Lakes Entrance Rotary Club begins a new year with Bernard Albrecht as its new president.
The club held its annual changeover celebrations last week, with more than 50 members and supporters present at the Central Hotel to witness the induction of Bernard Abrecht as club president for the coming year.
Since the club was formed 65 years ago, the annual event sees the appointment of a new president and board to guide the club in its work to assist those in need, both locally and in areas beyond Australia.
This year, Bernard’s induction was officiated by Don Ripper and Bill Degnan, both former Governors of Rotary. They both thanked Sandy Yeats for his service as president for the last year.
“We also congratulate the club on another successful year of work in the community,” Don Ripper said.
Bill Degnan added, “Rotary has a rich tradition of providing help to communities, through the 46,000 clubs throughout the world. The Lakes Entrance Club is a prime example of one prepared to support those in need, domestically and internationally”.
Outgoing president Sandy Yeats spoke highly of the efforts undertaken by the club over the past 12 months and thanked members and club sponsors for their support.
“We are a small but dedicated group, working to help wherever we can,” Sandy said.
“In the last year we have combined with other Rotary Clubs in East Gippsland to donate funds to improve sanitation and lighting to villages in Timor Leste.
We also continue with a worldwide effort by Rotary to rid the world of Polio. Locally, we provide ongoing support to community groups in times of crisis.”
The club’s incoming president Bernard Abrecht said “These important tasks will continue locally and overseas”.
“We are proud of our work in the local community and local residents always remember the enormous efforts by Rotary Clubs throughout East Gippsland during, and after, the Black Summer Bushfires,” Bernard said.
“It was a wonderful example of how a volunteer organisation can quickly mobilise to help those in need.”
Bernard has a busy year in front of him as Lakes Entrance Rotary Club president, as well as another year as a key, experienced member of the Kalimna West CFA.
Bernard is always keen to invite interested locals to come and join the fun and activities the club has to offer.
“New members are always very welcome to come along and join our group. Contact details are included in our Lakes Entrance Rotary Website,” he said.
The celebrations included representatives from the four other Rotary Clubs in East Gippsland. Governor Don Ripper and Governor Bill Degnan both praised the efforts of all five clubs in collaborating to assist those in need.
“The East Gippsland Clubs are a fine example of what can be achieved when voluntary organisations work together,” Bill Degnan said.
Other highlights on the night included a musical presentation by members and supporters of the club, with lyrics chosen to acknowledge the annual change of presidents.
IMAGE: New Rotary Club of Lakes Entrance president Bernard Albrecht with Rotary Governors Don Ripper and Bill Degnan and outgoing president Sandy Yeats.
