Clubs involved were Parkes, Orange, Wellington, Bathurst, Blackheath and Lithgow as well as a special guest, the Quota vice president from the Gold Coast, Queensland.

Friday night, May 25 was in the form of a meet and greet. Saturday the business sessions began with the opening ceremony. Quotarian Marilyn Tulley, as the chairperson, introduced presidents representing their clubs, past international president, Quotarian Carolyn Rice from Parkes, international vice president Shelly Brown from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Lithgow City Council deputy mayor Wayne McAndrew and Aboriginal Elder Owen Smith.

The American anthem and Advance Australia Fair were played before a welcome to country was given by Owen Smith. The official opening was made by Deputy Mayor Wayne McAndrew, who made special mention of the late Quotarian Dr Judy White.

The business sessions began with ‘Time to Reflect’. Once again Quotarian Judy White a member of Lithgow Club for 62 years was mentioned.

The election of the new regional director was next on the agenda. Chairperson of the election committee Noela Williams announced Quotarian Valerie Chisholm was the successful candidate.

Financial reports and club presidents’ reports were given, followed by Quota International vice president Shelly Brown focusing on development and growth, service programs, especially disadvantaged women and children, and hearing and speech.

Guest speakers were Reverend Mat Trounce from the Uniting Church who spoke about his early life leading through to his life now. The second speaker was Kathleen Compton, who has been writing children’s books for her grandchildren and researching her family history.

Both speakers were excellent.

Saturday night was party time.

Special guests were Bathurst MP Paul Toole, Lithgow City Council mayor Stephen Leslie and Susan Gregory.

There were members present representing the Volunteer Rescue Association, Suicide Prevention, Uniting Care, Lithgow Women’s Crisis Centre and Ann Redding.

Representatives from Inner Wheel and Lions Club were also in attendance.

The cutting of the celebration cake was performed by Paul Toole, Member for Bathurst, and past international president Carolyn Rice.

QI vice president Shelly Brown gave recognition of new regional director Q. Valerie Chisholm followed by the installation of the new board of Lithgow Quota, which consists of President Noela Williams, secretary Kay Adams, treasurer Jennie Lovett, first vice president Marilyn Tulley, second vice president Rhonda Kelly, third vice president Rhonda McAndrew, directors Margaret Buckley, Anne Shepherd, Joy Smith, Rosemary Stanley.

Entertainment for the night was the new Ukelele Group Lithgow Kruger Effect which were accepted wholeheartedly.