By BRIDGET SCOTT
HISTORY was made on Monday night when Harry Hutchinson was inducted as president for Casey Rotary where he will lead an all women board.
It is thought that Casey Rotary is the only group within the district to have an entirely female board, which will also mean the next president will be female.
District Governor Tony Spring inducted the new president, who will take over from Trevor Fry.
Before the induction, former President Trevor Fry gave his report on the year passed.
He spoke about the work Casey Rotary has done both locally and internationally, including the development of the Centenary House for cancer patients, and providing breakfasts at schools for students who don’t eat it at home.
He also mentioned the increased membership numbers which have jumped by 10 since this time last year.
The former president was also proud to discuss the fact that Casey Rotary had been approached by other rotary clubs to discuss their systems and structures.
“Other clubs have visited Casey Rotary,” he said.
“And we have visited other clubs.”
In addition to Trevor’s speech, the president of Pakenham Rotary Roger Thornton stood up to present new Casey Rotary member, and former Pakenham Rotary member Jeff Lempriere, with a certificate recognising many years of service to the Pakenham Rotary Club.
District Governor Tony Spring later inducted president elect Harry Hutchinson, after which the new board was also introduced.
In his president’s speech Harry told the group what his ideas are for Casey Rotary.
“I have a vision for this club to move forward,” he said.
“I want to see that the club grows in strength.”
While he has plans for more projects, he is also focused on strengthening ongoing ones.
“I would like to make the ones we are already running with stronger, if possible,” he said.
With the inaugural art show next Friday night, Harry has hopes that this will become an annual event.
Casey Rotary will also work in parnership with other Rotary groups, as well as the Berwick Village Chamber of Commerce, to start a food and wine festival which will be held in Berwick.
The new president also mentioned that he wishes for his club to work alongside Narre Warren Rotary Club, in the construction of a path around the lake in Narre Warren.
After his speech, Harry thanked Trevor for his dedication to the club as president, and presented him with a certificate of service.
Harry is determined to continue the modern approach adopted by Casey Rotary and recognises the quick pace in which Rotary is moving.
“Rotary is fast moving forward,” he said.
“But no matter what changed, we all represent that one word, Rotary.”
