Kiama Rotary recently held a unique annual changeover to start the 2025/26 year.

It was unique for two reasons: Firstly, the club was delighted to welcome three former Rotary District Governors all being current or past members of the Kiama club, a rare occurrence. Current President Phil Whyte was District Governor in 2011/12, former member David Brawn held the role in 2010/11, and current member Tonia Barnes ended her term at the end of last month.

Secondly, the event was a continuation rather than a changeover, as president Phil Whyte will stay on as the head of the club for the next year.

This is to assist in the ongoing restructure that all the Australian Rotary clubs are undertaking to modernise Rotary nationwide.

The club welcomed Kiama Mayor, Councillor Cameron McDonald, as its special guest for the dinner and he expressed the community’s thanks for the club’s 73rd year of committed support.

In his report on club activities in 2024/25, Phil pointed to the club meeting all the targets it had set.

These included the finalisation of an international program organised by the Kiama club (with assistance from the Rotary Club of Dili in Timor Leste) and with additional funding from Rotary International.

This was a pilot program to help in the early diagnosis of Rheumatic Heart Disease which affects many people in indigenous communities in the Northern Territory and in Timor Leste.

A total of more than $150,000 has been applied to this ground-breaking initiative.

If the pilot is successful, it may help lead to the eradication of this life-threatening disease.

The club has worked on this program with Dr Josh Francis of the Menzies Institute, based in the Northern Territory.

In recognition of Dr Francis and his team’s work to eliminate this disease, Phil had pleasure in making him an honorary member of Kiama Rotary.

The club also continued its support for the international program “End Polio Now”.

Rotary clubs around the world have contributed more than $US1 billion to help the World Health Organisation almost completely eradicate the scourge of polio in the world.

President Phil Whyte (centre) with members of his executive (left to right): Marilyn Jarrett, Tonia Barnes, John Kenny and Phillip Gall.

BBQ bonanza

At home, the Kiama club has continued its strong support for our youth, providing funds to send students to Rotary youth leadership workshops, annual science seminars and mental health programs, all funded (along with many other projects) through the regular BBQ stalls run by members at the Black Beach markets each month.

The club organised the annual Festival of Choirs last October and the Christmas in July Trivia Night, both of which are to run again this year.

President Phil was pleased to introduce two new members (Oscar Lewis and Alison Spice) to Kiama Rotary, adding to the growing club membership.

He was delighted to present Paul Harris Fellowships to Sue Clarke, Marilyn Jarrett and Alan Waterworth for their work for the club.

Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary and the fellowship is one of the Kiama club’s highest honours.

The club members also vote each year to nominate the “Club Member of the Year “and the 2024/25 Robert East Memorial award was made to John Kenny. Well done, John!

In introducing his board of directors for 2025/26, the president thanked the members for their efforts to support the community over the past year.

"It has been a great effort in 2024/25," president Phil said, "and I look forward to an even better year ahead".