Outgoing president John Clarke spoke fondly of the past 12 months as president and the pride he held for the club.

“I am proud to be a member. I’ve enjoyed it immensely and thankyou for the honour and special privilege,” he said before announcing Pamela Mansfield-Eastaway as the club’s new leader.

The club’s fundraising efforts totalled more than $11,000. The donations included $1,200 for a second shelter box, a project that delivers emergency housing and cooking utensils to areas ravaged by natural disaster.

The group also got behind the Cooma-Monaro Shire Council’s appeal for assistance in providing portable defibrillators, pledging $2,817.

Two people received Rotary’s highest honour in appreciation of substantial contribution to humanitarian and educational programs.

Member Steve Shirvington was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship award named after the founder of Rotary International for his work as youth director and community service director. Non member Sue Litchfield also received the Paul Harris Fellowship award for her involvement with the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research, the group raised $80,000 for the oncology unit at Cooma Hospital.

Mrs Litchfield said she was extremely proud to be bestowed the club’s most precious award considering she was not a member.

“They don’t give many of these to community members,” she said.

As the night drew to a close it was time for the new president Mrs Mansfield-Eastaway to unveil the theme for the next 12 months, which is the future of Rotary is in you hands.

Mrs Mansfield-Eastaway said as she addressed the club for the first time as president that she was looking forward to the challenges ahead, working with the club and other Rotary clubs.

“I look forward to working within the motto and encouraging us as a club and as individuals,” she said.

“Working hand in hand with other clubs.”

Mrs Mansfield-Eastaway thanked the group for believing in her ability to lead them.

“I thankyou very much for the position you’ve put me in and hope I make you proud,” she said.

“I look forward to you advice and assistance in every way. Together we are strong enough to achieve anything.”