 | It was a great honour and privilege that as the newly installed President of Wyndham Rotary, my first task was to bestow the status of Honorary Membership to Past President Darrell Carpenter. A somewhat strange occasion, given the current restrictions, the ceremony was conducted over Zoom. |
Darrell was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Wyndham (then called Werribee-Wyndham) in February 1985.
He was Club President in 1987-88. Over the years he has been Secretary, Treasurer, Bulletin editor, Program organiser, SAA, and of course driver of the footy tipping competition.
Along with his wife Bronwyn, Darrell has hosted seven youth exchange students, and for shorter times hosted many Group Study Exchanges and Friendship Groups.
On a District level Darrell was on the ROVE (Rotary Overseas Vocational Exchange) Committee organising internships for students (1997-99 and 2000-02) .
Darrell was Assistant Governor three years (2003-2005 consecutively) and 2011-12.
Darrell was also a member of the Appin Park Rotary Club when living in Wangaratta 1989-1994
Darrell has enthusiastically been involved in fundraising by car parking at Werribee Mansion. He has also been the main instigator of the annual lawn bowls match with RC Laverton Point Cooke and humbled to have the Most Valued Player Award named after him.
Darrell is a true believer in Rotary as shown by his continued active service with his “hands-on” approach, mentoring of members and guidance of the club.
He has also been awarded two Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions for his tireless service above self.
Non Rotary life? Darrell was a Civil Engineer working in local government: Werribee, Wangaratta and Surf Coast. A mad keen sports follower and played footy then lawn bowls and enjoyed cycling. Darrell is a true friend to all who know him and we are all privileged to be counted among his friends.