Stories

In February 2010, Frank Spiteri from the Rotary Club of Warragul, along with five other dedicated Rotarians from Gippsland, embarked on a mission to Visakhapatnam, India, to support Rotary International’s relentless fight against polio. Among the team was Frank’s daughter, reflecting the commitment and passion for this crucial cause.

At a recent club dinner meeting, Frank recalled his experiences with club Rotary Foundation chair Greg King and other club members, further highlighting the camaraderie and dedication of the Rotary community.

Franks Spiteri (right) and Greg King (left) displays the poster Frank was given while at the vaccination clinic in Visakhapatnam, India

• a pamphlet entitled "Rotary. Humanity in Motion" with the question "What in the world does Rotary do? The fold out provided information on Rotary projects world wide; and
• a Moccona coffee sachet and two high quality chocolates
• a sticker on the front with the Rotary logos and the message "The Rotary Club of Warragul welcomes you back from lockdown and thanks you for your service to the community. Take a break and have a coffee on us!"

Ian Holdsworth

Club President 2010/11

Obituary published in Warragul Gazette, Tuesday 30 June 2020

Rotary Exchange student, Martina Navarria arrived last week for her year- long stay in Warragul with the Rotary Club of Warragul.  Martina comes from Italy and lives in Darfo about 100km north east of Milan.

Warragul Regional College year 12 captain Kelsey Lubberink reported back to Warragul Rotary on her recent experience attending the National Youth Science Forum. From the left Warragul Rotary President Ross Dawson, Kelsey Lubberink, Lesley Lubberink and Rotary Youth Director Chris Morris.

After attending Rotary’s National Youth Science Forum earlier this year, Warragul Regional College year 12 student Kelsey Lubberink says a career in science is definitely on the cards. In January Kelsey spent 10 days in Brisbane with 200 year 12 students from across Australia looking at the opportunities for a career in science.

It was great to have last year’s exchange student return to Warragul in April with her parents Silke & Michael Nagel.

The Warragul Rotary Board for 2018/19. Left to right – Rosemary Allica, Diane Carson, Andrea Klindworth, Richard Habgood, Ross Dawson, Lyn Bennett-Colls, Ian Holdsworth, Vaughan Fox, Chris Morris and Andrew Lewis.

The changeover dinner for the Rotary Club of Warragul saw Ross Dawson installed as the President for 2018/19.

In outlining his plans for the upcoming year Ross committed the club to continue its contribution to both the local community and wider Rotary activities. “Fund raising, making donations and initiating new community projects are all strengths of the club” said Ross.

In opening his report to the club, retiring club President Vaughan Fox reflected proudly and somewhat emotionally on his year as the President of the Rotary Club of Warragul.

Vaughan said the role as President had taken him right out of his comfort zone. “For me this has been a personal journey of self discovery and I rate it as one of the big achievements of my life” said Vaughan. “I would strongly encourage all club members to take on the role of the club President, no matter what your doubts may be.”

Warragul Rotary Club member Anthea Dacy spoke to club members about the important and impressive work of Rotary’s Donations-In-Kind (DIK) program.

DIK is a recycling operation run by Rotary that specialises in collecting reusable goods that are then donated to worthwhile Rotary projects primarily in overseas countries.