Community
2 July, 2025
Rotary celebrates successful year
THE Rotary Club of Cobden last week held its celebratory dinner for the year, wrapping up their 2024-25 with a feast, drinks and plenty of cheer.
The MC for the night was Rotary member Garry Ross, with input from various other members throughout the night including Gary Kimber and president Lesley Brown.
Mr Ross reflected on the projects Rotary has been involved with over the year, such as the mini golf, speedway, Heytesbury Show showbags, the Easter raffle, youth awards at three schools, camp assistance and various barbecues.
He also thanked the speakers Rotary had hosted, some who were also in attendance, such as Delia Kerr on the history of Cobden pubs, Narelle Holiday on Cobden Tech as the principal, Kelvin White on a tourism master plan for Cobden and the Cobden Scouts on the Australian Jamboree.
During the 2024-25-year, Cobden Rotary committed $1000 to Rotary International, $4000 to international health, $3000 to local health, $500 to Indigenous health, $5000 to student support and relief, $4500 to youth leadership and development, $6000 to drought relief, $2000 to flood relief and $3000 to community welfare and support.
Together, the group of 10 Cobden Rotary members contributed approximately 2500 volunteer hours this year.
A few donations were presented by Cobden Rotary on the night, going to Corangamite Students’ Kokoda Expedition, Cobdenhealth and South West Brick Club.
A Paul Harris Fellow was awarded to Ron Greagen, honouring his many contributions to the Cobden community for over 40 years.
Mrs Brown said the Cobden Rotary Club had faced some “challenges” in finding new members but it wouldn’t stop their commitment to the community.
“I think in these times of drought that we’re going to have some challenges in finding new members,” she said.
“But we are a very committed group and will continue on to do what we do and raise some money to support the local community groups.
“For me, I enjoy working in the community and doing things locally, that’s why I’m involved.
“I’ve only been a member for – this is my fourth year – the guys were doing it before me.”
Mrs Brown said most members of Cobden Rotary were also involved in other community groups.
“It’s amazing work. Everybody does little bits,” she said.
“We all probably do other things as well, it’s not just the Rotary contributions.
“I’m involved in other things too.”
Rotary Club of Cobden thanked Delia Kerr and the Cobden Scouts for catering for the night.
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