A number of local Rotarians joined the club in celebrating David and Leonie’s contribution and service to Rotary and the broader community.  

David began his farewell speech saying that he considered all the club members his friends and that he and Leonie had had wonderful fellowship over the last 20 years.

Rotary had been a significant part of his life over his years in Bomaderry.  

Originally David had joined Leeton Rotary after some persuasion from a friend.

He was inducted at Bomaderry on the same night as former member Bob Webster.

He considered the most rewarding aspect of the fellowship of Rotary and that his motivation had been driven by wanting to make the community a better place.

David reflected that his fortunate upbringing had been a foundation for his life and humanitarian approach to the education of students.

When they arrived in Bomaderry, fellow Rotarian Brian Kenny found them a house which Leonie fell in love with, settling next to the TAFE and the oval where he could practice his golf swing, another of David’s passions.  

It was fortunate after an accident with a tree before settlement that the house needed some renovations.  

David managed the TAFE throughout the South Coast region for many years as well as contributing to the community and regional development through his membership of the Area Consultative Committee and more recently Regional Development Australia, Far South Coast.

David has seen many benefits with being a member with memorable days at the Bomaderry Markets and many trips away organised by the late  Brian Kenny, and also being club President twice.

Being treasurer had its challenges, particularly when running bingo at the RSL and, hosting several overseas exchange students.  

One of the highlights for David was working with Rotary colleagues, setting up the John Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund, a memorial fund to fellow Rotarian John Ryan, that provides an annual scholarship providing financial support to a medical student studying at the University of Wollongong.   

David’s other community involvement included being part of the Shoalhaven Education Fund committee, a role that he enjoyed, seeing how these student lives could be changed forever.

He noted how excited RYPEN students had been after attending this program.

David shared how becoming Assistant District Governor of Rotary District 9710, had opened his eyes to what it meant to be to be part of a Rotary District.  

David and Leonie have one son living in Cambodia and they are moving to the Gold Coast to be with the other son’s family and spend time being part of the grand children’s lives.

They are sad to leave the Shoalhaven where they have enjoyed contributing to the local community.

Bomaderry Rotarians all wish them well and look forward to seeing them in the future.