Incoming Kingaroy Rotary president Neil Black with outgoing president Kerry Heit

June 23, 2023

Kingaroy Rotary’s changeover night on Saturday welcomed four new Paul Harris Fellows, honoured long-standing members and handed over cheques to support three not-for-profit local groups.

2022-23 president Kerry Heit handed over the reins to 2023-24 president, Kingaroy businessman Neil Black, at the dinner function at the Town Common Hall.

Neil formerly served as Governor of District 9600.

The ceremony was watched by outgoing District 9620 Governor (and honorary Kingaroy member) Tim Keeler AM, from the Logan club, and incoming District Governor Paul Roger, from the Greater Springfield club.

The four Paul Harris Fellows congratulated on Saturday night were Jason and Frances Wyeth, for their work in raising funds for cancer research; and long-standing Kingaroy Rotary members Bev Watter and David Black.

The Paul Harris Fellowship honours Rotary founder and Chicago lawyer Paul Harris who began the movement in 1905.

The recognition is the highest honour a club can bestow on a person and acknowledges outstanding service to the community.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Life Membership to Kingaroy Rotarian Lex Peterson who has been part of Rotary for 52 years.

He was presented with his award by Past District Governor Eric Wood.

Club stalwart Ray Pitt was honoured with the Area Governor’s Cluster Champion award.

A cheque for $1000 was presented to Jason Wyeth to support the Ride 4 Relay fundraiser for the Cancer Council Queensland’s Relay For Life.

Cheques for $1500 were also presented to local welfare groups South Burnett Care and South Burnett CTC.

[Photos: southburnett.com.au, Ros Heit and Nicola Pitt]

Kingaroy Rotarian Lex Peterson is congratulated by Past District Governor Eric Wood on his Life Membership
Incoming District Governor Paul Roger with outgoing District Governor Tim Keeler

Paul Roger with new Paul Harris Fellow Bev Watter

New Paul Harris Fellow Jason Wyeth with Kerry Heit

Nina Temperton received a $1500 cheque from Rotary on behalf of South Burnett CTC

Shannon Exelby received a $1500 cheque on behalf of South Burnett Care
Area Director Bryan Payne presented Ray Pitt with the Area Governor’s Cluster Champion award
At the dinner … Shannon and Tara Exelby; and Mark and Nicola Pitt, from the Rotary Satellite Club of Kingaroy Sunrise
Kingaroy Rotary’s “presidential wives” Lyall Black and Ros Heit
Getting ready to enjoy dinner were Gus and Bev Napier, Kingaroy

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.