Rotary International was founded by Paul Harris in 1905 making it 120 years old in 2025 with 1.2 million members in 46,000 clubs in over 200 countries worldwide.

Back in July the Narrandera Rotary Club celebrated its 80th birthday with a changeover of positions – Jenny Clarke as President/Public Image, Mark Wilkie Secretary and Jason Haines Treasurer.

Ironically at the changeover, three members stepped out of active service with their combined years of service totalling 101 years.

These members were John Foster, Robert Norrie and Robert Close (pictured).

John Foster originally joined Rotary in Kempsey West (District 9700), was Club President 1990-91, Club Secretary-member 1985-92 Narrandera Rotary Club, remained a member 1996 to present day, Club Treasurer 2024, Club President 2004-05 and 2007-08.

• Rotary recognition two Paul Harris Fellow.

John’s wife Kathleen was also awarded a PHF along with John for her continued support in the club and work in the local community.

He was also a member of the Narrandera Rodeo Committee and Narrandera Business Group

• Three times president

• Total 36 years.

John and David Davis were inducted into the Club on the same night as John under Bob Manning’s presidency.

Robert Norrie joined as a member in 1988 and remains a member to the present day. His resume reads:

• President 1992-93, 2018-21 x 3

• Club Executive Secretary Director 2015-2016

• Club Secretary 1992-93, 1995-2002, 2006-2017, 2023-25

• Foundation Recognition

• Paul Harris Fellow x 3

• Many Youth projects including service projects to Fiji

• Enduring service within the Club as secretary and youth coordinator among other roles.

Robert’s wife Joy is also a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of her continued service to the club and community.

Total 38 years.

Robert Close resume reads:

• Member 1998 to present day

• Enduring roles as Club services projects and foundation chair

• Rodeo committee, Can-Assist’ support

• Hosting Rotary meetings at Robert and Neta’s residence/restaurant and poetry and pottage nights etc.

• President 2001-02 and 2005-06 (twice)

• Ex-Deputy mayor of Narrandera

• Foundation recognition – Paul Harris Fellow (twice)

Robert’s wife Neta was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for her continued support of the Club and work in the community particularly Can-Assist.

Total: 27 years.

All three of these members carried much of the burden of the Rotary Club during their many years of service with continuing roles and are regarded by the club as generous beyond belief.

The community of Narrandera are fortunate to have these people.

A recognition dinner for the three former members, their families and friends was held on September 3 at Halls Cottage in Narrandera.

Among the guests were Ann and Robert Dunn who came back from Wollongong, Narrandera Mayor Neville Kschenka and Mayor George Weston from Leeton.