General News
10 July, 2026
Rotary set to create lasting impact
The Rotary Club of Warracknabeal has begun its new year with a renewed focus on action, service and finding a major project that can make a lasting difference in the local community.
Rotarians, partners, honorary Rotarians, friends from neighbouring clubs, Yarriambiack Shire representatives and members of other local service clubs gathered at the Warracknabeal Golf Club on July 1 for the club’s annual changeover dinner.
The evening celebrated the achievements of the 2025-26 Rotary year and officially launched the club’s 2026-27 program.
David Drage will continue as president for another year.
In his message to members, Mr Drage said the club had worked hard during the past year to become stronger and more engaged, and he now wanted members to build on that momentum.
He said the club’s next challenge was to identify a major project members could “sink our teeth into”.
The theme for the new Rotary International year is “Create Lasting Impact”, chosen by incoming RI President Olayinka H. Babalola from Nigeria.
Mr Drage encouraged Warracknabeal members to consider a signature project that would reflect that theme and deliver meaningful benefits for the community.
The changeover dinner also recognised outstanding service and contribution through several awards.
Tia Credlin received the Stan Deans Award, supported by the Rotary Club of Warracknabeal, the family of the late Stan Deans and the Country Education Foundation of Warracknabeal and District.
The award will help Ms Credlin with costs linked to her tertiary studies in veterinary science.
Rotary Foundation honours were also presented on the night.
Past District Governor Christine Dufty presented Tony Gregson with a badge and plaque recognising his achievement of Rotary Foundation Major Donor status.
Ben Bentley accepted Joan Bentley’s fifth Rotary Foundation sapphire on her behalf, acknowledging her significant long-term support of the foundation.
The formal program included the president’s welcome, invocation by John Aitken, toast by John Tonkin, award presentations, a fines session by Ross Johns, the president’s report, and the presentation of the presidential banner, collar and badge.
John Tonkin used his toast to highlight Rotary International’s global reach, noting its 1.2 million members and 45,000 clubs worldwide, as well as the organisation’s work to improve lives through projects worldwide.
Mr Drage also introduced the club’s board for 2026-27.
The board includes Secretary Bill Alford, Treasurer Christine Gunn, Rotary Foundation representative John Aitken, Community Service Director Ross Johns, Vocational Service Director Chris Hewitt, Youth Director Wendy Hewitt and Fellowship Director Carol Wilson.
The club will begin the new Rotary year with committee meetings and fireside discussions, giving members the opportunity to help shape priorities for the year ahead.
The Rotary Club of Warracknabeal, chartered in 1934, meets on Wednesday evenings at Taylor’s Palace Hotel in Scott Street, Warracknabeal.
Read More: Warracknabeal