Our Club

Our Club offers opportunities for our members and those interested in making a difference to get involved. Through meetings, social events, and volunteer projects, our members learn about the issues facing our community and communities all over the world.

Along with these opportunities to serve, members also can regularly network, resulting in lifelong friendships and business connections. Our club is a proud part of this community and of Rotary International. Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million members who believe that great things happen when dedicated minds come together.

We are local people representing different work experiences and life perspectives, but with a shared desire to connect with others to address the challenges affecting our community and communities around the world
 
Rotary 2021 - 2022
Home Page Stories
What has been happening at RCWE?
July is Transition Month with a considerable amount of planning taking place for the year ahead.
 
Nelson/Glenelg Trip
Peter Reeve said that he was having difficulty making weekend bookings for the proposed Nelson/Glenelg trip in October. Will go ahead with a mid-week booking in week of 24 October. Not wanting to shut out those who work. More later.
 
Donation to Victorian Veterans Family Services
Community Service Director Tim McLeod thanked the Community Service Committee for their support in allocating $250 to the launch for the “Victorian Veterans Family Services” project under the auspices of Legacy. Warrnambool has been chosen for the regional launch on 25/8/22. The project is to support Veterans, families and support people affected by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran suicide.
 
National Youth Science Forum attendee Jace Nepean
Vocational & Youth Director Wendy Mitchem advised that National Youth Science Forum attendee Jace Nepean had received a Premier’s VCE Award for excellence, having achieved a perfect score of 50/50 in Year 12 Physics while still in Year 11. He was one of 298 students across 90 subjects to achieve such an award. He was one of only five students to achieve an award in Physics, the other four being at large metropolitan schools
Guest Speaker - Geoff Spencer
The guest speaker was Geoff Spencer, Treasurer of Water East Timor (WET), who was introduced by Mark Taylor.
 
Geoff graduated in Civil Engineering from Monash University and worked for 22 years in the Victorian Water Sector. He then spent 16 years at the World Bank HQ in Washington, DC, as a Senior Water Resources Specialist with a special interest in East and South Asia Regions.
 
Returned to Warrnambool at the end of 2008 and continues to be involved in a variety of international, national and local activities.
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Changeover Dinner

Recognition

Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions:
Foundation Chair Tim McLeod took the microphone and explained the link between a US$1000 contribution to The Rotary Foundation and a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition. He also explained the long tradition at RCWE where the club donates the dollars in the name of a Rotarian or a community members as a way of recognising that person’s contribution to Rotary or community.
 
He explained that there were four such presentations to be made tonight.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition + Sapphire
PP Peter Reeve – a second such recognition qualifying him for a Sapphire Pin.
    In Peter’s absence, Tim stated that he had called him prior to the meeting. Peter had stated that he was humbled, but excited – felt unworthy of such recognition.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
Kylie Thulborn – co-founder and leader of the Find Your Voice Choir & Collective
    Kylie said that she was “speechless” and very thankful. She commended Rotary for the important work it does and urged us not to underestimate the value of our contribution.
 
She suggested that when people share, amazing things happen
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition + Sapphire
PP Collin Brinkman – having received a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition from Hamilton North, his former club, the second recognition qualified him for a Sapphire Pin. Collin expressed his gratitude for being recognised.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
President Cliff Heath – Cliff’s initial response brought much amusement to the room – said he, A PHF. Wow!  Thank you Tim. First and foremost, thank you to the Foundation Committee, you  have made an excellent choice. Also, to the person who nominated me, you are clearly a very good judge of character. He then put on his serious face, stating that he was truly touched by this prestigious recognition which he accepted with great pride, adding that the fact that my club is prepared to recognise me in this way is indeed humbling.
 
STEWART DUMESNY AWARD:
President Cliff spoke about the background to this award, and announced that PP Maggie Dwyer was the recipient for 2021-2022.
Maggie, in response, said she never imagined that she would qualify for such an award. She thanked Cliff for bestowing on her such an honour. Maggie offered congratulations to the four PHFR recipients. She indicated that the $500 which is part of the award would go to “Hospice in the Home”.

President Cliff spoke about the background to this award, and announced that PP Maggie Dwyer was the recipient for 2021-2022.
Maggie, in response, said she never imagined that she would qualify for such an award. She thanked Cliff for bestowing on her such an honour. Maggie offered congratulations to the four PHFR recipients. She indicated that the $500 which is part of the award would go to “Hospice in the Home”.
 
PRESIDENT HANDOVER:

President Cliff called President-Elect Greg to the lectern, thanked him for “kindly and willingly” accepting the role of President 2022-2023, and congratulated him.
President Cliff read the words of the induction, to which Greg responded, after which Cliff presented Greg with:
    The Club Charter Certificate, for safekeeping
    The President’s Lapel Pin
    The Presidential Collar,
and introduced him to the gathering as President 2022-2023.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Board 2022-23
 
 
 
 
 
John Birrell Award 2022
Dr John Birrell – WD2 Road Safety Practitioner of the Year Award

Bill Hewett introduced the fifth annual presentation of this award with the following:
  • Risk is the likelihood that something goes wrong.
  • When you drive a car, you risk injury or death.
  • Modern technology has reduced that risk, but it’s a risk, nonetheless.
He noted that Dr John Birrell as Police Surgeon from 1957-1977 worked tirelessly to ensure Victorians understood and accepted the evolution of modern technology to help reduce risks in motoring, and went on to say that Victoria Police Western Region Division 2, which encompasses Warrnambool, Moyne, Corangamite, Glenelg and Southern Grampians Local Government areas took up the challenge identified by Birrell and have continued to work tirelessly to educate drivers and enforce safety.

Bill then announced that Sgt Darren Smart from Hamilton Highway Patrol was to be recognised as this year’s awardee.
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Donation of Blankets
Raising more than $6000 through barbecues and other fund-raising events including a hole-in-one golf competition, Rotary Club of Warrnambool East, purchased 60 new blankets.
 
Cliff Heath RCWE President, Marilyn Woodward, Joseph Baptiste, Glen Riddle (RCWE)and Chris Philpot with a handful of the 60 blankets.
 
They were distributed equally between Anglicare, Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society's Warrnambool branches to pass onto people including those experiencing homelessness, sleeping and living in their car or single parents.
 
This is the second year the fund-raiser has run. In 2021,  30 blankets worth more than $3000 were donated by the Rotary Club of Warrnambool East

Farewell to Ian Heard after 40 years of Service
After a little bit of 'roasting, in a more serious vein, Peter referred to Ian’s big “trust me” grin and the fact that his mind was always racing, like Kevin Sheedy, with the next idea, even if sometimes it had to be reined in or tweaked a little to fit within the bounds of reality. Peter referred further to Ian’s passion for Rotary and his pride in the organisation, his integrity and sincerity.
 
Ray Welsford then presented Heardies’ This is Your Rotary Life, making special mention of the club’s activities during his Induction Year (1981-1982), his year as President (2002-2003), and his final year of membership (2021-2022). There was also a record of the facts that he was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition (26 June 2003), Sapphire (24 June 2010), Avenues of Service Citation (23 June 2011), and the Stewart Dumesny Award (30 June 2016).
 
There was special mention of his outstanding contribution to the Hole-in-One, the development of the BBQ program, and to the club fellowship by making his home available for pie nights, BBQs, footy watching, and other activities.
 
Ian Heard with President Cliff Heath and HIO Chair Peter Reeve at the final of 2021-22 Hole in One Final
 
 
Special mention was made of the support Ian received from Margaret through the many years.
 
Noel Kenna spoke of Ian’s enthusiasm for golf and the many adventures they had all round Australia at activities of the International Fellowship of Golfing Rotarians.
 

Hole in One Success
The photographerAnother one completed!
A happy winner, Joe Dunn, with President CliffHole in One Winner Joe Dunn with his car
 
 
Another Hole in One competition completed. Given Omicron and the impact it has had on the number of visitors to Warrnambool, the event was still an outstanding success.
 
It was a success due the support of Rotarians and other helpers, but also due to the incredible effort of the Hole in One committee, admirably led by Rotarian Peter Reeve.
 
But this event would not be possible without the support of patrons who attend and hit the balls and the sponsors. The Rotary Club of Warrnambool East is very grateful for your support. Thank You.
BBQ Trailer

The mobile BBQ is completely self sufficient and can operate at powered and non-powered locations.

It has stainless steel fixtures including benches and sink, two six burner hot plates, bain-maries, water tank, hot water supply and a fridge.

The Rotary Club of Warrnambool has been catering for community events, both large and small, for many years and has a reputation of providing quality food at competitive prices as well as efficient and friendly service.

Contact John Jehu - 0418 558 151.

Welcome to our Club!

We meet In Person
Thursdays at 6:15 PM
Warrnambool Football Netball Club
Cramer Street
Warrnambool, VIC 3280
Australia
Rotarians meet at 6.00 pm for a 6.15 pm start.
District Site
Venue Map
Club Contact Details
PO BOX 259
WARRNAMBOOL  3280
 
email:presidentRCWE@outlook.com
Club Executives & Directors/Committee Chairs
President
Greg Wood
Vice President
Gordon McKinnon
Secretary
Collin Brinkmann
Treasurer
Jim Sawyer
Community Service
Tim McLeod
Vocational Service
Wendy Mitchem
International Service
William Hewett
Rotary Foundation
Tim McLeod
Membership Committee Chair
Paul Atack
Immediate Past President
Cliff Heath
Youth Service
Wendy Mitchem
Public Relations Committee Chair
Paul Atack
Hole In One Chair
Mike Toone
Environment
Nicole Larter
BBQ Committee Chair
John Jehu
RSS
Stephanie A. Urchick selected to be 2024-25 Rotary International President

Stephanie A. Urchick is selected to be the 2024-25 president of Rotary International

Recognizing a woman’s worth

Programs of Scale grant-winner Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria helps families by focusing on the fundamental needs of women

RI President Jennifer Jones crosses Canada from coast to coast to coast

Organized around several hubs, the tour started on 17 June to draw attention to the positive impact that clubs have in their communities.

Rotary Projects Around the Globe August 2022

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the United States, Venezuela, Greece, Madagascar, and Kazakhstan.

Rotary Fellowships amplify Ukrainian relief efforts

Rotary's global network has sent millions of dollars' worth of relief to help the people of Ukraine. Rotary Fellowships have amplified the impact of these efforts.

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