Rotary Club of Cooroy presidents changeover

but much more than that and the unique fellowship we share, we are part of the world of Rotary who do amazing things throughout the world such as supporting refugees in Ukraine and throughout the world. Rotary is also there ready with diplomatic and peace initiatives when the opportunity arises.” tion of 30 years of Rotary Club of Cooroy, outgoing president Andrew presented three awards for outstanding service.

Chris said some of his plans for the coming year include building on the activities started, with assisting parking at Eumundi as well as partnering with Nambour Rotary Club assisting with catering for the various Nambour Showground events.

I hope to progress that in the coming year.

“We have also effectively reached out to other local Rotary clubs such as Nambour to combine our resources, and look forward to expanding on that approach in the future for the benefit of our communities, but as always we will have fun while we do it,” Chris said.

THE Rotary Club of Cooroy recently celebrated the annual passing of the President’s Charter as well as 30 years of supporting the Cooroy and District community.

Rotary Club of Cooroy members were joined by distinguished guests including State Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton, State Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton and Noosa Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie for the event at Cooroy RSL Club on 26 June.

Outgoing president Andrew Aves said it has been an honour to lead the club for the past 12 months.

“Over the past 30 years, the Rotary Club of Cooroy has enjoyed great fellowship while raising thousands of dollars and helping people less fortunate, locally, regionally and nationally, and contributing to projects to make our world a better place to live, work and play.

“It has been an honour to lead the club for the past 12 months and I am looking forward to another great year of Rotary with new president Chris Durie.”

On accepting the charter and responsibility of the office, Chris said he has been a Rotarian for a long time.

“I would like to tell why I am still a part of this wonderful organisation. There is service to the community,

“We are changing and adapting as a club and we will probably have to move away from staging the annual Spring Festival next year due to conservation considerations, which will have an impact on fundraising.

“Cooroy Rotary has had challenges before and has risen to the occasion. I have some ideas in mind to put to our club to develop a combined project using the resources of the area clubs now that we work so effectively together, and with the club’s involvement,

Chris said a unique collaboration with other area clubs makes the district a better and safer place through Rotary Youth Driver Awareness, and more recently, the Rotary 4 Mental Health Initiatives which aim to reduce the alarming incidence of suicide in the Noosa District.

“In this unique collaboration we are bringing expertise and influence to try to normalise discussion on mental health by making it normal to be able to speak up and reach out to people when they are struggling to cope.

“I would also like to acknowledge the assistance given by Noosa Council and in particular the amazing support of Sandy Bolton and her team on our Mental Health initiatives.”

During the event, which also included the celebra-

Joan Alexander received the Reg and Una Bryant Award for outstanding community service, David Cramb received the Col Stevens Award for outstanding Rotary service, and the very prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship award was presented to past president David Bell.

The District Governor’s representative Eric Wood presented the Club Charter, and Rotary member and treasurer David Cramb shared the interesting history of Rotary.

Other guests included several honorary members and past presidents Bette Roach and Eddie Rykenburg, as well as Lance Crowe, Tracy Riddell and Frank Hiscock who joined representatives of the three Noosa clubs and the Eumundi Rotary club, and area director Greig Lee-Archer, partners and other guests. Cooroy Rotary is part of a worldwide network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling humanitarian challenges locally, regionally, nationally and globally.