By Jessica Anstice
It takes a special kind of person to volunteer as a Rotarian.
Rotarians are committed to the ideals of service providing support to local and international communities, enhancing lives through health, education and improved living conditions.
Rotary Club of Berwick are a major player in meeting these ideals through their many local community projects, including prevention of suicide, mental health, homelessness, education, children book and Christmas drives, youth projects, donation of oncology chairs, Australia day celebrations and annual carols by candlelight.
“Throughout my life I’ve always believed in putting back in the community and volunteering, whether it being as a Rotarian or through charity organisations,” Rotary Club of Berwick president Isobel Caulfield said.
“Rotary gives me the opportunity to do so.”
For a lot of Rotarians, Australia Day often stands out as one of the biggest highlights each year, as it brings the community together to celebrate a historic time in history.
Volunteer, Sandi Tarant, noted how rewarding it feels to be a Rotarian.
“I was happy seeing my neighbour with his two young sons enjoying a ride in a stagecoach during the Australia Day celebrations at the local Park in 2020 – a very new experience for them,” she recalled.
“They came back to where I was working selling tickets for various rides and happily told me about their fun.
“Then went on to find other people and places to visit at the park.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, Rotary Club of Berwick recently celebrated its 59th anniversary by embracing a meeting online via Zoom.
“To celebrate, a piece of cake, a candle and a whistle was delivered to all members. All safe distancing of course,” Ms Caulfield said.
“Seeing candles being lit by all at home helped maintain some togetherness even though we are apart.
“I have personally been proud of what we can still do at this time – 59 years young and still going strong.”
Unfortunately due to the current restrictions, the club has not been able to work on many of its normal projects at this time.
However, it is still delivering warm clothes for the Rotary East Gippsland Fire Relief, as well as assisting Rotary Clubs in New Jersey, USA, by accessing grants for ventilators and critical care beds for Covid-19 patients.
“This is what I personally like about Rotary – it involves opportunities for both local and international service.”
Ordinarily, Rotary Club of Berwick assists with maintaining local cemeteries, caring for parks and gardens just off Princes Highway in Berwick, and much more.
Ms Tarant has volunteered with Rotary since joining in 2008, after she retired.
“It is much better contributing to various colleges and whatever my Rotary Club gets involved with,” she said.
“Also I make new friends and meet some very interesting visitors to our club.
“Surely better than staying home and not achieving anything at all.”
Since being involved, she has received the highest Rotarian award possible – the Paul Harris Fellow Award.
“This award makes me feel that all the years I have been working with the club were appreciated and I had done well,” she said.
“The award is on display for people to see who walk through my dining room.
“Every day I can see it and it makes me very happy and proud.”
