Meredith O’Neill has been inducted as Ocean Grove Rotary’s new president.
Meredith said she was looking forward to getting started.
“I am looking forward to leading a committed team of Rotarians who work hard to contribute to our community,” she said.
“Club members value the social connectedness at our club and anticipate a fun filled year of service, fellowship and learning.”
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.
Highlights of the last year include: the Great Barwon River Duck Race; the Summer Markets; scheduled dismantling of playgrounds for local government with the playgrounds being sent overseas for reassembly; donation of information technology equipment to Loh Baw Middle School in a village in Myanmar; redesign and installation of a storage solution in the Bellarine Salvos Outreach Van; Junior Community Award Program (grade 6 students) and Community Service Awards and annual art show.
The club has been very successful this year and has donated to local, national and international charities,” outgoing president Lynne Carlson said.
“We thank the local community for their support of our fundraising program.” The club donated to Australian bushfire relief and recovery, Libya and Morocco disaster relief, local primary school scholarships, Feed Me Bellarine, student scholarships in Bali and Nepal, Riding Develops Abilities, Disabled Surfing to mention just a few recipients.
David Larkins and Rod Birrell were joint recipients of the John Fox Award for organisation of club projects during their year. Heather Willson and Lisa Hanley for their work in community service and to John Karis for his work in vocational service were recognised with Avenues of Service Awards.
Andrea Tierney, Meredith O’Neill, Noel Emselle, Peter Cowburn, Lynne Carlson and Rod Bush were recognised as Paul Harris Fellows.
Rod Bush and Kath Venters received an award from the past district governor Ian McKay for outstanding service in a range of Rotary projects.
Rotary District Governor for 2024-25, Lesley Shedden from Torquay thanked outgoing president Lynne Carlson for her leadership during the last 12 months and congratulated Meredith O’Neill on commencing her year as president.
