President Steve's final words and hand over to President James.
My year as President of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley has come to an end, and as predicted, the year absolutely flew.
It’s been a fantastic journey. We successfully merged two clubs, allowing us to achieve more than we ever could have separately. Our Youth programs are stronger, our fundraising has grown and diversified, and our flagship event, the Barossa Airshow, not only raised vital funds but also strengthened friendships and put Rotary front and centre in our community.
I’m incredibly grateful for the honour and privilege of serving as President this past year.
I’ve learned so much about Rotary and its impact, our community, our Club’s Foundation, and the shared passion of our members to make a difference. Most of all, I’m thankful for what this year has taught me about myself.
It’s been a year of growth, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity.
It’s customary for the incoming President to present the outgoing President with a small gift. James Dunn, our new President, kindly asked if I’d like a bottle of wine, which I thought was a very thoughtful gesture.
But not in my wildest dreams did I expect the bottle he presented me with!
As you can see in the photo, this is something truly special. It’s an Imperial, 6L. It will definitely need a very special occasion to open and share this incredible gift, and the sentiment behind it.
Thank you, James. A wonderful surprise and a moment I won’t forget!
Thank you Steve for your role as Club President. Now is the time to sit
back and perhaps have a little sip from the bottle above.
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Guest Speaker – Michelle Knynenburg
Michelle told the gathering that she had spent the past four months working
in the local libraries and was enjoying it immensely. The Barossa Council has four libraries: Nuriootpa, Tanunda, Mount Pleasant and Lyndoch. Each Library provides a range of activities for the locals. Clients may be seeking a particular book, so no matter what it is, the librarians will place an order for it if it is on their listing. When it arrives the client is notified. Library Groups are popular and quite a number of different programs and activities become available for members and locals to take part in, such as ‘The Makers Circle'. If you are a quilter or embroiderer, card maker or knitter you are welcome to join. Other activities include Scrabble,and various Board Games. You might be an artist, tell the librarian and perhaps you may be able to exhibit some of your work.
Thank you, Michelle, for an interesting presentation about our libraries.
Guest Speaker Michelle with James and Sandie.
Events of the Past
100 years 1905-2005 – Celebrating Rotary in the then District 9500.
District Governor was Katina Jones, a member of Adelaide Light Club.
Many of us travelled to Alice Springs for her District Conference.
One morning during the conference Katina announced that one of her wishes was to put together a Time Capsule. At that time her finger pointed towards yours truly, and so, going ahead with this idea, around 32 clubs provided
various articles and items which were placed into the capsule prior to its closure.
Past District Governor Katina with Past Rotarian Brian Helbig. who arranged the return of the Capsule from Alice Springs followed by its placement in position.
Katina retired from Rotary to concentrate on her desire to develop several schools, with one In Adelaide and another overseas. Her school in Africa has been highlighted twice in earlier Club bulletins.
Once completed the time capsule remained under the care of the Alice Springs Club for some time. However, the committee arranged for its return to Adelaide. We approached the Adelaide City Council seeking an area where the capsule could be placed. The Adelaide City Council supported the committee and agreed to a spot near the flagpole on King William Road opposite the Children’s Hospital.
If you are in the area near the Children’s Hospital anytime, walk up to the flagpole on the opposite hill and have a look at the plaque which reminds us about this project.
The capsule is to be opened in the year 2055.
The committee in this picture below won’t be available, so hopefully future Rotarians will ensure that this task is carried out and the capsule is lifted out, opened, and the contents returned to the various clubs.
The Capsule Committee. Reg Hutchinson, Ary Van Kleef, plus four past
District Governors. Peter Rostron, Katina Jones, Kerry Brandt Wilson and Robert Brookes.
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Attendance at Meeting 3354.
July 21st 2025
Members 22
Friends 1
Partners 1
Guests 1
Honorary
Total 25
Apologies/LOA 11
Birthdays for July
Peter Sich July 27th
Date Joined Rotary
Peter Sich 1/7/83 42 years
Peter Thomas 1/7/84 41 years
Brian Barnett 16/7/97 28 years
