Rotary District Governor’s Burdekin Visit Celebrates Service And Community Spirit

(L-R) Clive Williams, Rita Zappulla, Brien Leibinger, John McVeigh. Photo supplied.

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Contributed with thanks by the Rotary Club of Ayr

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The Burdekin’s two Rotary clubs proudly welcomed Rotary International District Governor Rita Zappulla last Sunday for a special visit celebrating local service, fellowship and the inspiring contribution Rotarians make to their community.

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During her visit, Ms Zappulla met individually with Ayr Rotary President John McVeigh and Home Hill Rotary President Clive Williams before joining a full combined meeting of 23 Rotarians from both clubs at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club.

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As District Governor, Ms Zappulla supports 80 Rotary clubs and more than 1,800 members across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste. Her Burdekin visit allowed both presidents to share their clubs’ major projects, milestones and ideas for strengthening Rotary’s contribution to the Burdekin community.

Ms Zappulla said one of the greatest privileges of her role was representing the district and celebrating the remarkable work Rotarians were doing in their communities. She praised the dedication of Burdekin Rotarians and the strong local support helping both clubs turn their ideas into meaningful action.

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“I’ve been so gratified by the generosity of Burdekin businesses and individuals who have contributed so handsomely to supporting their projects,” she said. “This community is the very best.”

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Ayr Rotary expects three of its major fundraising initiatives—the Community Raffle, Burdekin Phone Book and Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race—to raise a combined $70,000 for local, national and international causes.

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Because the club covers the raffle’s operating costs, local not-for-profit organisations keep every dollar from the tickets they sell. Ayr Rotary President John McVeigh said up to $50,000 would go to local sporting clubs, school P&Cs and churches.  

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“All 10,000 raffle tickets have been distributed,” he said.

“The raffle will be drawn on 14th November.”

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Home Hill Rotary is working towards a $40,000 all-terrain vehicle that would help Home Hill and Ayr police officers reach remote areas across the Burdekin. President Clive Williams said the club was building on the successful 18-month tenure of lifelong Rotarian Alfio Musumeci.

“We’re coming home strong,” Mr Williams said.

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“With the success of the Harvest Festival Mega Markets and Harvest Festival Queen Maddy Gallagher’s fundraising, we’ll make it.”

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Residents who would like to meet new people, share their skills and make a practical difference in the Burdekin are warmly encouraged to connect with either the Ayr Rotary Club or the Home Hill Rotary Club.