Elisabeth Champion
THERE is a new leader at the helm for Limestone Coast Rotary Clubs as Mount Gambier/Berrin resident Ian McKay was inducted as the District Governor.
In his role he will help to lead and work with Rotary clubs in Rotary District 9780, which covers the whole of the Limestone Coast and into western Victoria.
Mr McKay was officially inducted at the District Changeover on Sunday and he he was looking forward to his term.
“I’m really excited, it’s a real honour and privilege to be district governor of our Rotary district and so many good things happening in Rotary,” he said.
“Rotary makes such a positive difference in the world and in our our part of the world, which is southwest Victoria and eastern South Australia.
“We were doing a lot of good things so I’m really excited.”
The key focus areas for the district will be celebrating Rotary, domestic violence and mental health.
“I’ve asked clubs to celebrate Rotary, the difference Rotary makes in the community and in the world and to make that more visible in their community – to really make sure people understand what a power of good Rotary is,” he said.
“Together with with other Rotary districts throughout Australia, we’re also focusing on Rotary saying no to domestic and family violence,.
“That’s such a scourge on our communities and we really hope that 1000 Rotary clubs all shining a light on the importance of increasing awareness in that area will make a difference.
“Our Rotary International President Gordon McInally has asked Rotarians throughout the world to shine a light on the problems of mental health in our society, and in our district, we’re going to support Australian Rotary Health.
“Australian Rotary Health for more than 40 years has been one of the pre-eminent researchers in Australia in mental health area and in other medical areas, but they’re now focusing on mental health research for ages zero to 12, which is such a critical time and so our district will be supporting that wholeheartedly during the coming year.”
Handing over the reins to Mr McKay was the 2022/23 district governor Kathy Rivett, who reflected on her year in the job fondly.
“I feel excited that we’ve achieved so much in the year and that we’ve raised awareness of Rotary and what we do, she said.
“One of the highlights was going around the clubs and seeing all the projects that they do.
“I’ve seen so many passionate Rotarians tell me about what they’re proud of, So they now need to start telling other people what they’ve done.
“The public need to know the good we do in the world.”
She encouraged everyone to consider joining their local club.
“The thing about Rotary is that you can give back to anyone in your local community, your global community, you Australian community,” she said.
“We are prepared to help at any stage, anywhere for anything at a moment’s notice.
“You only have to look at the bus crash up in New South Wales – within minutes, they had a Rotary appeal happening for the families so we can act quick to make a difference in the world.”
Rotarians from around the Limestone Coast and across the border attended the event.
