Reflecting on a successful year

THE Rotary Club of Cobden and guests gathered at the Cobden Civic Hall to celebrate another successful year of Rotary, with dinner and drinks to mark the occasion.

Let’s Talk foundation’s Kelly Marson accepted a $2500 donation. She is pictured with Rotarian Lesley Brown.

On Thursday, June 25, the Civic Hall was filled with conversation and cheer as Rotarians and guests celebrated 60 years of Cobden Rotary Club and highlighted all the club had achieved in the 2025-2026 financial year.

Other exciting milestones included the awarding of three Paul Harris Fellows and the induction of four new Rotarians to the club.

Outgoing president Gary Kimber explained the significance of a Paul Harris Fellowship before announcing the first recipients.

“A Paul Harris Fellowship is a recognition given by Rotary International and a Rotary Club to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the Rotary foundation or who have been recognised for their outstanding service to a Rotary club or their community,” he said.

“It’s a way of a club acknowledging and appreciating individuals who support the foundation’s humanitarian and educational programs.

“It’s the highest honour given in Rotary.”

The first Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to Rotarian Bruce McGauchie and Friend of Rotary Rhonda McGauchie for their outstanding contribution to the club and Cobden community.

“For over 20 years Rhonda and Bruce have been involved in the following,” Mr Kimber said.

“Working bees, towing our barbecue trailer for barbecues, serving and cooking, assisting with the building of our storage shed at mini golf working bees and always working our democracy sausage days.

“Rhonda is our onion person – she’s the only person that doesn’t cry when she cuts onions.

“Rhonda has been our annual smoke alarm battery changeover person for many years.

“Congratulations to Rhonda and Bruce, you are very worthy Paul Harris Fellows.”

The third Paul Harris Fellow was awarded to long-time Cobden community member Fran Warden, best known for her service to The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

“Here’s what Fran’s done in the community over her lifetime,” Mr Kimber said.

“She was a member of the Cobden Kindergarten Parent’s Committee, member of the Cobden Primary School Parent’s Committee, she ran lolly drives and fundraisers, the tech school, ladies auxiliary, pie drives, second hand clothes, volunteered at the canteen and various other fundraising activites.

“She was a Cobden Scouts committee member, member of the safety house committee, organising the meals on wheels, organising the very famous carols by candlelight and has been the leader of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal for 27 years.

“She’s been a member of Quota International, been involved in the community Christmas parcels and the sunshiners.”

Mr Kimber moved on to announce the distribution of funds for the end of the Rotary year, which totalled $32,500.

Recipients included $1000 to Cobdenhealth, $1000 to the Kokoda project, $2500 to the Let’s Talk foundation, $1000 to Camperdown Food Bank, $6600 to Friends of Rodney Grove Pool and Gym, $500 to Bricks, $1000 to the Civic Hall and $500 to the Cobden community Christmas hampers.

Cobden Rotary also donated $6000 towards youth and literacy projects, $5000 towards Rotary International projects and $4200 towards disaster relief.

The night continued with the induction of four new Rotarians, including Lizzie Sotak, Debbie Banks, Colleen Johnson and Bill Johnson.

Mr Kimber said Cobden Rotary was proud of its 60 years of community service, and hoped for many more years to come.

“Thank you to everyone for your involvement and support,” he said.