Club celebrates 33 years

By Kelly Yates
THE Rotary Club of Narre Warren celebrated its 33rd birthday last week by welcoming home exchange student Kirra Pickering.
The 16-year-old spoke to the club’s members on Wednesday night about her year-long trip to Sweden.
“It was indescribable,” she said. “I had the most amazing time.”
Kirra, who has now been home in Australia for two months, said she felt the trip had helped her grow as a person.
“I feel more confident, outgoing and have a greater education about the world,” she said.
Kirra entertained guests by reading a Swedish poem then translating it to English.
Rotary Club of Narre Warren president Ian Pickering and grandfather to Kirra said the club has had around 40 students take part in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program over the years.
“The students get an opportunity to build friendships and come together from all around the world as one,” he said.
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program has been going for 50 years.
“Kirra is already talking about going back to Sweden,” Mr Pickering said.
More than 36 guests attended the club’s birthday celebration at the Fountain Gate Hotel.