Community & Business
15 July, 2022
Mareeba Rotary Change of guard
AFTER just two years of becoming a member of Mareeba Rotary, Caitlin Murray has been named as the new Rotary president, while long-standing Rotarian Kevin Davies was awarded Rotarian of the Year for 2021-22.
Outgoing president James Howe welcomed Caitlin to the role at the changeover event held last week.
A very active member of the community, Caitlin works at the Mareeba Hospital while also juggling duties as the Far North Queensland Sub Chamber Showgirl, travelling around to rodeos and agricultural shows.
She was inducted into Mareeba Rotary in 2020 by the then president Lenore Wyatt, initially joining because she wanted to give back to the community and “bring more spirit and joy”.
“I saw what Rotary was all about and I knew I needed to be a part of it,” she said.
“Take my next step into what a main passion of mine is, and that is and has always been charity and community - giving back what I can when I can.”
Making a positive change in the community is the main reason Caitlin enjoys being a part of Rotary, as well as making new friends with plenty of memories to cherish along the way.
While only a member of Rotary for the past two years, Caitlin didn’t see herself as president this early on but with a nudge from a friend, she put her hat in the ring.
“I had no intention of becoming president this early in my Rotary journey,” Caitlin said.
“With the support, guidance and a slight push from a fellow Rotarian I’m now the proud president of 2022-2023 – I see it as a compliment that my fellow Rotarians saw this in me.
“I see it as a great honour to have my new role as president, it means I get to show my leadership skills as well as confidence and passion I have for our town.”
Now in the role of president for 2022-23, Caitlin is looking to continue Rotary’s legacy and help make a positive change in the community.
“I will continue to listen to the community and see where our help is needed, and like past years, continue projects that better Mareeba,” she said.
“I look forward to many more years to come. As well as sharing my passion for the work this organisation is involved in and I constantly encourage others to join up and be a part of change.”
Following in the footsteps of his father Cedric who was named Rotarian of the Year in 1998-99, Kevin Davies was named 2021-22 Rotarian of the Year.
Kevin has been involved in Rotary for more than 15 years and became the president in just three years after joining.
He has been involved in many events for Rotary including running in their team for the Great Wheelbarrow Race, cooking food at the Relay for Life event, and helping organise the Rotary FNQ Field Days.
Besides Kevin’s father being involved in Rotary for nearly half a century, Kevin wanted to join to be a part of an organisation that actively helped the community.
“Rotary is a community organisation involved in the community and my father was a long time Rotarian, for over 45 years,” he said.
“One of the major projects I was involved in was putting TVs in the Mareeba Hospital which was a joint venture with Bendigo Bank.
“It’s amazing to be recognised for the effort you put in, I am humbled by it and proud they chose me.”
