At the annual changeover dinner of the Rotary Club of Orbost on Wednesday, July 2, outgoing president for 2024-2025, Kathy Gupta emphasised the community service activities in which the club has been involved during the past year.
Incoming president for 2025-2026 Judy Van Der Vulgt, addressed the meeting made it clear this tradition will continue during her year as president.
Before a good-sized gathering of Orbost Rotarians and Friends, as well as representation from Lakes Entrance, Mitchell River and Bairnsdale Clubs, Ms Gupta presented her annual report.
The report highlighted the support given to community events such as school fetes, the Christmas Eve Festival, Australia Day and the Orbost Show, as well as special events during 2024-2025 such as the women’s health event, Jarrah’s journey and the say no to domestic and family violence activity.
Special mention was made to the East Gippsland cluster support, of which Orbost Rotary is a part, in the way of providing sanitation and dental services in Timor Leste.
In her report Kathy highlighted a new project developed by the Orbost Club – “The newcomers welcome project” in which 15 families were welcomed and introduced to the variety of support opportunities available in our town.
It is Kathy’s hope that other East Gippsland clubs will follow this initiative.
The annual report drew people’s attention to significant financial donations made during the year, for example daily newspapers to Lochiel House, Orbost Foodbank, local schools, Gippsland Rotary centenary house, rotary international (polio plus), Queensland and New South Wales flood relief and Victorian drought relief.
The changeover meeting was a worthwhile event, for its social interaction, its elaboration of the club’s community service, while interest in the future of Orbost and district was apparent with guest speaker Tabitha Cole – Jarman (deputy chair of the Future of Orbost and District committee) informing the club of the work, plans and achievements of the Future of Orbost and District committee.
The meeting concluded with past District Governor, Bill Degman of Traralgon,
inducting Judy Van Der Vulgt as president of the Rotary Club of Orbost for 2025-2026 who can be assured of the club’s support and best wishes for the new rotary year.
