Former club members and Paul Harris Fellows Frank Steen (Honorary member) and Steve Isgar cut the anniversary cake.

Photo by Merewyn Wright

Clubs celebrate Rotary milestones.

PDG Merewyn Wright, District Public Image Chair — February 29th, 2024

Rotary Club of Bowen celebrated Rotary's 119th anniversary, while Rotary Club of Cairns celebrated its 94th birthday.

Rotary Club of Bowen

Approximately 40 Rotarians, partners, former members, friends and community members gathered at a special dinner in Bowen on Friday 23 February to celebrate Rotary International's 119th anniversary, combined with an early celebration of the club's 71st birthday. The club honoured Rotary's birthday by acknowledging all those members and former members who have been recognised with a Paul Harris Fellow over the years, as well as visiting Rotarians who have received PHFs.

Bowen Rotary's Paul Harris Fellow recipients who were present at the celebration. — Image by: Merewyn Wright

Past District Governor Allan Church, as guest speaker, spoke about the history of the Paul Harris Fellow recognitions (made possible through club or individual donations to the Rotary Foundation). Past District Governor Merewyn Wright conducted a roll call of all of the club's Paul Harris Fellows, and then surprised long-time Club president, Helen Woodhouse by presenting her with her third Paul Harris Fellow pin (2nd sapphire). Proceeds from a raffle held on the night will be donated to Rotary's End Polio campaign.

President Helen (centre) after receiving her PHF + 2 pin, with PDGs Merewyn Wright and Allan Church. — Image by: Merewyn Wright

Rotary Club of Cairns

On Tuesday 27 the Rotary Club of Cairns celebrated its 94th birthday with 36 members and guests enjoying a celebratory dinner at The Bungalow Hotel.

The Club was chartered on 24 February 1930, just 25 years and 1 day after the original Rotary club was chartered in Chicago and is the fifth oldest clubs in our district.

To recognise this anniversary, the $350 raised by raffle ticket sales on the night will be donated to The Rotary Foundation.

A Paul Harris Fellow was presented to the club's auditor, Margaret Dewhurst of BDO, Cairns, recognising her 12 years of pro bono service to the Club.

President Ellen Gardiner (left), assisted by Past President Tracey Paterson (right), presenting Margaret Dewhurst (centre) with her Paul Harris Fellow recognition. — Image by: Contributed

The club was joined by three Rotary Youth Exchange students, Delfi, Miya and Heloisa, along with guests Past Area 2 Governor David Kirchner and Linda, and Cassie Nicholls (Cairns Sunrise Club) (photo top) and Area 2 Governor Rita Zappulla, Past Area 3 Governor Shane Moon, and Rotarian Jeff Haynes (Cairns West RC) (photo bottom).

President Ellen Gardiner, with great assistance of Margaret Dewhurst cut the birthday cake which provided a delicious dessert.

All in all, a great night of fun and fellowship.