General News
5 July, 2022
Rotary looks to the future at dinner
MEMBERS of the Cobden Rotary Club gathered to celebrate another successful year, despite COVID proving challenging.
MEMBERS of the Cobden Rotary Club gathered to celebrate another successful year, despite COVID proving challenging.
The annual changeover dinner was held last week, with members taking time to reflect on the year which was while looking to the year ahead.
“The year has been an amazingly successful year yet again despite disruptions due to the COVID pandemic,” Cobden Rotary Club member Gary Kimber said.
“We have been very busy with our small number of very conscientious members, partners and Friends. We have 13 members."
“Fundraising activities have included – on the gate at the Simpson Speedway, our Mini Golf, delivering bin liners to Cobden homes, barbecues with our new barbecue trailer and an annual raffle."
“We also had many working bees around town – at Mini Golf, the Lake, Cobden Connection Rotunda and town seating.”
Mr Kimber said in all, club members have provided more 2500 working hours in the community.
He said almost $14,000 had been donated to a wide range of initiatives which included:
• Rotary Foundation;
• Polio Plus;
• ROMAC;
• Interplast;
• Queensland/NSW flood victims;
• Donations in Kind;
• Shelter Box;
• The Cobden Students Mental Health Program;
• Warrnambool Food Bank;
• Cobden Technical School;
• Cobden Kindergarten;
• Cobden Casserole Bank;
• Cobdenhealth; and
• The Cobden Library.
“We have supported the three schools with awards, financial hardship support for students, Specialist School students working at Mini Golf and the Santos Science Experience,” Mr Kimber said.
“We supported the Dan Tehan Volunteer Awards with the local netball team, James Green and Joyce Roberts being awardees."
“We presented participants at Rotary’s annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards dinner at Kangaroobie with a special Dr Seuss booked called “Oh the PlacesYou’ll Go!”
“We have provided a smoke alarm battery changeover service and run the barbecue at the shire’s Australia Day Awards and the Federal Election.”
Mr Kimber said a highlight of the club was a weekend of celebration for the 21st birthday of the Cobden Mini Golf.
“We had our Annual Group Six Mini Golf Challenge, a public open day and the real highlight of our thank you barbecue and free mini golf for pandemic first responders and their families,” he said.
“Our mini golf course is certainly a jewel in our and the community’s crown."
“A two and a half year program of rejuvenation has been completed and thanks to grants from Wannon Water, RACV, the Corangamite Shire, The Jones/Ubergang Foundations and the Community Bank along with many working bees by our members."
“We have had celebratory days at the course and provided free games for mums on Mothers’ Day and dads on Fathers’ Day."
“We also had our annual Easter Egg hunt and Easter Bunny visit.”
Mr Kimber said at the recent Celebration and Officer Changeover Dinner the club welcomed new presidents David Childs and Mark Towner.
“Also Val Maynard was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship – a distinguished Rotary Award for someone who has given outstanding community and/or Rotary service,” he said.
“Val has indeed done this for over 50 years."
“Finally thank you to all members, partners, friends and the Cobden Community for your wonderful support and efforts in making our Club such an important part of our Community.”