An article from Mark Rak, Daylesford President
Daylesford Rotary’s annual Changeover on the 9th of July was a celebration of many achievements by the Club and by individual members. Mark Rak was inducted as the incoming Club President for the coming 6 months and also received Paul Harris Fellow recognition for his major contributions to our community and Rotary.
As outgoing President, Danny Moynihan commented, “Highlights of the evening included the induction of two new members: Peter Douglas and Sean Curlis and also Jan Ireland receiving the Club’s Bing Baker award for her exceptional dedication and service over the past year.” “I was honoured to have shared the role of President for three months each with: Victor Szwed; Andrew Littlejohn and Koos Hoolst.” Danny added:“
During 2025-26 Daylesford Rotary Club provided more than $22,000 in grants and support mostly to local groups. These included:
$2,500 to assist the Daylesford Phoenix Cinema
$1,500 for the Daylesford New Year’s Eve Parade
$1,320 for several local school programs
$1,000 each to the Good Grub Club and Club 5000 which provide meals to needy locals
$1,000 to help the Daylesford Community Op Shop recover from their flea infestation
$2,750 to our local “Days for Girls” group which makes up menstrual kits for young women overseas
$1,000 sponsorship for Panda a horse used by Daylesford Riding for the Disabled
$2,000 to the Rotary International “End Polio” program which has contributed to almost eliminating polio around the world
$3,000 to Rotary International for various projects
Incoming president Mark Bak advised that the Daylesford Art Show, now in its 43rd year, is the Club’s biggest fundraiser, providing more than $16,200 income for Artists from sales and $10,000 in Artist Awards through ten prizes. The 2026 Art Show will be held in the Daylesford Town Hall from 29th October to 3rd November. “We had a boost with a $2,300 grant from Hepburn Shire Council to improve and repaint our sixty display screens. This has been very much appreciated.” Mark added.
Photo: Anna Szwed
During the year, Mark had initiated the Window Wombats last year, working with the Daylesford Men’s Shed and local Artists. He commented, “This year more Wombats are being painted by local artists and will be displayed and available for sale later in the year. Local businesses and residents have welcomed the Wombats with a number of businesses that had missed out last year requesting they be included in 2026. The Daylesford Men’s Shed receives a portion of the funds for producing the cut-outs and undercoating them ready for the Artists. Artists have the option of receiving part of the sale proceeds or donating to Rotary to use in the community.”
The passing of long-term Rotarian, Alan Harrison, was acknowledged during the evening and attendance by his widow, Kaye, was very much appreciated.
For more information about Daylesford Rotary Club, please visit: www.rotarydaylesford.com