August 3, 2021
Rotary’s District 9600 Conference – held in Kingaroy earlier this year – has created a lasting legacy for the local community.
Kingaroy Rotary Club has handed over a $40,000 donation to Tamsyn Rosenberg, CEO of the ALIVE Youth Suicide Prevention Program, to help the organisation run its program in local schools.
ALIVE’s vision is to end suicide in young people. It aims to provide suicide prevention programs that build resilience, connection and wellbeing which help young people to not simply survive, but to thrive and be fully alive.
The Rotary donation came from fundraising at the District Conference in March, which had a strong focus on youth suicide prevention.
The cheque was presented to Tamsyn at Kingaroy Rotary’s recent changeover dinner.
The club also donated $1000 to the Kingaroy QCWA for domestic violence care kits, $2000 to South Burnett CTC for homeless packs, and $2000 to South Burnett Care for professional deep-cleaning of the vehicles used in their transport program.
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Kingaroy Rotary Club also recognised three new Paul Harris Fellows at the dinner: Cath Roberts, Lois Thurecht and Senior Sergeant Dave Tierney.
The Paul Harris recognition is the highest honour a club can bestow on a person and acknowledges outstanding service to the community.
- Cath Roberts was recognised for her assistance alongside husband Ron on Rotary projects as well as her work with the South Burnett Child Care centre, the Lifeline Women’s Shelter, ABC Kingaroy childcare, the Girl Guides and the swimming club.
- Lois Thurecht, who is president of the Kingaroy QCWA, has been an active member of the association for more than 50 years. She is facilitator of the QCWA’s Country Kitchens healthy eating program and has also supported the local women’s refuge, Drought Angels, Blaze Aid, rural shows and the Kingaroy Eisteddfod.
- Snr Sgt Dave Tierney has been officer-in-charge at Kingaroy Police Station for three years, and before that was based at Dalby Station. Since moving to Kingaroy, he has started “Coffee With A Cop”, supported Child Safety, the KCCI’s mental wellbeing program, the DV Safe Phone program, fundraising for local charities and Rotary’s RYDA road safety program.
The Paul Harris honour is named after Rotary founder and Chicago lawyer Paul Harris who began the movement in 1905. Paul Harris Fellows must meet high professional and personal standards and are not limited to Rotarians.
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Two honorary Kingaroy Rotary Club memberships were also announced: Dr Gerry Meijer (Rotary Club of Hervey Bay City) and Tim Keeler AM (Rotary Club of Logan).
Dr Meijer was recognised for his many years of service to Rotary, including stints as District Governor and Assistant Governor, and his community service with St John’s Ambulance, the SES, Army Reserves, Red Cross, Royal Life Saving Society and international aid missions.
Tim Keeler OAM has been a Rotarian since 1994 and chaired the District 9600 conference. He has served Rotary twice as a club president, been named District 9630 Rotarian Of The Year, been awarded five Paul Harris Fellows, is a member of the Paul Harris Society and received the Rotary International Club Builder Award. He will serve as District Governor for the new District 9620 in 2022-23.
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Kingaroy Rotary Club president Kat Butcher was reappointed for 2021-22.
Kerry Heit is president-elect, Mark Huston is treasurer and Bev Watter, secretary.
Deb Hails, Murray Johnston, Vince Evans, Ray Pitt, Neil Black, Kerry Heit and David Black will serve as directors.
The Kingaroy Rotary Club meets every Monday night at 6:00pm at the Kingaroy Senior Citizens Centre in Avoca Street for supper and club activities. New members are always welcome.
- Related article: Rotary Conference Rocks Kingaroy
[UPDATED with correction]
