July 8, 2020
Kingaroy businessman Neil Black has been officially sworn in as Governor of Rotary District 9600 but – like many events these days – the ceremony had a COVID-19 twist.
The ceremony was “virtual”, with Neil being sworn at Kingaroy State High School on June 26 while hundreds of Rotarians from across the District watched via Zoom.
South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto – a member of the Taabinga Rotary Club which officially wound up just days later – did the honours.
Neil was inducted into Kingaroy Rotary in May 2009 and has held many roles in the organisation, including Assistant Governor in 2014.
A highlight of Neil’s one-year term as District Governor will occur in March next year when Kingaroy hosts Rotary’s next District 9600 Conference.
As District Governor-elect, Neil had the privilege of selecting the venue.
District 9600 includes part of south-east Queensland as well as Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Nauru.
An estimated 300 to 600 delegates from across this region and beyond are expected to travel to Kingaroy for the event (restrictions allowing).
Neil is following in the footsteps of his late father, Ray, a Rotary stalwart who died in 2017.
Ray also served as District Governor and brought the District Conference to Kingaroy in 2007.
- Related article: Rotarians To Flock To Kingaroy
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Rotary video promoting next year’s conference:
A Big Rotary Welcome to the South BurnettJoin us in a trip around the place we call home.
