Read here how the club celebrated seven decades of service at a gala dinner attended by members past and present and local dignitaries.

Bowen Rotary celebrated seven decades of service to the community this month with a gala dinner peppered with PDGs, current and former members, Mayors and Members of Parliament.

The dinner, chaired by PP Mark Steen, featured a trip down memory lane by past long-time member, and now honorary member, Frank Steen, who described his memories of the club and involvement in Rotary at club and district level. 

This was followed by a well-researched presentation by new member Marty Tanzer, who outlined some of the club's major achievements over the years, including the club's role in instigating the famous Big Mango which recently celebrated its 21st birthday.

Whitsunday Region Mayor Julie Hall welcomed guests, and Federal Member for Dawson and Bowen resident Andrew Willcox was guest speaker and congratulated the club on its contributions to the community, his favourite being Rotary Lookout at Horseshoe Bay.

Past District Governor Merewyn Wright presented President Helen Woodhouse with the 2023-2024 Theme banner, and the club is now looking to the future, ready to "Create Hope in the World". 

Helen said she remembered the start of her own Rotary journey in 1999. 

"I was inducted into the club after a guest spot to give an address on what was then my employment as director of nursing for Blue Care," Helen said.

"Feeling very welcomed by the club, which had only two female members at the time, I identified that the objective of Rotary was indeed how I wanted to live my life.

"I indicated I would be interested in becoming a member, was offered membership, and 24 year later I'm still here to tell the tale."

Helen said the club had a proud and strong tradition of service despite dwindling to three members in 2016.

"With the assistance of district representatives in this room tonight and Friends of Rotary we managed to survive and now have raised membership to nine and continuing with several Friends of Rotary," she said.

DG John Hall said the revitalisation of the club under Helen's leadership had been outstanding.

"Helen's stewardship has helped grow members and seen them engaged in the community in projects such as cleaning up the mother-in-law's tongue that is invading the foreshore and local beaches in Bowen," he said.

"My warmest congratulations to Bowen Rotary on a 70-year legacy of service to their local community and beyond."  

Congratulations Bowen Rotary, and a special thanks to long-term President Helen for her commitment and dedication to keeping a strong Rotary presence in Bowen over many years!