A WAIKERIE service club looked to the year ahead as it wrapped up a year of successful projects, events and activities at its annual changeover dinner recently.
The Rotary Club of Waikerie wrapped up 2019/20 at the Waikerie Hotel with an induction of new board members.
Outgoing president Steve Dibben said a “good night” was had by all.
“We had an excellent night at the Waikerie Hotel with about 50 people in attendance – from Rotary clubs across the Riverland, some Waikerie Lions members, and Loxton Waikerie council Mayor Leon Stasinowsky and his wife Lynette,” Mr Dibben said.
“Past Waikerie Rotary president Maureen Phillips has returned to the chair as I step down, and the rest of the board for 2020/21 will be made up of Joy Matschoss, Robert Norman, Grant and Richard Hall, and Andre Skujins.
“A big thank you to the Waikerie Hotel for putting on a great show while social distancing restrictions were still kept in place – though it was great to see the Perspex come down.”
Mr Dibben said despite difficulties faced by the community this year, the Rotary Club of Waikerie had many past projects to be proud of.
“We celebrated the 50th anniversary of Waikerie Meals on Wheels with those wonderful volunteers, and the 30th anniversary of the Waikerie Probus Club – both fantastic milestones,” he said.
“Over the last year, Waikerie Rotarians have donated seven defibrillators around the town, and a tennis ball machine to the Waikerie Tennis Club.
“We also contributed funds to the Ramco Primary School’s Variety bus. Another big project we have been involved in since conception is the Waikerie Water and Nature Play Park, which Waikerie Rotary has now donated about $80,000 towards – including the disabled-use carousel that will arrive in the coming weeks.”
While events have continued to cancel and postpone across the region, Mr Dibben said Waikerie Rotarians were looking at the possibility of holding the Waikerie Food Fair this October.
“We’re unsure if this event will go ahead, but it would be great to hold the Food Fair and give locals something to look forward to,” he said.
“The Waikerie Opp Shop has been open for business for a few months now, and is still going strong. If anyone wants to donate winter clothing, it’s still in demand at the opp shop.
“Another project in very early stages is the Waikerie lookout off the Sturt Highway that Rotary is planning on doing up – watch this space.”