Hunter celebrant Anthony Burke has been inducted as president of the Rotary Club of Kurri Kurri for the 2016/17 year.
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Mr Burke, 31, took the reins from past president Jordan Fallon, who was the youngest Rotary president in Australia last year (at age 19).
Mr Burke said he was honoured to be able to lead the club, which consists of 22 members.
“I am really looking forward to continuing the good work that has been happening in the local area for many years,” he said.
“The Kurri Kurri club is comprised of members that are truly passionate about our local area and to be a part of that is something special.”
Mr Burke said the club will continue with projects like Youth Exchange, Back of Bourke, Breakfast Clubs and the Coalface Pedal over the next 12 months.
He said the club will also be looking to create some new projects, such as a Justice of the Peace stall.
“We have many members who are JPs and we will be setting up on a regular basis in the community where locals can access the services of a Justice of the Peace,” Mr Burke said.
Mr Burke hopes the Rotary club can foster educational opportunities in local schools.
The club will provide a ‘Kurri Rotary Pack’ to each of the schools in the Abermain-Weston-Kurri area. These packs will include books for the school library and sporting equipment for sport days.
“I hope that this creates educational opportunities and healthier activities for students,” Mr Burke said.
Another new initiative that will be introduced this year will be a scholarship is in memory of long-serving Kurri Rotarian and electrician Col Brown, who passed away in May.
This award will be presented to a young person in the local area who is studying an electrical trade in their first or possibly second year, or even just about to start their trade.
The recipient will receive $1000 cash to help them with their trade, and a $1000 voucher to assist with buying tools.
Mr Burke said the club aims to make this an ongoing Rotary award for local young people.
“We hope to see this award grow and truly honour a great man who gave so much to our local area,” he said.
“Col was a member for 42 years and his contribution to the local community will always remain in Col’s legacy.
“Col would want this award to be given to someone who deserves a fair go, and that’s exactly what we will do.”
Mr Burke said that he will be working with the club to increase the branding of Rotary in the local area.
“Its important for our local community to understand the work that service clubs like Rotary do in the local area,” he said.
“Be sure to come and say hi to our members when out and about in the community.
“To be a part of Rotary is an honour, but to serve our community is a privilege.”
The Rotary Club meets at the Station Hotel Kurri every Tuesday night, 6pm for 6.30pm start. Visitors are welcome.
The club will hold its annual trivia night at Kurri Golf Club on Saturday, September 3.
Call Anthony on 0439 601 852 for more information.
