The 2024/2025 Rotary Club of Deniliquin board members (back, from left) Martin Wilmshurst, Sandra Whyborn, president Iain Goodway, Tony Kew and George Maddison; (front) Di Hand, Leesa Muir and Denise Phillips.
George Maddison steps down as Rotary Club of Deniliquin president having fulfilled a number of promises he made 12 months ago.
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One was a program to help the community amidst cost of living pressures, and another way to raise more awareness of the impacts of domestic violence.
Plus Rotarians as a whole have continued to give back to the community through their regular projects, and committed more than $40,000 in funding to local community groups during his tenure.
In handing over the reigns to incoming president Iain Goodway at Rotary’s annual changeover dinner on Monday night, Mr Maddison reflected on his term in his president’s report.
“Twelve months ago, I promised to introduce a community food access program,” he said.
“With the assistance of the wonderful Sandra Whyborn and her fabulous team at the Deniliquin Salvation Army, this has been achieved.
“The Community Pantry now offers to needy families in Deniliquin a wide variety of groceries and goods at greatly reduced prices.
“And now it is equipped with refrigeration and freezing capacity to increase further capacity to serve the community.
“Last year I also pledged the club to adopt a position of ‘Say no to domestic violence - say yes to respectful relationships’.
“In August, I attended training in Melbourne held by the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. The two day ‘Love Bites’ course was aimed to create facilitators who, in turn, go into schools and deliver awareness programs focused on 15 to 18 year-old students.
“I am encouraging more Rotarians to attend the training to assist. In the interim, I can assist St Vincent De Paul with the training they do in schools.”
Mr Maddison said the club also made a $500 donation to the successful November launch of a domestic violence awareness campaign and poster generated by the local Domestic Violence Committee, and the club’s stance against domestic violence was highlighted when Rotarians donned their purple message t-shirts at community events like Carols in the Park.
Another win for the club in the last 12 months was the strong increase in Rotary involvement.
“By any account, our club continues to punch above its weight,” he siad.
“By evidence, the growth in fundraising and membership is still growing - especially in the ‘Friends of Rotary’ category.”
Mr Maddison remains on the board of directors in 2024/2025 as vice president/immediate past president.
Other board members are secretary Di Hand, treasurer Tony Kew and directors Denise Phillips, Martin Wilmshurst, Leesa Muir, Cheryl McMillan and Sandra Whyborn.
George Maddison, Carol and Stephen O'Connell and Iain and Debi Goodway.
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