Like all service clubs, the Rotary Club of Cessnock has faced many challenges over the past year.
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Despite COVID-19 placing restrictions on its meetings and fundraising events, the club rose to the challenge and managed to raise $21,275 for local and international projects in the past 12 months.
Local beneficiaries included Jacaranda Aged Care, Cessnock District Rescue Squad, Cessnock PCYC, Cessnock City Council's Mayoral Scholarship program, Cessnock Girl Guides, Cessnock High School and Cessnock West Public School.
The club also donated to national initiatives including the Mark Hughes Foundation, RU OK and Australian Rotary Health, and internationally to the Rotary Australia World Community Service Flood Appeal, ShelterBox, Umoja Orphanage and Didi Nepal.
The club celebrated these achievements, among others, at its 84th annual changeover dinner on at Cessnock Leagues Club on June 24.
Vicki Steep was elected to a second term as president, with George Koncz as vice-president and Greg Bevan as secretary.
Ms Steep said COVID restrictions presented challenges for the club's fundraising activities, but as the year progressed some events were able to go ahead.
"We were able to complete some BBQ activities and our major fundraiser, volunteering at Hunter Valley Gardens Lights got the green light and provided us with much-needed funds to make donations to worthwhile causes," she said.
"We mastered Zoom to bring our members together at meetings and eventually held smaller social activities and hands-on work with our Marthaville garden rejuvenation project and adopt-a-road projects along Maitland Road and at Kitchener.
"The Rotary Club of Cessnock is a great club, composed of fantastic members and Friends of Rotary with a variety of skills.
"The club could not achieve what we have without everyone's efforts and teamwork and the desire to make a better world.
"I sincerely thank this year's board, all the members of the club and friends of Rotary for their support during the past year.
"As we move into my second term as president, I look forward to working with you all in the coming year with new ideas and continued fellowship."
The changeover dinner also saw Bev Hannay awarded the Paul Harris Award for her work as the club's treasurer for many years, while Graham Farish received the David Clark Memorial Award for his contribution towards membership, youth programs and club sponsorship.
Three new members - Graham Rose, Helen Rose and Harma Hill - were inducted at the dinner.
Anyone who is interested in seeing what Rotary does for the community is welcome to come along to a meeting.
The club meets at Cessnock Leagues Club on Thursday nights, at 6pm for dinner with a 7pm meeting start. Call Graham on 0414 842 327 for more information.