Home Page | Rotary Club of Port Fairy

Canadians Check In

Posted by Michael Crowe on Mar 18, 2019

Port Fairy was a highlight stop for a group of Canadian Rotarians last week. The group from District 5550 was visiting Western Victoria as part of the Rotary Friendship Exchange program. Coming from Portland the 12 visitors stopped at Port Fairy for lunch and a tour of the town before heading for Warrnambool.

Rotary District 5550 is located in central Canada and takes in parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario provinces.

Lunch at the Hub for the Canadian Friendship Exchange group

Bandari and recognition for Geoff Coxall

Posted by Michael Crowe on Feb 21, 2019

The volunteer efforts of Port Fairy's Goeff Coxall have been honoured with a Paul Harris fellowship. The Paul Harris fellowship recognises outstanding commitment to Rotary and the community.

In presenting the honour to Geoff at the Club's recent meeting, President Sue Robertson said that Geoff's work exemplifies the humanitarian and educational objectives of Rotary. She congratulated him on the award and in particular highlighted his contribution to the Bandari Project that provides education opportunities for children in the Tanzanian village of Mto Wambu.

President Sue also presented a cheque to Seif Sakate for a scholarship that will support a child to attend the Bandari school in Mto Wambu.

Sue Robertson presents the Paul Harris Fellowship to Geoff Coxall

Romsey's Rhys Rotary Raffle

Posted by Michael Crowe on Feb 17, 2019

Rhys Jansen of Romsey was the lucky winner of Port Fairy Rotary's summer raffle. Rhys took home the prize - a painting of Port Fairy's iconic lighthouse by prominent local artist Wilma Preston.

The raffle raised over $1600 for the Club's charitable causes.

Wilma Preston draws the winning ticket with Sue Robertson

Holiday Safari a hit

Posted by Michael Crowe on Jan 22, 2019

Each year Rotary clubs in Australia host exchange students from a variety of other countries. Recently a group of students currently on exchange in the district visited Port Fairy on a holiday safari and were shown the town's sites by members of Port Fairy Rotary.

10 Rotary Exchange students arrived in Port Fairy by bus from Portland. They were joined by Destiny who is hoping to be an outbound student next year, sponsored by Port Fairy Rotary.

Kids and coffee run for Rotary

Posted by Michael Crowe on Jan 09, 2019

Come New Years Eve and Port Fairy Rotary gets involved in the town's annual Moyneyana Festival. This year the Club hosted the backwards races for children in the morning and the inaugural baristas' race in the evening.

Over 60 children in four age groups had loads of fun running backwards on the cricket ground course, cheered on by families and friends.

Having fun backwards!

The baristas' race was held as a curtain-raiser to the Moyneyana float parade. The competitors represented various cafes and were challenged to reach the finish line while balancing two cups of coffee on a tray.

Paul Harris for John Clue

Posted by Michael Crowe on Dec 23, 2018

The volunteer efforts of Port Fairy Rotary member John Clue have been honoured with a Paul Harris fellowship. The Paul Harris fellowship recognises outstanding commitment to the Club and the community.

In presenting the honour to John at the Club's recent end-of-year event, President Sue Robertson said that John's work exemplifies the humanitarian and educational objectives of Rotary. She thanked him for his commitment to people in need both locally and around the world.

John Clue accepts the Paul Harris certificate from President Sue Robertson

Rotary strikes a chord

Posted by Michael Crowe on Dec 24, 2018

Moyneyana House has a brand new piano thanks to the Rotary Club of Port Fairy. The piano was handed over on 20 December by President Sue Robertson at a concert for Moyneyana residents held to mark the occasion. Several pianists displayed their musical talent and gave the new instrument a solid workout.

Moyne Health Services CEO Jackie Kelly said that the piano was a great addition to Moyneyana House facilities.

Rotarian David Digby tickles the ivories while Hester Woodrup,

Sue Robertson and Peter Smith look on.

Christmas fellowship

Posted by Michael Crowe on Dec 19, 2018

Members and friends of the Rotary Club of Port Fairy celebrated the festive season with a dinner at the Wharf restaurant. A good time was had by all at what was the last formal event of the year for the Club.

The dinner marked a very active and successful year for the Club. President Sue Robertson thanked members and friends for their tireless and cheerful efforts A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship to member John Clue (see story above).

Festive fun at the Wharf

District Governor visits Port Fairy

Posted by Michael Crowe on Oct 04, 2018

District Governor Anthony Ohlsen recently visited Port Fairy to meet with the Rotary Club. This visit was part of the DG's annual tour of District 9780 to touch base with Clubs and review their progress and plans.

Anthony commended our Club on its efforts and particularly its deep involvement with the community of Port Fairy and the surrounding area.

District Governor Anthony Ohlsen

School Stars

Posted by Michael Crowe on Sep 10, 2018

Students from Port Fairy Consolidated School were visitors to a recent dinner meeting of the Rotary Club of Port Fairy. The student presented speeches that they had previously presented at the Warrnambool Eisteddfod.

Principal Kath Tanner introduced the students who each delivered speeches on current social issues. This event is a highlight of the Rotary year and the presentations by the students are greatly appreciated by Club members.

Battery Hill Plant Out

Posted by Michael Crowe on Sep 10, 2018

The 12th of August saw a hardy group brave the elements to make another step in the big task of the rehabilitation of Battery Hill. Port Fairy Rotarians, Friends of Rotary and Lions Club members got together for a morning of tree planting. Over 400 trees and shrubs were planted.

The tree planting was part of the long-term effort to restore the native vegetation of Battery Hill through the removal of weeds and the revegetation with indigenous species.

Some of the work gang at Battery Hill

Hostage insights

Posted by Michael Crowe on Jul 19, 2018

Guest speaker at the 16 July meeting of Port Fairy was Sergeant Mick Wolfe of the Port Fairy Police.

Police are often called on to resolve stand-off situations which may involve mental illness, depression or criminal intent. Sometimes these situations can include hostages, on other occasions only one person is involved.

Sergeant Wolfe with Rotarian Hester Woodrup

Sergeant Wolfe related his long experience as a police negotiator, particularly for hostage and siege situations. Police negotiators are highly trained in the most effective techniques for defusing stand-off situations. Sergeant Wolfe described the importance of patience, careful listening and honesty on the part of the negotiator.

Footy Fun

Posted by Michael Crowe on Jul 06, 2018

Rotarians and Friends recently got together for a night of fun and trivia in the clubrooms of the Port Fairy Football Netball Club. The theme of the night was Australian football and their knowledge of the game was tested with a number of quizzes.

This year the Port Fairy Football Club celebrated its 150th anniversary. Club President Ashley King spoke of the Club's history and the important role played by the Club in the life of the community of Port Fairy.

Rotarians and Friends get the funny side of footy

Sue Robertson 2018/19 President

Posted by Michael Crowe on Jul 03, 2018

At the Changeover Dinner held on 25 June 2018 in Port Fairy's Victoria Hotel, the new Club President, Sue Robertson, was inducted by Assistant District Governor, John Clue.

In her address to the Club and the many distinguished guests, Sue challenged the Club members to find new ways to do things and to reinvigorate ourselves and our Club. This would involve sharing tasks and building on our presence in the community.

The new Club Executive for 2018/19 was also inducted.

President Sue Robertson

Making a difference

Posted by Michael Crowe on Jul 05, 2018

The Rotary Club of Port Fairy donated over $20,000 to local and international good causes during 2017/18. These funds resulted from the Club's various fund raising activities during the year.

The 2017/18 year saw an emphasis on support for efforts to improve health outcomes. Major contributions included End Polio ($3,000), End Trachoma ($4,000) and Moyne Health Services ($5,000). Several other local organisations also benefitted. The Club thanks all the people and organisations who supported its fund raising activities and events during the year.

Successful year for Port Fairy Rotary

Posted by Michael Crowe on Jul 02, 2018

Port Fairy Rotary held its Changeover Dinner on 25 June 2018 at which the incoming club executive led by 2018/19 President Sue Robertson was inducted.

Outgoing President Bill Moore delivered his report on the Club's achievements during 2017/18. Bill identified a number of highlights for the year including the inaugural golf day, the Shaw River Buffalo Cheese tours, the international exchange student program and the introduction of more Club social events.

2017/18 President Bill Moore

Lisa's Big Year

Posted by Michael Crowe on Jun 11, 2018

Lisa van Someren was an outgoing Rotary exchange student for 2017/18, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Port Fairy. Lisa recently returned to the Club and spoke to members about her experiences.

While in Canada Lisa was a guest of the Woodstock Rotary Club and stayed with three different host families. Woodstock is a city of 40,000 people, located about 100 km from Toronto. However during her stay Lisa managed to travel far and wide in both Canada and the United States.

Lisa van Someren

Barb Onboard

Posted by Michael Crowe on Jun 07, 2018

Barb Eldridge was inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Port Fairy on 4 June 2018. Barb is well known to Club members, having been a regular guest at the weekly dinner meetings.

Barb is no stranger to Rotary. Prior to transferring to Port Fairy Rotary, she was a member of the Rotary Club of Mortlake for 20 years.

New member Barb Eldridge with husband Ken and President Bill Moore.

President Bill Moore welcomed Barb to Port Fairy Rotary, noting her record as a volunteer with the Club that often involved recruiting other members of the Eldridge family to contribute to the volunteer effort.

Norfolks Nudge Numbers

Posted by Michael Crowe on Jun 04, 2018

Port Fairy Rotary Club members recently planted 13 Norfolk Island Pines as part of the rejuvenation of the Port Fairy Botanic Gardens. The trees have contributed to the Club's response to Rotary International President Ian Riseley's challenge to every Rotary Club to plant a tree for each of its members between the start of the Rotary year on 1 July and Earth Day on 22 April 2018.

The Club has well and truly achieved the goal, with over 200 trees planted during this period at Battery Hill, Skenes Road and the Botanic Gardens.

Ian Riseley

Firm Friends

Posted by Michael Crowe on May 10, 2018

The Friends of Port Fairy Rotary have proved that you can help the community and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Established in 2016, the Friends group has grown to 20 members and is now an important part of the Rotary's service in the local area. The Friends contribute to a broad range of Club activities and enjoy participation in the Club's social events.

Rotarian Margaret Whitehead is the co-ordinator of the Friends group and is responsible for membership and liaison between the Club and the group.

Guest speaker Jackie Kelly MHS CEO

Posted by Michael Crowe on May 01, 2018

Moyne Health Services has been in operation for more that 160 years providing the community healthcare needs in Port Fairy and surrounding districts in the Moyne Shire.

Employing more than 190 people, Moyne Health Services operates a 15 bed acute hospital, 52 place hostel, 30 place nursing home, Accident & Emergency, primary and community care services, adult day centre and allied health services.

The CEO of Moyne Health Services (MHS), Jackie Kelly, was recently a guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Port Fairy. She spoke of the services offered by MHS and the plans for future development of the Service.

Inaugural Golf Day

Posted by Michael Crowe on Apr 29, 2018

The Rotary Club of Port Fairy's inaugural golf day was held at the Port Fairy golf course on 20 April. The day was judged a successful event by both players and volunteers who reported that the format for the day worked very well and all had a good time.

President Bill Moore announced that the event raised $3500 which has been allocated to Rotary’s ‘End Trachoma by 2020’ program.

There was great support from sponsors and we thank them for their assistance. Many thanks also to all who volunteered, especially Rotarians Adrian Crosier and Peter Smith, and Friend of Rotary Harry Bracegirdle. The catering teams and Brett Murray on the drinks cart did a sterling job.

Players from the Grovedale Waurn Ponds Rotary Club had a successful trip down the highway to participate in the event.

Tales from Tanzania

Posted by Michael Crowe on May 01, 2018

The Rotary Club of Port Fairy has been a long-standing supporter of the Bandari project in Tanzania. Rotarian Jo Levy recently travelled to Tanzania with a group of Bandari supporters from Port Fairy and other areas to participate in the latest development efforts at Mto Wambu, the former village of Port Fairy resident Seif Sakate.

Meanwhile a fund-raising night held at the home of President Bill Moore raised $615 to purchase teaching resources for the Bandari School. This year’s trip provided professional training for teachers and the people travelling carried 60kg of teaching resources.

Jo Levy reported from Tanzania on progress on the Bandari project.

Super bowls

Posted by Michael Crowe on Mar 04, 2018

Rotarians and Friends had lots of fun recently when they tried their hands at an evening of lawn bowls at the Port Fairy Bowls Club. Guided by experienced bowlers Rotarian Brett Murray and his father Jim, enthusiastic players battled for the honour of 'nearest the jack'.

While the 'bias' of the bowls proved a challenge for some, several Rotarians showed a hidden talent for the game including Jo Levy, John Clue and Peter Smith.

The fun continued after dinner in the Clubhouse with a trivia quiz.

Many thanks to Margaret Whitehead and her crew who put the evening together.

Vale Colwyn Martin

Posted by Michael Crowe on Feb 15, 2018

Members of the Rotary Club of Port Fairy were deeply saddened at the passing of Past President and Paul Harris Fellow (Sapphire Pin) Colwyn Martin on 5 January 2018.

Col was a club member for 27 years and was the Club's oldest member. Many Rotarians from Port Fairy and neighbouring clubs attended the farewell service at St Johns Church Port Fairy. The Rotary Peace Choir sang at the service and Rotary Club and RSL members formed a guard of honour after the service.

Shaw River safaris to End Polio

Posted by Michael Crowe on Feb 14, 2018

Over the month of January, the Rotary Club of Port Fairy arranged tours to the Shaw River Buffalo Cheese farm at Yambuk. Proceeds from the tours went towards the End Polio project.

The Club conducted five visits to the Shaw River Buffalo Cheese farm for a total of more than 80 people. Over $1000 was raised for the End Polio project.

The Club gives special thanks to the Haldane family for their generous hospitality and assistance with the tours. Thanks also to Rotarians Sue Robertson and David Digby who helped with the design and distribution of the publicity materials.

Big prize goes to local

Posted by Michael Crowe on Feb 14, 2018

The prize in Port Fairy Rotary's 2017/18 painting raffle has been won by local man Anthony Clifford. Anthony was thrilled to carry away the painting of the town's well-known landmark, the lighthouse.

The raffle is a major fund-raiser for the Club over the summer period. President Bill Moore (shown handing the prize to the happy winner) thanked all who bought tickets and the Rotary volunteers who sold tickets.

Many thanks also to prominent local artist Wilma Preston who painted and donated the prize.

Exchange students big day out in Port Fairy

Posted by Michael Crowe on Jan 18, 2018

On 16 January Rotary Exchange students from District 9780 visited Port Fairy as part of the their mini-safari around the Western District.

They were hosted by members of the Rotary Club of Port Fairy and while in town they checked out some of the town's famous attractions and joined Club members for a luncheon at Rotary Park.

Rotary Exchange Students visit Port Fairy

Harry Bracegirdle made Paul Harris Fellow

Posted by Michael Crowe on Dec 20, 2017

On 30 October Harry Bracegirdle was made a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his outstanding service to Rotary and the community.

Harry joined the Rotary Club of Port Fairy on 13 October 2008 and served as a Rotarian for 9 years. During his time with the Club Harry undertook many important roles as a Club leader and member.

Harry with Club President Bill Moore

DG Ray Herbert visits Rotary Club of Port Fairy

Posted by Michael Crowe on Oct 26, 2017

District Governor Ray Herbert recently visited the Rotary Club of Port Fairy. During his visit Ray met with the Board and attended our dinner meeting on 23 October. Ray’s visit was part of the District Governor’s annual tour of Rotary Clubs of District 9780. In his address to the Club Ray highlighted a number of the programs currently active in Rotary and acknowledged the efforts of the Rotary Club of Port Fairy.

District Governor Ray Herbert addresses Port Fairy Rotary

We meet Mondays at 7:00 PM
Victoria Hotel

Cnr Bank & James Streets
Port Fairy, VIC 3284
Australia

Sue Robertson

Port Fairy is a historic, intimate harbour village in the south west region of Victoria in Australia. The town is famous for its annual Folk Music Festival, held in March each year, which has been running for nearly 40 years and has expanded to include not just folk music but blues and roots music to suit all ages.

Port Fairy is a friendly town that relies greatly on tourism and therefore welcomes visitors from all parts of the globe. Therefore, if you are visiting Port Fairy, then we invite you to join us at our weekly Rotary Club Dinner meeting held each Monday evening. Details on meeting times and venue are on the Home page

About our Club.