President's annual report 2024 2025
As my tenure as President draws to a close, I am delighted to eflect on our accomplishments over the past two years. This year’s theme of Magic truly resonated in our club’s achievements—what a magical journey it has been!
Our major events—the 55 th Annual Easter Art Show, Cycle Dindi, plus assisting with the Christmas Tree Festival and Murrindindi Beanie Festival, and event parking ervices—have not only flourished but also significantly enhanced our visibility within the community. One of our key goals was to collaborate with local groups to amplify the benefits of our programs.
The expanded Easter Art Show and our partnership with the food share program exemplify this collaborative spirit. Such synergies not only minimize duplicated efforts but also multiply our positive impact and enhance the efforts of other organisations too.
More details on these initiatives will be provided in the Director’s reports. This year, we proudly introduced Dindi Daze, a vibrant celebration featuring free family entertainment, a market, and live music. This event aimed to foster community spirit, showcasing local musicians and reintroducing our Business Awards, along with a fun day for local children.
We were thrilled to present the Rotary Business Excellence Awards for the first time since Covid. Congratulations to our deserving winners: Grant St Grocer, Ann Friedel Publishing, The Standard Newspaper, and Country Tech Computers and Appliances!
A special thanks to Ian and Chris Smith and the Dindi Daze for an outstanding event!
Our club has also focused on addressing the challenges faced by residents in the Alexandra district, particularly our elderly, vulnerable families, and individuals with disabilities.
The ongoing cost of living crisis has made everyday essentials, like heating and groceries, ncreasingly difficult for many. In collaboration with other organizations, Alex Rotary has provided vital support, including firewood for heating and food and financial assistance for those affected by domestic abuse and youth suicide.
This year, our community called upon us for increased donations due to rising food, fuel, and travel costs. We have partnered with the Murrindindi Foundation for food relief, Kellock Lodge for gardening initiatives, and the Alexandra Community Hub to offer emergency relief assistance to vulnerable individuals, and support their Murrindindi TAC L2P mentor driver program for disadvantaged youth.
We distributed awards to local school students, recognizing and encouraging good citizenship. Additionally, we provided chairs and equipment for Anzac Day and various local events.
International Service
We remain committed to our international responsibilities, contributing to the Rotary Foundation, Vanuatu Earthquake Appeal, Malaria Appeal, Interplast (providing surgical assistance to children), and the Polio Plus initiative.
Local Business Support
None of these accomplishments would be possible without the dedication of our Directors, their committees, and our club members.
Fundraising Efforts
Our annual Easter Art Show stands as our primary fundraiser, supported by Cycle Dindi, wood raffles, the Murrindindi Beanie Festival, and event parking. A heartfelt thank you
to John Allcock and his incredible committee for another successful art show this year, as well as to Chris and Melinda Jackson, Jenny Paul, Trevor Holmes, Ian and Helen Gibb, Chris Barry, and John Cannon for their exceptional contributions.
Membership
Our membership remains stable at 30, even as we have experienced some losses due to age and health. We continue to strive for new members to join our mission.
Acknowledgments
I extend my deepest gratitude to all Rotarians, partners, and Friends of Rotary who consistently contribute to our events, from catering to raffles and working bees.
A special thank you to the Board for their unwavering support this year, and to:
John Cannon, our Bulletin editor, for keeping us informed and compiling our annual
reports.
Tom Farrell, for his work on public relations, website updates, and media releases to
The Standard Newspaper.
Bob Flowers and Ross Thompson, who manage our equipment and shed.
The Alexandra Golf Club for providing us with a welcoming home.
Neil Robinson, our exceptional barman!
Sharon Fox, our Rotary Community Leader, who seamlessly balances her District responsibilities with club activities.
Helen and Ian Gibb, our Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
John Allcock, Art Show director and President Elect.
Sharen Robinson Vocational Service director.
Jenny Paul Youth director.
John Cannon Community Service director.
Howard Paix International director.
Together, we have created a year filled with “Magic.” Thank you all for your dedication and support!
Geoff Proctor