Rotary Ipomoea has celebrated a busy and fun year that has seen thousands of dollars raised and poured back into our community at an annual changeover with a difference.
Rotary clubs have a changeover each year to swear in new office bearers and thank those who have served the previous year.
Our Forbes Ipomoea club does things a little differently - and this year thought they'd combine this formal function with a fundraiser.
Outgoing president Sueanne Nixon explained they had a desire to support Forbes Preschool, who had welcomed them to their centre and explained the progress they're making with their speech and language programs.
So the club's first photography competition evolved into a wonderful event held at Club Forbes.
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Rotary club of Forbes Ipomoea new office bearers were applauded with Mrs Helen Pitt being welcomed as president for 2025/2026 and Mrs Nixon sharing some highlights of the year.
Monthly markets, held in warmer months, continue to grow and winter markets, in the Youth and Community Centre in June, July and August, have started to provide a warmer market experience.
Major fundraising events as well have included the Vintage and Collectables Fair, annual Christmas Tree Festival, Australia Day breakfast and now the photography competition.
Members of Rotary Ipomoea enjoy being able to support local projects that support children in our community, and recently provided donations to Eugowra's primary and preschools.
Forbes North and Forbes Public Schools received funding for equipment for their support classes, and Forbes High students to attend a science experience in Sydney.
Havannah House received $5,000 to Havannah House following the Christmas Tree Festival for much-needed infrastructure upgrades.
Ipomoea also donated $2000 to Forbes Hospital auxiliary, and to Care West Lodge in Orange for a new vacuum cleaner and kitchen appliances.
Rotary Ipomoea has long-term local projects, including maintenance of the memorial garden at JRV and sponsorship of a student at the school of Saint Jude that are a constant reminder the power of community service.
Internationally, Rotarians support the Shelterbox program, which provides a tent with supplies including a water purifier to support a family in a time of crisis for three months.
Ipomoea accepts donations from their monthly market entry each month, with the aim of funding one Shelterbox a year.
Each time, they receive notification of where the boxes have been sent following natural disasters.
Forbes also supports Rotary projects including Polio Plus, working to eradicate polio throughout the world, and Rotary Health which funds research in many areas of medical study.
It is all made possible by the incredible support of the Forbes community every time an event is on, Mrs Nixon said, and members are so very pleased to chat with anyone about the power of Rotary quietly working away within our town.
