed, particularly when it comes to Art Show time and the installing the lighting. Paul Kellett gave a fitting tribute, having known Bob in their professional lives in Melbourne and by chance, being neighbours on Junction Hill. Bob thanked the club and commented that he is looking to join a Rotary club in the Echuca area.
Members Carol and Russell Hogg have also relocated from Yea, moving to Shepparton, and whilst they will still be members, it will mostly be from afar. Ex Rotarian John Hand-saker spoke of the friendships formed, both on a personal level and as Rotarians, with music being huge factor, leading to the formation of The Fore-fathers — Russell, John, Charles and Terry — who have entertained many Rotary and community gatherings. Joining Rotary in 2001, both Carol and Russell have held many different office including Carol being President, and both are Paul Harris fellows.
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| Jan, Bob and President Penny | President Penny, Carol and Russell |
President Penny
President Penny gave an overview of her very busy year as President, with media, social media, UGFM radio all helping to expand the reach of Rotary into the community. We have hosted Haru, our Japanese exchange student, and sent Andrew off to Germany for 12 months, sponsored the English-Speaking Corners in 3 Thai schools and donated to “Death with Dignity” for low income families in Thailand. Cycle Dindi is a really successful fundraiser to support our youth programs. Our vis-it to the Eildon Houseboat Industry, together with Alexandra and Mansfield members, was a fun night. We inducted 4 new members, and worked closely with our sponsors and volunteers, especially our Friends of Rotary volunteers. Our joint venture with Yea & District Memorial Hospital is an exciting project, bringing health care to the public.
David Long Community Award
PP Tony Jacobs gave an overview of the legacy of David Long, Rotari-an and active community member who passed away in 2011. The award was established in 2014 to recognise the significant contribution to community and Rotary by David.
Lyndal Tait took the opportunity to nominate her mother Cheryl O’Halloran for the community award. Cherly has made it her life long commitment to help others, and has been a supporter of St Lukes Guild, The Op Shop, RCH Good Friday Appeal, Christmas tree and decorations in township, Take a Break childcare and support to many who are in need.
The award was presented by David’s sister in law, Mrs Rhyll Long.
PP Tony Jacobs gave an overview of the legacy of David Long, Rotari-an and active community member who passed away in 2011. The award was established in 2014 to recognise the significant contribution to community and Rotary by David.
Lyndal Tait took the opportunity to nominate her mother Cheryl O’Halloran for the community award. Cherly has made it her life long commitment to help others, and has been a supporter of St Lukes Guild, The Op Shop, RCH Good Friday Appeal, Christmas tree and decorations in township, Take a Break childcare and support to many who are in need.
The award was presented by David’s sister in law, Mrs Rhyll Long.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions:
PDG David Anderson gave a brief background to the award, which recognises Rotarians or community members who have made an outstanding contribution to the community.
PDG David Anderson gave a brief background to the award, which recognises Rotarians or community members who have made an outstanding contribution to the community.
RCL Sharon Fox presented the following awards -
Carol Hogg— Paul Harris Fellow Saphire Pin
Rodney Ridd—Second Paul Harris Fellow Saphire Pin
Gary Fitzgerald—Treble Paul Harris Fellow Saphire Pin
Ann Drysdale—Paul Harris Fellow
Penny Paxman - Paul Harris Fellow
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Cherly O’Halloran, centre, with daughter Lyndal Tait and MLA Cindy McLeish | Paul Harris Fellow Recognition recipients—Rodney Ridd, Ann Drysdale, Penny Paxman, Carol Hogg and Gary Fitzgerald, with MLA Cindy McLeish. |
Induction of President
Congratulations to Darryl King, inducted as President of RC of Yea for 2025-26
RCL Sharon Fox and current president Penny Paxman in-ducted president elect Darryl into the position of president, presenting him with the Gaval, Charter .and Presidential Chain, recognising all past presidents.
Darryl spoke of the year to ahead, in particular the 40th Anniversary of Rotary in Yea, to be celebrated on 2 May 2026, and introduced his new board -
Darryl spoke of the year to ahead, in particular the 40th Anniversary of Rotary in Yea, to be celebrated on 2 May 2026, and introduced his new board -
President: Darryl King
Foundation: Penny Paxman
Membership: Tony Jacobs
International: Jill Heath
New Generations: Lily Cox
Community Service: Sam Wright/Will De Castella
Secretary: Glenda Woods
Treasurer: Gary Fitzgerald
President Elect : Ann Drysdale