The Rotary Club of Cobar celebrated another year of community service on Monday night, officially welcoming a new leadership team at its annual Changeover Dinner while also recognising thousands of dollars in donations made to local organisations and worthy causes.
Father Paul Finucane was installed as the club’s new president and will lead the organisation over the coming year, supported by vice president David Snelson, secretary Demi Smith and co-treasurers Andrew Reilly and Molly Patton.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of donations totalling $11,560 to community groups and charities.
Recipients included Cobar High School, which received $2,060 to support students attending the Stand Tall excursion, and Cobar Public School, which was presented with $1,500 towards its Spring Fair and a further $1,000 for its Breakfast Club.
Other donations included $1,500 each to Rotary District Disaster Relief, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Macquarie Homestay and ROAR (Rural Outback Animal Rescue and Respite).
St John’s Primary School received $1,000 towards a multicultural flagpole project.
In his first address as president, Father Paul spoke about the importance of Rotary’s ongoing role in supporting the local community and the difference a small but dedicated group of volunteers can make.
He said the club hoped to attract new members over the coming year to ensure it could continue giving back through community donations and projects.
“We may be a small club, but we’re a mighty team,” Father Paul said.
To help encourage new members, the club has subsidised its membership fees for the coming year and is inviting anyone interested in community service to come along and learn more about Rotary.
