I believe the Club has once again contributed to a very successful year in terms of community service, youth programs and the organisations we have been able to support. Much of the messaging from Rotary International is all about Rotary being People of Action, which is not an advertising campaign, but it is the way we talk about and present ourselves within the community.
We can proudly say through the programs, projects and events we have held in 2025 /26 we adhere to this mantra, as Rotarians we walk the walk, clearly evident by the following:
- FoodShare Easter Egg Hunt
- RYDA – Rotary Youth Driver Awareness workshops
- Circus Quirkus performances
- Good Friday Royal Children’s Appeal
- Astor Country Hope raffles
- Rotary Youth Exchange program
- O&M Grand Final catering
- End Polio film night.
- Ripple Effect – membership and marketing campaign.
- Border Community Group – End Domestic Violence campaign.
- Graham Turner Medical student Bursary program
- RAWCS – International volunteer projects
- Days for Girls and the Lifeline Out of the Shadows walks
- Foundation Grants to support environmental, women’s health, refugee, disability and educational programs locally and internationally.
- Youth Speech Contest in collaboration with Toastmasters.
To deliver or participate in all these activities has been a whole of Club effort – some members attend all the events while others contribute where they can. But it clearly displays we are People of Action – we do not simply attend meetings we have a wide array of service projects for members. Placing the onus on members to do what they can, when they can. Personally, I have a strong passion for RAWCS projects which allows me to combine a love of travelling and helping build international friendships, use my trade skills and help those less fortunate in the world.
Having taken on the District 9790 RAWCS Chair position and a committee member of the SHARE project Broadford has made for a busy year which I have enjoyed but means sharing my time between multiple roles – a bit of a challenge at times. The reward for collecting hospital and medical goods is loading the containers destined for Nepal, PNG, Uganda and Cambodia which are all underway at present.
At the start of the year, President Francesco Arezzo from the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy provided the president's message for 2025-26, Unite for Good, to inspire members, participants, and the public with an idea that aligns with our Action Plan and calls on us to work together.
Thank you to my Board members, all of whom have added to our success this year. But unfortunately, Mackay Rotary Club has benefited from our loss with President Elect Brett and his partner Tristi moving to Mackay Qld to take up an business opportunity. Long serving Board member Bob Walker has decided to step down, his Rotary knowledge, history and decision making will be missed. Chris Lewis has also decided not to continue in the Membership role – thank you for your contribution.
The quiet achievers Charlene and Alison continue to go about their business in the background. The RCAF has once again provided significant financial support to the local and international community. Under the financial guidance of Charlene, the foundation maintains a stable portfolio balance to guarantee ongoing grant giving to a growing demand from local organisations. And Alison manages the Youth Exchange program not only on our behalf but also from a District perspective ensuring inbound and outbound students are hosted, schooled and integrated without fuss. Not to mention getting married and chaperoning the students on the Top End safari – amazing contribution. Thank you both. Melissa identified an opportunity to apply for a “ripple effect” grant and produced a Club brochure, something we have needed for some time and is now available.
Tracey Lee has been instrumental in organising the inaugural Youth Speech Contest in collaboration with Toastmasters yet another project for members to join in. However, sadly has decided to resign from the Club to pursue other interests. To the other Board members Bert, Glen and Karen thank you for your contributions.
2026-2027 Rotary International President-elect Olayinka H. Babalola called on members to "Create Lasting Impact" by making their clubs more welcoming, carrying out impactful projects, and allowing their Rotary experiences to transform them personally. Olayinka is a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi Nigeria
Thank you for my year as President, it is now time for me to step aside to allow President Elect Bert Eastoe to assume the Presidents role. The incoming Board has a wealth of experience to guide us through another great year, but as always ready to accept other interested members.
Yours in Rotary
Peter Elias Rotary Club of Albury, President 2025 / 2026
