Rotary Club of Busselton Geographe Bay president Graeme Atherton has handed over the reins to incoming president Chris White.
Reflecting on his time as president, Mr Atherton said the club had achieved a lot over the last year through the Shelterbags for the Homeless project, Sail into Life, Mental Health Week and more.
The club has also donated funds to various community organisations such as Busselton Hospice, Community Safe Space, Fresh Start Family Centre, Radiance South West, the Combined Churches Christmas Hampers and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“I think it’s safe to say that we’ve had a successful year and that through our various projects and donations, we’ve made a positive contribution to our community, both locally and internationally,” he said.
“Our total expenditure this past financial year on overseas, local community and youth services came to just over $78,000.
“So, we complete our Rotary Year with our accounts in good financial shape in which to face the year ahead . . . a year in which we will celebrate our club’s 70th anniversary with a big party in September.”
Incoming 2026-27 president Chris White has been involved with Rotary from an early age, having joined Rotoract as a 21-year-old which led her to meeting her husband, Peter.
Chris was an integral member to the Northbridge Rotary Club and edited the club newsletter for several years before joining the Rotary Club of Busselton Geographe Bay in 2015.
She has since held several board positions, including president in 2020-21 and assistant governor from 2021 to 2023.
Ms White said she was excited to become president and was happy with the direction of the club.
“It’s really exciting and we have had some new members join a couple of months ago,” she said.
“Rotary clubs are very welcoming of lady members, so it’s in a really good place at the moment I think.”
Ms White said she was looking forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of the club this year.
“Things like that are really important because to have a club that does a lot of fundraising and a lot of giving, you have to have more than that for members to stay involved,” she said.
“The fellowship is extremely important. It’s important to recognise your milestones and celebrate what the club’s achieved over those years.”
Ms White said her favourite thing about being part of the rotary club was the camaraderie.
“You make lifelong friendships. Those kind of friendships don’t grow on trees.
“It’s just lovely to be able to have those kind of people in your life.”
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