Rotary gets down to work for birthday

The Rotary Club of Manjimup will celebrate its 65th birthday this year and will continue its quest to “help the community wherever possible”.

With 37 members, 2017 is expected to be another “busy year” for the group according to club president Alex Alban

“Our first big thing for the year is the Timber Towns Wine Show,” he said.

The Timber Towns Wine Show is held on February 2 and boasts an opportunity for producers to promote their wines.

Other Rotary contributions to the community include producing the community calendar, holding fundraisers, supporting schools with award nights, workshops, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment and an exchange program.

“We assist a student to study abroad for 12 months while assisting a student from abroad,” Mr Alban said. This year’s exchange student is Manjimup Senior High School student Molly Cabassi, who has left to study abroad in Belgium for 12 months with the club covering some of the cost.

“We also have a German student, who is here at the moment and due to go home in July,” Mr Alban said.

“We really try and support our youth and they embrace the experiences and it’s something they’ll always remember.”