The Sarina Sporting and Services Club was filled with laughter and smiles as guests and members of the Rotary Club Sarina gathered in celebration of the 75 years of service to local community.
The club was admitted into Rotary International in 1949 on May 13, marking this year as a significant milestone celebrated by all involved, both young and old.
Executive Advisor Ralph Johnson inducted the luncheon with thanks to attendees, members and visitors of the club, acknowledging the support and hard work from all involved which includes various community projects made possible by the Rotary Club of Sarina.
“Each Rotary Club is independent, but it’s also bound together by Rotary International and Rotary International does so much work to better people’s lives.
“It’s the little things, you don’t know what effect it has,” Mr Johnson remarked.
Over the years some of the highlights include when the Rotary Club Sarina donated $20,000 towards the Sarina Skateboard Park, has been involved in cleaning up Sarina Beach CWA holiday home and busy-bees to improve landscaping, as well as yearly detailing of the Aged Care Bus for the Nursing Home. Members have even volunteered to build classrooms and a girl’s dormitory at Goldie College in the Solomon Islands.
In recent years, the Rotary Club Sarina has been involved in many local school establishments, like sponsoring buses to drive High School students to Mackay along with sponsorships of many individual and group students to educational camps and events, assisting school P&C’s and helping out with multiple fundraisers.
Among the many devoted club members, stood Lenny Lister, a centenarian of wisdom who has been a beacon of dedication and an inspiration to others, having volunteered over fifty years of Rotary service and is still standing as a passionate advocate in the community.
When asked the secret to living to 100, Mr Lister humorously says “mixing with younger people, you’ll think you’re their age,”
“Get involved in your community, you will benefit, your community will benefit, and the next generation will benefit,” he remarked.
On the other end of the scale, youngest member of the Rotary club and Youth Protection Officer, Josie Dahtler shared her love for the welcoming atmosphere and camaraderie within the club.
“I love the fellowship, it’s traditionally an older, particularly males’ group but Sarina Rotary Club is really encouraging, it’s been very welcoming and I’ve learnt a lot.
“We’re always welcoming new members, it doesn’t matter how young or old or what you’re involved in, it’s just a lot of fun,” she said.
President Elect and International Director Jef Mtombo has been a pivotal beacon of hope helping students overseas in Zimbabwe receive the education they deserve. He selflessly collects second hand computers, screens and cords for multiple primary schools, high schools and medical students.
The equipment sent is carefully wrapped in second hand, particularly children’s and baby clothing which is always gratefully received. He has also initiated a major project called IT to Zim that will help build a science centre in South Africa. Mr Mtombo is passionate about the profound impact of giving from his heart which has led him to many opportunities which he describes as blessings from God.
Mr Mtombo said “we are people who are passionate, we work from our hearts, not our heads.
Oldest member, Lenny Lister and youngest member Josie Dahtler cut the cake for Lenny’s 100th Birthday and Rotary Club Sarina’s 75th year.
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