On Tuesday 12th December, the Rotary Club of Moruya had their end of year Christmas Party at the Moruya Gold Club.

M.C.’s for the night were Rotarians Rhonnie South and Steve Picton. Rhonnie is the Youth Director for the Club, and introduced Ava Weymans, a recipient of the Club’s Tertiary Education Scholarship Grant at the commencement of 2023. Ava spoke of her first year at U.N.U. where she is studying medicine. Rhonnie then introduced three recipients of the Club’s Scholarship grants who are commencing their studies in 2024. Charlie Fletcher will be doing a double degree in Creative Arts and Media at the U.O.W., and spoke of his passion for telling stories; Tara Whittaker will be doing a double degree in Psychology and History at the A.N.U., and she spoke of her passion of history; and Bailey Brady who will be studying a Batchelor of Education in Maths and P.E. at U.O.C.

Past President Alan Shephard was presented with a ShelterBox Plaque of Distinguished Service in recognition of his support of ShelterBox. Since 2007, Alan has organised members to raise funds at the local markets in Moruya on Saturday mornings. During his stewardship, Moruya Rotary has sponsored more than 40 ShelterBoxes.

Immediate Past President Shirley Cornish was made a Paul Harris Fellow recognising her service through R.A.W.C.S. with a program she designed as Sexual and Health Education in Pictures (S.H.E.P.) in poorer communities overseas. Shirley will be the R.A.W.C.S. Committee chair for Rotary District 9705 for the 2024/25 Rotary year.

Another highlight of the evening was the celebration of our last Charter member Michel Nader who turns 96 next week. Moruya Rotary was Chartered in May 1956, and Michel has been a stalwart of the club.

The evening was completed with dancing to the accompaniment of a local LPDuo Peter & Libby Evans.

Moruya Rotary meets at the Gold Club Tuesday nights, 6:30 for 7:00pm