The volunteer group has been hard at work to deliver the community with services and activities during the holidays. 

Club secretary Chris Dixon said the group has has had a “busy couple of weeks”.

“Pamela and I manned the Santa grotto and took pictures and gave away presents to over 600 children,” Mr Dixon said.

“Nola Sweetman played Christmas carols at the grotto in her first public public performance.”

Mr Dixon and his wife Pamela have been club secretary and treasurer for the past five years. 

“Katherine is a small community and we want to get Rotary out there, we are always looking for more volunteers,” Mrs Dixon said. 

Mr Dixon said Rotary also brought Christmas cheer to Katherine’s older residents. 

“My brother is in a band called Moonshadow and they offered their services to the old folks home and Red Cross Aged Care accepted so we held a evening concert there. 

“The old folks weren't bopping but I think they enjoyed it. One of the staff said that they all stayed whereas normally they just eat and bolt.”

The club recently renovated the Rotary Family Fun Park adjacent to Clyde Fenton pre-school, and Mrs Dixon said it has been a hot commodity. 

“Rotary hires out the space to difference groups and it has been quite popular,” Mrs Dixon said. 

“The Cooee Organic Group have been hiring it out each fortnight to sell fresh fruit and vegetables and ice coffee.”

Mr Dixon said the big project for the year will be to launch a Community Shed. 

“The Community Shed is a step closer after a successful meeting in December and we will press on with another meeting,” Mr Dixon said.

“My vision is to have a place where people can come together and work on projects, like a community learning centre people can learn languages, gardening, crafts and things. 

“We have another meeting on February 7,” he said. 

Katherine High School principal Peter Fairchild has stepped in as president while John Leo is away. 

Photos from Santa’s grotto can be accessed here: https://www.rotarykatherine.org/copy-of-santa-at-centro-2016