The Yarrawonga Mulwala-based Rotary club – the second local Rotary club - was formally established on July 1, 2021 with 36 charter members.
But as a result of Covid restrictions the charter celebrations, at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort with some 60 members and guests in attendance, could not take place until July this year.
The charter’s program included an Acknowledgement to Country, Toast to Rotary International, Response to the Toast, President’s Report, New Member induction and the Induction of the 2022-2023 team.
Past District Governor Bruce Anderson presented the charter to inaugural and outgoing president Ed Rowlands who handed the charter to incoming president, for 2022/23, Ken Yap.
Mr Yap said despite it being a new club, Rotary Sunrise has been active in pursuing its community service goals.
“Community service is the most active element of Rotary,” he said.
“To raise funds to support this the club secured a monthly spot at Bunnings to conduct a barbecue. This gives the club community exposure and an opportunity to raise a few dollars and more importantly gave members an opportunity to get together outside of the regular meeting and allow them to make a contribution.”
A fully functional barbecue trailer comprising two plates, three-fold out tables and provision for water and power was purchased by the club.
Rotary Sunrise origins formed 2021 around a kitchen table at a home in Mulwala with a small group of Rotarians enjoying some fellowship.
“The conversation turned to Rotary and the much-publicised issues of declining membership and the need to make the organisation more inclusive, family friendly, diverse, and to expand the appeal of the organisation within our community,” he said.
“The question asked by those Rotarians was whether there was an opportunity to expand Rotary in our area and to present the organisation as a welcoming, inclusive body which would actively seek the participation of families.”
Mr Rowlands said there was a consensus that if Rotary was to further grow and prosper it would have to be relevant to the community it serves according to the outgoing president.
“Whilst it must be respectful of Rotary traditions it should be sufficiently flexible to make it relevant to contemporary society and consistent with the obligations of members to their family and vocation,” he said.
“The steering committee formed undertook demographic surveys and focus groups to assess the community interest in this venture. The studies revealed that there were many members of the Yarrawonga/Mulwala communities who expressed a desire to participate in community service.
“Arising from those discussions, the club developed a model which addressed the issues of time and cost which are often seen as impediments to club membership.”
The Vocational Service Director has been active in identifying the value of the vocational skills of members as a means of expanding their service to the community according to the outgoing president.
“The director has also established a relationship with the local secondary schools with a view to developing a vocational advice program for the students,” Mr Rowlands said.
As a demonstration of the internationality of Rotary, “Rotary Sunrise” entered into a Sister Club arrangement with the Rotary Club of Jakarta-Thamrin which is located in Jakarta, Indonesia in August 2022. The presidents of both clubs signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the year. It was agreed that a water purification project be identified in the Jakarta area may be an appropriate project.
In October 2022 Rotary Sunrise adopted Wheelchairs for Kids as a club project. Wheelchairs are constructed by Rotarians in Perth and shipped to disadvantaged countries in our region for use by disabled children who otherwise would spend their lives on the ground. The club has acquired sufficient funds for 20 chairs. Rotary Sunrise has been appointed Ambassadors for Wheelchairs For Kids to represent the project in the Northern Victorian/ border region.
Earlier this year, the club accumulated a stock of new sports clothing for distribution to disadvantaged schools in our region and beyond. In association with the Reagan Milstein Foundation, the material was sent to a village in Zambia.
Rotary Sunrise meets each alternate Wednesday 7.30 am at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort. There is no weekly fee although a breakfast menu is available.
The meetings are addressed on various subjects; meetings last just one hour. Anybody interested in being part of Rotary Sunrise, and participate in rewarding and genuine friendships, should contact Leonie Orr on 0427 867440.
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