Honour: Bill Parris and Ann Kimberley will be co-presidents of Benalla Rotary for the next 12 months.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
The Rotary Club of Benalla celebrated yet another successful year at its annual changeover dinner where Anne Kimberley and Bill Parris were named co-presidents for the next 12 months.
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At the event on Thursday, June 22, Ms Kimberley, who has led the service club for the past year, said she was more than happy to stay on and share the role of president.
"It has been a wonderful year for the club,“ she told members and guests.
“It was very pleasing to be able to undertake and complete several community projects this year.
“Past president John Smyth was delighted that his presidential project, painting the scout hall, was able to be completed.”
Ms Kimberley said there was a combined 664 years of experience in that project.
She spoke about a few of the community initiatives Rotary had been involved in recently.
After thanking the board and all members, she introduced Lotta Klaus, a German student who has been on the Rotary youth exchange program, and living in Benalla for almost a year.
She spoke with confidence, in perfect English, as she delivered a toast to the event.
Mr Parris then spoke about his plans for the club moving forward.
“I’d like to thank president Ann. She’s done a magnificent job through this year,” Mr Parris said.
Newly elected: Presidents Ann Kimberley (left) and Bill Parris (right) with Benalla Rotary's board for the upcoming year.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“I appreciate you all being here tonight. For me, it’s a great honour to be elected as president of this club,” he said.
“I arrived in Benalla in 1987 and I joined Rotary to be able to give back to the community.
“All towns in the country need volunteers and being a Rotarian has given me many opportunities to volunteer as often as I could.
“A club like ours has so many benefits for the community, and the teamwork we have working together is wonderful.
“I’m going to be 80 next year ... and it’s time for me to give back to Rotary as president.
