Co-hosting delights linked to a French exchange student and a visit by Rotary International president Gordon McInally were among 2023/24 highlights referenced by outgoing Te Awamutu Rotary Club president Gill Johnston last week.
Gill Johnston presented the ‘Log of Wood’ to Chris Kay for the outstanding support he gave Rotary during her year in office. Photo by Viv Posselt
Speaking at the club’s annual changeover – at which Kylie Brewer was welcomed in as the 2024/25 president – Gill said she had thoroughly enjoyed being the club’s 77th president.
“I had a couple of goals for my year – one to get the fellowship and engagement back in the club post the pandemic, and the other to increase membership. I think we’ve done OK on both fronts,” she said.
James ‘Jim’ Broom with his Paul Harris Fellow award, presented by outgoing president Gill Johnston. Photo by Viv Posselt
The French exchange student she spoke of is Louise Zakrzewski, who has spent time with various families in Waipā over the past 10 months. In much the same time, the club has gained a few and lost a few, she added, resulting in a net gain of three new members.
The evening also saw the presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow award and two community awards.
Jim Broom was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow award in recognition of his lengthy service, both through his work in the police force and through his volunteering. Jim spent 43 years working around the country in joint operations for New Zealand’s police force and Ministry of Transport before retiring in 2019 and settling in Te Awamutu and with his wife, Jill, joining the local Rotary club. His technical skills were central in keeping the club going through the pandemic.
Robyn Atherton, pictured with outgoing Rotary president Gill Johnston, holding her community Service Award. Photo by Viv Posselt
Community service awards went to Robyn Atherton for her extensive support of the local community over many years, and to Sharni Budd for the establishment of Loving Arms, an organisation that donates clothing and vouchers to new mothers.
Robyn Atherton is well-known in Te Awamutu for her wide-ranging contributions to the community.
She was active in coaching, judging and timekeeping at the Te Awamutu Swimming Club for 12 years, was secretary at Kainga Aroha Community House, the Hearing Association and the Te Awamutu Citizens Advice Bureau, and is secretary/treasurer of the Te Rahu District Hall Society. She has just retired as a trustee of the Te Awamutu Health Shuttle after nine years, having helped put two new debt-free vans on the road.
Loving Arms founders Sharni and Jamie Budd were presented with a Community Service Award by outgoing Rotary president Gill Johnston, left. Photo by Viv Posselt
Sharni Budd, assisted by her husband Jamie, established Loving Arms in 2014 with the aim of ensuring new mums received adequate support in terms of clothing and other essentials. The Loving Arms Charitable Trust was formed in 2019, and over the past 10 years, they have supported over 5000 families needing help.
Incoming president Kylie Brewer says her adopted theme, embracing change, will take a more outward focus, as it aims to develop new projects and continue to build membership.
Another presentation made was the ‘Log of Wood’ given to the person who has stood out to a club president during their year in office. It was presented by outgoing president Gill Johnston to her ‘go to person’ for 2023/24, Chris Kay.
Robyn Atherton, pictured with outgoing Rotary president Gill Johnston, holding her community Service Award. Photo by Viv Posselt
Te Awamutu Rotary Club president Gill Johnston sits on the macrocarpa bench her husband Allan made which was unveiled by world president Gordon McInally in Rotopiko. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
World Rotary president Gordon McInally, left, with National Wetland Trust co chair Don Scarlet on the pontoon installed over Rotopiko peat lake in the reserve. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
