In his annual report, Mr Day outlined another successful year for the club, which supported many local community groups through donations and helped co-ordinate the drought relief appeal.

Reflecting on the past year, Mr Day said he had been inspired by fellow members as the club worked to 'make a difference' in the community of Gunnedah.

"I will be forever grateful to the members for entrusting me with the leadership of the club - let us all continue to 'be the inspiration' in all that we do."

Read also:

Mr Day also announced a new Rotary award in memory of past president, the late George Paul, who died recently. A prominent businessman in Gunnedah, Mr Paul was highly regarded in the community and the award will recognise the achievements of students at Gunnedah High and St Mary's College in the fields of commerce, economics and business studies.

Rotary also works with youth, hosting the public speaking competition for schools and co-hosting the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), a significant international Rotary youth program, where senior high school students develop an awareness of the United Nations and the countries they represent at a simulated UN Assembly. The event provides an excellent forum for students to develop and practise their public speaking skills while debating topical world issues.

Mr Day and his wife Gaye were presented with a farewell gift on the eve of their departure to South Australia as part of their ministry with the Salvation Army, while outgoing public relations director Wendy Marshall was also farewelled.

The Rotary Club of Gunnedah received its charter on December 8, 1937, and has gone from strength to strength. Shire mayor Jamie Chaffey praised the work of the club, pointing to the many projects undertaken in the community, including the picket fence around Wolseley Park, the historic plaques laid down in the main street to mark the bicentenary, the riverine project and much more.

"Our community would never have these gifts if Rotary had not undertaken the projects," he said.

Among the hardworking members to be honoured are Rod Browne who received the "Dark Horse" award, presented to a member who has worked tirelessly behind the scene, and Sarah O'Keefe who received the president's choice award.

One of the highest awards that can be given in Rotary, is named after the organisation's founder Paul Harris. The sapphire pin is equivalent to a double Paul Harris Fellow Award, and his was presented to Roger Lucas acknowledging his long-term commitment to Rotary ideals, with community member Marie Hobson honoured to receive the Paul Harris award after being nominated by member Tom Lyle. Mrs Hobson also accepted a donation of $250 on behalf of the Gunnedah and District Historical Society.

Rotarian Geoff Swain outlined the work of Rotary International and its quest to help eradicate polio. This project began in 1979 with a project to immunise six million children in the Philippines. Past district governor Greg Moran said that today, polio remains endemic in only three countries - down from 125 in 1988.

Rotary's 35,000 plus clubs work together to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, save mothers and children, support education and grow local economies It all started with the vision of one man - Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney who formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on February 23, 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities.

Rotary's name came from the group's early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of its members.

Incoming board members for the Rotary Club of Gunnedah include Murray O'Keefe (president/Rotary Foundation director), Richard Day (immediate past-president), Don Ewing (vice-president), Sandy Ferguson (secretary), Rod Browne (treasurer), Mike Silver (club administration director), Sarah O'Keefe (membership director).

Keep up-to-date with all your local news by subscribing here.