The change was announced at the club’s changeover by then incoming President Keith Smith.

He said: “I have always been most impressed with the participation of members’ partners in the activities of this club. I have also been conscious of the requests of past presidents of Rotary International to involve the partners and families of members more in Rotary.

“I have, however, been concerned that we refer to these members’ partners and categorise them as visitors. We haven’t really involved them responsibly in club activities although we often seek their assistance in projects.
“Let us acknowledge their contribution to Rotary and our club. Let us invite them to take part more fully in the club. Let us now invite them to be MEMBERS IN PARALLEL.’’

Keith Smith said a letter would be sent to all prospective PARALLEL MEMBERS inviting them to individually accept this proposal and if they were willing, to accept committee membership where they would take part fully in the club committee decisions and activities.

Parallel Members will be officially invited to the induction of their member partner and be presented with their badge at the same time as their member partner is inducted.

Keith Smith, pictured, said the proposal may be seen as a twist to the policies of Rotary International with its current “only two” categories of membership – active and honorary members.

‘‘So PARALLEL MEMBERS may not yet, per R.I. rules, be able to vote on R.I. rule matters (such as club memberships, appointments, and such likes), but in line with the R.I. principle of Family Involvement we hope R.I. will accept and implement our local innovation on a world-wide scale some time in the future,’’ he said.

The club’s successful year under the presidency of Peter Ricardi was recorded in his annual report.
A gathering of 90 people heard that the club’s projects included the Tsunami Relief Appeal and donations of Aquaboxes, the support and contribution to the establishment of the Ballina Youth House and establishment of the John Huegill Memorial Scholarships.

Then President Peter Ricardi with Past District Governor Max Wortman announced two Paul Harris Fellow recognitions.
Rob McArthur was announced as the first recipient and joined his wife Maree who was named as a Paul Harris Fellow at the District 9640 conference in Lismore, N.S.W.
The second Rotarian named as a Paul Harris Fellow was incoming President Keith Smith.