Lyndy Stagg is Ocean Grove Rotary Club’s new president.
Rotary has been doing good work in local, national and international communities since 1905 and Ocean Grove Rotary has been making a difference on the southern Bellarine for more than 40 years.
“When Rotarians work together, even small contributions add up to great achievements,” Lyndy said.
“Staying connected with our local community is a priority, we aim to support local groups whenever possible and invite you to join us at our monthly summer markets at Ocean Grove Park.
“We’re also proud to support Rotary International’s work locally and globally. We welcome anyone joining us to help those who need a hand up and protect the world we share.”
Highlights of the last year included: the Great Barwon River Duck Race; the Summer Markets; scheduled dismantling of playgrounds for local government with the playgrounds being sent overseas for reassembly; district grant to refurbish the Goorambat Veterans Retreat function room; environmental projects such as the Rotary plantation maintenance on Wallington Road; Junior Community Award Program (grade 6 students), Annual Art Show and Anzac Day Breakfast.
“The club has been very successful this year and has donated over $75,000 to local, national and international charities,” outgoing president Meredith O’Neill said.
“We thank the local community for their support of our fundraising program.”
The club donated to Victorian drought relief, flood relief appeal, ShelterBox Australian disaster relief, local primary and secondary school scholarships, Feed Me Bellarine, Bellarine Salvation Army, student scholarships in Bali and Nepal, Riding Develops Abilities, Surfing For All Abilities, Australian Rotary Health, Polio Plus, Australian Rotarians Against Malaria, Bellarine Training and Community Hub Youth Program
and other recipients.
John Paton and Rod Bush were joint recipients of the John Fox Award for exceptional contributions to club activities.
Avenues of Service Awards were awarded to Pearl Macmillan for her work in community service, Lyndy Stagg for her work in club service, Paul Brewster for his work in youth service and Kath Venters for her work in international service.
Richard Cahill, Graeme Chamberlain, Beth Eustace, Lisa Hanley, Adrian Schmidt and Heather Willson were recognised as Paul Harris Fellows.