Port Fairy's night market is a highlight of the annual build up to Christmas. Rotary set up shop and held a one-night raffle, the prize being a hamper of Christmas goodies. The winner was local Renee Brown who was thrilled to take home the big basket. President Jill Gleeson presented Renee with her prize at the end of the night's trading.
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The Rotary Club of Port Fairy recently undertook a cleanup of the back yard of the Port Fairy Sea Scout's hall in Bank Street. The first job was to remove the old ute that has been parked in the yard for a number of years. On 5 December the team of Adrian, Graeme, Milee, Jill, Peter, Bill, Reg and Michael moved in with brush cutters to tackle the long grass and remove some large items of rubbish. The job was finished off the following week with the removal of some rocks and other small items so that the grass can be safely mowed in future.
Port Fairy Rotary's contribution to the renewal of Battery Hill continued with tree planting at the historic site. This effort was part of a long-term project to return native vegetation, improve public access and restore the historic elements, co-ordinated by the Shire and local historian Marten Syme. Rotary is one of several community groups that have provided volunteer effort to the project over a number of years.
On a recent Sunday morning with rain and storms threatening Rotarians and Friends got down to the job of planting trees and shrubs. The work was done in small groups in order to comply with current COVID 19 regulations.
On 10 July local Rotarian John Clue was inducted as Governor of Rotary District 9780 for 2021/22. The event was held in Port Fairy and was attended by 100 Rotarians and friends from across the District, which stretches across western Victoria and into eastern South Australia. This is a high honour for John and the first time that the Rotary Club of Port Fairy has provided the District Governor. In accepting the office, John said that he and his wife Heather are excited to now start the District Governor’s journey over the coming year and look forward to meeting with clubs in person over the coming months.
John Clue
Jill Gleeson has stepped up to be the President of the Rotary Club of Port Fairy for 2021/22. This is Jill's second term as President since joining the Club in 2007. Jill was inducted by 9780 District Governor Phil Beasley at a well-attended Changeover dinner held in Port Fairy on 21 June. She takes over from outgoing President Tony Bawden who skilfully steered the Club through the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020/21.
Jill Gleeson and Tony Bawden
Winter Weekends in Port Fairy celebrate the cold season with a variety of events and attractions. The Friends of Port Fairy recently joined the action with a High Tea trivia quiz afternoon. Held in the yacht club rooms, it attracted over 40 masterminds keen to test their knowledge of a range of question categories. The half-time highlight was a sumptuous high tea served by the Friends kitchen crew.
At the end of the day the 'P' team took off first prize of a half dozen bottles of wine, narrowly ahead of the second and third prize-winning teams.
The afternoon was a successful fundraiser for Rotary's various worthy causes. Thanks to all who came along and to the Friends and Members who worked hard to put on the event both on the day and in the weeks leading up to the weekend.
On 24 May 2021 Rotarians and local dignitaries gathered for a gala dinner to celebrate the Centenary of Rotary in Australia and to mark the 60th anniversary of Rotary in Port Fairy. The event took place in the Drill Hall, the venue of the Charter meeting of the Club on 25 March 1961. This year also marks 100 years of Rotary service in Australia.
In proposing a toast to Rotary, the Mayor of Moyne Shire, Daniel Meade, acknowledged the outstanding service provided by Port Fairy Rotary to the town and the district over the last 60 years. Other highlights of the night included a presentation on the history of the Club by Harry Bracegirdle, and addresses by District 9780 District Governor Elect (and Port Fairy Rotary member) John Clue, and Club President Tony Bawden.
Tony Bawden
Port Fairy, VIC 3284
Australia