By Bonny Burrows
“The last few days have been tough, but the strength of our club’s shone through”.
These were the words of outgoing president Mark Caulfield at the Rotary Club of Berwick’s 2017 handover dinner on 28 June, held just four days after the club’s past president Mick Morland was fatality struck by a car during his evening walk.
The loss of their friend and fellow Rotarian of more than 20 years still fresh in their minds, it was no doubt a difficult decision to proceed with the annual handover – a celebration of the club’s past 12 months.
But it would be what Mick would have wanted, Mr Caulfield said during his opening address.
“As Mick would say, ‘just get on with it’,” he said.
And, with the strength of one another, that’s exactly what they did, but not without recognising their late friend.
A moving tribute bought a few sniffles and some laughs as Mick’s big smile flashed across the screen during a photo slideshow, while incoming president Ricardo Balancy also recognised Mick during his acceptance speech.
Recognising the club wouldn’t be where it was today without Mick’s contribution, “and either would I”, Mr Balancy said no-one would fill the shoes left behind.
“We will very dearly miss Sir Mick and as a tribute to him, with permission from his family, we have kept him as lead of the Australia Day Committee, Golf Committee and as council liaison,” Mr Balancy said.
“In our minds and in our hearts he will continue to be a part of this club.”
Mick will be farewelled by family, friends and community members at a funeral service to be held at Berwick Church of Christ, 432-446 Centre Road, Berwick, on 5 July, at 10.30am.
It will be followed by a private cremation.
The Rotary Club of Berwick will then meet later that night for its club service meeting.
“It will be a very hard day, saying goodbye to a very dear friend who’s left us is tragic circumstances,” Mr Balancy said.
“But we are strengthened with Mick in our hearts and in our minds.”
