Rotarians in District 9700 were treated to a rare visit from the standing president of Rotary International when Kalyan Banerjee arrived in Wagga during the week of 21 May. The Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga, as the first Rotary Club in the district, served as host and organised a very nice reception at the Wagga Wagga Country Club. Over 300 Rotarians and guests, many traveling several hours to attend, enjoyed an evening of comraderie and speeches from President Banerjee, DG Ian Simpson, and award recipient Alok Sharma, an optician from Wagga who received a “service above self” award for his “Darkness to Light” program that brings eye surgery to needy patients in India. Representing the Coolamon Rotary Club were President Marg, Garth Perkin, John Burns (who, as a recent Rotary inductee was pinned by President Banerjee), Ian Durham and Paul Weston. Despite having to stand for the duration of the event, a good time was had by all.
