Rotary’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
The Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches celebrated its 60th Anniversary (actually 61st because of Covid) on April 21st at Miramare Gardens, Terrey Hills. Nearly 120 Rotarians, both present and past members, plus guests attended this great night with some travelling from as far away as the Gold Coast to attend.
The theme was Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow with our local politicians, Northern Beaches Mayor, Michael Regan, State Local Member for Pittwater, Rob Stokes plus Federal Member for Mackellar, Jason Falinski, introducing past Rotary Presidents from the clubs that amalgamated in 2015/16. Each politician was able to give personal insight into how Rotary has assisted the local community over these years.
Current President Rob Haines welcoming all
Current District Governor David Clark responding to the Toast to Rotary
MP for Pittwater, The Hon. Rob Stokes introducing the Pittwater History
Past President, Rotary Club of Pittwater, Martin Thorndycraft assisted by Past District Governor and MC for the night, Bruce Lakin
Mayor Michael Regan introducing the Terrey Hills History
Past President of Terrey Hills, Steve Peam reminiscing
Federal MP for Mackellar Jason Falinski introducing the Narrabeen Lakes history
Past President of Narrabeen Lakes Bill Crowe reminiscing
The Past Presidents from these three former clubs of Pittwater, Narrabeen Lakes and Terrey Hills all gave vision to how they operated (Yesterday) and what has been achieved over these years. The current and next Presidents explained Rotary has been expanding and coping through Covid and what is planned for the future.
Next President Liz Lovell reviewing the future
There were also 4 Rotary District Governors (responsible for Rotary North of the Harbour Bridge to the Central Coast) present and it was amazing to discover that there were 30 current or past Presidents present, who have been guiding their Rotary Clubs over the years – true cases of the Rotary motto of giving “Service above Self”.
Rotarian Patrick Chidambaram presented with special Rotary award Paul Harris Fellow
Past Rotarian Arthur Waddington being presented with his Paul Harris Fellow
New Rotarians Munir, Colette Cusack, Glenn Parker being welcomed
All present really enjoyed reminiscing and recalling their experiences plus how they have been able to assist the local community. All are looking forward to celebrating the Club’s 70th in 9 years’ time.
21st April 2021 was not only the 61st anniversary of this Rotary Club but, to the day, the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the first Rotary Club in Australia. To celebrate 100 years, there will be a Civic Reception given by the Northern Beaches Council for Rotary at Manly Town Hall on June 2nd, at which all the Rotary Clubs on the Northern Beaches have been invited.
Rob Haines, President, Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches.
