Steve Merritt will return for a second consecutive year as president of Raymond Terrace Rotary Club, it was announced at the annual changeover dinner in July.
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Rotarians gathered at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club on July 8 for a night of celebrations and to reflect on the club's many successes throughout the past year.
Mr Merritt attributed the successes of the club to the hard work and involvement of members in both fundraising and in front line delivery to the community.
He also highlighted how closely Rotary had worked alongside other community groups including the Salvation Army, Friends with Dignity and Port Stephens Council.
He remarked on how the best results came from the combined efforts of like-minded community groups.
Mr Merritt thanked businesses such as Bunnings and MarketPlace for their continued support that enabled funds raised by the club to go further in the community.
A few of the highlights celebrated by Rotarians on the night included the organisation of Australia Day celebrations in Raymond Terrace, Pride of Workmanship Awards and the annual Primary School Debating Competition.
In working with other community groups, the standout events included raising funds for drought relief and the recent visit to Raymond Terrace by the Rotary Men's Health Education Rural Van.
Across two days the van averaged an assessment every 11 minutes with three people identified with life threatening conditions and referred to their doctors for immediate follow up.
Within Rotary, the highest recognition a club can bestow is the award of a Paul Harris Fellow, named after the founder of the Rotary organisation.
At the changeover dinner Mr Merritt presented the award to members - Jacky Gendre and Richard South - in recognition of their outstanding personal contribution to the club and Rotary in general.
In Mr South's case that contribution spans almost 40 years in which time he has held almost every position within the club.
Ms Gendre is a past president of the club, the coordinator of the local Driver Training Program and is the Rotary District Foundation Grants chair.
The night was well attended including special guests Port Stephens councillor Giacomo Arnott, Port Stephens police Chief Inspector Tony Townsend and Ruby Porter representing State MP Kate Washington.