70 Years Strong

Rotary Club of Ayr Hopes to Welcome New Members in 2026

By Chelsea Ravizza

2025 proved to be a standout year for the Rotary Club of Ayr, with volunteers reflecting proudly on a packed calendar of community support and the club’s milestone 70 years of service celebrations.

Throughout the year, members rolled up their sleeves to support numerous local events, firing up the barbecue at popular fixtures including the annual Road Runners’ Sugar Rush, continuing Rotary’s long-standing tradition of hands-on community involvement.

Education and youth remained a major focus, with the Rotary Club of Ayr contributing around $7,000 to support three local high schools. Funding assisted with student awards and key initiatives, including the delivery of the RYDA Program, which provided driver awareness training to every high school across the Burdekin Shire.

The club’s commitment to youth development extended internationally, following an announcement in 2024 that saw local student Ruby Sitton sponsored to travel to Norway in 2025 as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. At the same time, the Burdekin welcomed an Austrian exchange student who attended a local high school, strengthening Rotary’s global connections at a grassroots level.

In May, the Rotary Club of Ayr hosted the popular Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race, with all proceeds donated to the Men’s Shed and the Woodworkers Club, reinforcing Rotary’s support for local groups that provide vital social and practical services.

Looking ahead, the club is eager to build on this momentum in 2026, with plans to reintroduce the Rotary Community Raffle after it was paused last year due to funding constraints.

“We’re pleased to confirm the Rotary Community Raffle will return in 2026 and again be available to local not-for-profit organisations,” said Rotary Club of Ayr member Narelle Hibberd.

“The raffle allows community groups to raise up to $50,000 collectively, with no cost to them. Rotary covers all expenses, including more than $17,000 in prize money, which makes it a very valuable fundraising opportunity.”

The club is also preparing to take part in the North Queensland Field Day in May alongside other Rotary clubs from across the Townsville district, while several new initiatives are currently under discussion.

“Our biggest goal this year is welcoming new members,” Narelle said.

“The future of the club depends on attracting fresh faces, particularly from younger generations, to bring new ideas and skills.”

While current members remain highly active, the club hopes to encourage younger locals to get involved and help shape Rotary’s next chapter.

Joining the Rotary Club of Ayr offers a meaningful way to give back locally while building friendships, skills and strong community connections. With flexible volunteering options and no requirement for special skills or large time commitments, Rotary provides an accessible entry point for anyone wanting to make a difference.

Narrelle and John warmly invite the community to attend the club’s open meetings held every Thursday evening at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club where attendees come together for a meal, discuss club business and enjoy a night of fellowship and fun from around 6:15pm onwards.

“People are always welcome to come along to a meeting, lend a hand at an event, or simply see what we do,” Narelle said.

“There’s no pressure, it’s all about showing up with a willingness to help in any way that you can.”

The Rotary Club of Ayr meets every Thursday evening from 6:15pm at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club. For more information, contact ayr@rotary9560.org or phone John McVeigh on 0409 321 428.

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Rotarians are often found here, there and everywhere as they continue supporting the Burdekin community. Photo supplied

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