The Rotary District Conference was held in Lightning Ridge for the first time last weeknd.
More than 550 people from across the district converged at the Bowling Club for the two-day gathering.
Saturday morning opened with a powerpoint presentation and a parade of international flags representing members from overseas who are on a cultural exchange in Australia.
Conference chairman and master of ceremonies Herman Kreller said the first section of the ceremony was very moving, with Rose Fernando's and June Barker's 'welcome to our land' presentation.
"The little Nagy dancers were delightful to watch and a big hit also," he said.
The official welcomes then took place with a number of figure heads addressing the conference.
Mr Kreller said the district committee would like to thank Barwon MP Ian Slack-Smith, who attended.
"Ian and the elegant Mrs Slack-Smith were a big hit with the audience of almost 600 people.
"Naturally, Walgett Shire was strongly represented by general manager Vic North, and by our ever popular mayor, Peter Waterford."
Mr Kreller said the audience was enthralled by Peter's talk on life in the bush, both now and in the past.
"His great sense of humour and warm personality helped make the opening ceremony the highlight not only of the weekend, but of the district's Rotary year," he said.
The conference was officially opened by deputy prime minister John Anderson.
Mr Kreller said a special thanks had to be given to Mr Anderson, who took time out from his busy schedule as acting prime minister, to fly up from Canberra on Saturday morning specifically for the opening ceremony of the conference.
"We feel greatly honoured by this gesture."
"During his speech he proved once again what a likeable, warm and ‘people friendly' person he is."
"By the enthusiastic applause Mr Anderson received it was obvious that he was among friends and admirers," he said.
The first keynote speaker on the morning was Stephen Lee who had flown from Perth to tell the district about how he had become involved in Rotary.
Mr Lee joined the international club as a youth exchange student at the age of 16.
The second keynote speaker, Dr John Troller spoke on prostate cancer.
Dr Troller said his aim was for communities to set up support groups for people who have prostate cancer.
He said prostate cancer research was not as well supported in society as breast cancer had been and was not as openly acknowledged and discussed by men.
Next keynote speaker was Fay Jackson, who works in research on mental illness and had for the majority of her life suffered from bipolar disorder, more commonly known as manic depression.
Ms Jackson outlined the stigma attached to mental health issues.
She said she wanted people to be aware, that people with mental illnesses do make contributions to their society.
The new district governor elect, Rick Bowen-Thomas was then announced following Ms Jackson's address.
The conference also showcased a presentation by Japanese, French and German students who are in Australia as part of the youth exchange program.
The formal district governor's dinner was hosted by the Bowling Club on Saturday night, with representations from major gold sponsors Country Energy and Best Employment.
On the night two district members also received Vocational Excellence Awards for the contribution their work had made to the broader community and society in general.
Dr Ray Hare, a research scientist in wheat production from Tamworth took out one of the awards for his significant contribution to the durum wheat industry in Australia.
The other award recipient was Graeme East who is the managing director and founder of computer consultancy company, ‘New Horizons', based in Armidale.
The second day started with an ecumenical service.
Mr Kreller said Sister Anne and pastor Rick presented a much appreciated service.
The first keynote speaker on Sunday, Sam Bailey, who is a quadriplegic and his wife Jenny spoke on the difficulties and hardships he had to overcome after a car accidents at the age of 19 permanently disabled him.
Mr Bailey, from Croppa Creek near Moree, said it was because he had adopted a positive attitude that he was now able to farm again by operating tractors and various other machinery as well as being able to fly a light plane.
In Australia at present there is a group of Dutch Rotary members who participated in the Group Study Exchange program and on Sunday they gave a presentation on what their country, the Netherlands, was like.
This was followed by the Australian team's address, who will travel to Holland next month for their cultural exchange in return.
Mr Kreller said the wonderful locals who provided free accommodation for the Dutch and Australian exchange teams deserve huge medals and gratitude.
Four competitors then competed in the public speaking finals, with the fourth speaker, Kevin Marshall from Tamworth winning a trip to South Africa after presenting his topic on the present education system, and a lack of work ethic experienced by today's generation.
The Camp Quality program was then outlined followed by an address from participants who went through the Youth In Search program.
Next year's conference is set to be held in Gloucester.
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