The Club had another successful year and were able to make disbursements of over $10,000 to a large number of local and Rotary charities.

This year the recipients included Yallambie, St Vincent De Paul, Gunnedah Shire Band, Rotary Health, Shelter Box and the Community Scholarship fund, just to name a few.

Outgoing President Phil Hutchison inducted Doug Brown as incoming President for the 2016-2017 year.

Doug introduced Bruce Higham as Secretary, Bruce Sommerlad as Treasurer and his Board which look after Club Administration, Community Service, Membership and Publicity, Youth, International and Rotary Foundation.

The Clubs major project last year which extended into this year was the erection of a boundary fence at Mackellar Care’s facility in Apex Road.

The project involved many volunteer hours however the members saw the necessity of helping out a local organisation and its residents to make it a more secure and safe location.

This year the Club will be focusing on Pensioners Hill to make it much more user friendly and informative to encourage locals and visitors alike to visit and enjoy this interesting location.

Mr Brown said the focus of the Club is to be engaged in the community for local and international projects and give our youth opportunities that they would not otherwise have.

He said new members are encouraged to join because “to be a Rotarian is simply to have a desire to do something to help others”.

“To be a Rotarian is to develop your skills, broaden your networks, grow your understanding and knowledge, enjoy the camaraderie of like minded people and build life-long friendships,” he said. ““It’s is a great way for you to make a difference.”

The Rotary Club of Gunnedah West meets on Thursday nights at 7.00pm.

New members are always welcome and locals looking for more information can contact Doug on 0428420899 or email rotarygunnedahwest@gmail.com.