On Saturday 5 July, the Rotary Club of Casey held its annual Changeover Dinner at Beaconhills Golf Club, formally inducting Jean Harrison as its 15th President. The evening was a celebration of the club’s achievements over the past year, with members and guests gathering to mark the occasion.
Dignitaries in attendance included Ann-Marie Hermans MP, Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region; Deputy Mayor Cr Melinda Ambros; Past District Governor of District 9815, Colin Byron and his wife Leanne; and District Governor Elect for District 9815, Emma Clark from the Emerald Rotary Club.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award to Berwick RSL’s Ray Heathcote, recognising his outstanding service to the welfare of RSL members. A veteran with active service, Ray has shown unwavering commitment to supporting fellow veterans and the broader community.
Incoming President Jean Harrison, a long-time Berwick resident and committed Rotarian of 13 years, previously served as President of the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills in 2017–18. She joined the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills shortly after moving to the area, drawn by its strong community reputation and active service ethos.
“I’m honoured to be leading a club that’s not only passionate but genuinely connected to both local and global causes,” Jean said. “I look forward to building on the fantastic work done by Immediate Past President Alan Foster and our dedicated members.”
This year, President Harrison and the club will focus on youth engagement, homelessness, and preventing domestic violence—causes that are increasingly relevant to the Casey region.
Although a relatively young club by Rotary standards, the Rotary Club of Casey is known for its inclusive, informal culture and a membership that reflects a rich diversity of ages and cultural backgrounds.
Regular community events such as the Holland Festival, Charity Long Lunch, Annual Charity Golf Day for Prostate Cancer, and the Pakenham Antique Fair are just some of the initiatives the club supports to raise funds and awareness for important causes.
If you’re curious about Rotary or considering ways to give back to your community, the Rotary Club of Casey warmly invites you to join them for dinner and a chat. Meetings are held every Monday night at 6.30pm at The Hill Restaurant, Parkhill Drive, Berwick.
