CHANGE OVER: Ian Mackenzie-Smith with Peter Sivyer.
MYALL Coast Rotary Club was the only club within its district to receive a Rotary International Significant Achievement Award this year.
The award which recognises outstanding community service efforts was presented at the club's recent annual changeover dinner by district governor Janette Jackson.
Fundraising efforts increased again this year with the club donating close to $17,000 to organisations and projects, particularly within the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest and Bulahdelah areas.
This year's biggest individual donation of more than $2000 went towards supporting Rotary youth programs which aim to boost leadership qualities in Myall Coast youth. Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Tea Gardens Ambulance Station, Meals on Wheels, surf life saving club, Tea Gardens Primary School and Tea Gardens Men's Shed were some of the major recipients.
At the changeover dinner outgoing president Ian MacKenzie-Smith handed over the reins to incoming president Peter Sivyer.
New president Mr Sivyer has been involved in Rotary for 40 years and has previously served as president as well as district governor. President elect for this year was Brian Oakley, vice president John Taylor, secretary Alison Howell and treasurer Paul Dewar. During the changeover dinner Tea Gardens Red Cross volunteer Yvonne O'Donnell was awarded as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Ray Harrison then had a sapphire added to his existing Paul Harris Fellow Pin to further recognise his services.