“It was wonderful to be joined by so many across the community, including fellow Rotarians from Moruya, Batemans Bay and Bega, friends from Lions and Quota, Bega MP Andrew Constance, Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Cr Liz Innes, and our Rotary District Governor Margaret Hassall.”

A congratulatory message from Rotary International President Barry Rassin was read to the assembly.

Highlights of the evening included messages of congratulations from three of Rotary’s past presidents who were unable to attend; Jack Ings, Ian Thomlinson and Peter Bull.

This was followed by a review of Narooma Rotary’s 60 years’ in the community.

Both Cr Innes and Mr Constance were impressed by the club’s past construction projects including the building of the Narooma Sport  Leisure Centre.

Mr Constance suggested the club might consider a new Narooma Bridge as a future project; this was quickly declined by Mr Walker.

“It was an exceptional night,” Mr Walker said.

“I was pleased with the cross-section of the community which attended; we had many representatives from other organisations in Narooma.

Mr Walker said his term as president would see the club follow a steady path forward and continued efforts with established events.

“We have our monthly markets and of course we will have the busking championships again.

“Not forgetting our duck race on Australia day; that is very popular in the community.”

Following on talks by both Cr Innes and Mr Constance concerning the drought affecting many farming communities, Mr Walker announced Narooma Rotary had donated an initial $1,000 to the 2018 Drought Relief Fund to support drought-affected farming families. The fund –  launched last week – is a partnership between Rotary Australia, the National Farmers Federation and Channel 9.