The Henley-On-Todd Regatta does not just happen. A group of very dedicated volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes year round ensuring the ongoing success of this iconic event. There are a few special dedicated volunteers who we reckon deserve special recognition. This years sees the first salute to our “Henley Heroes”:
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Bill van Dijk |
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Bill van Dijk’s affectionate nickname of Commodore, stemmed not only from the number of years he spent revitalising the Henley-On-Todd (HOT) but from the few occasions when he was Rotary’s designated Commodore. The very zany Admiral’s costume found in the Totem Theatre’s prop box, added to the image!
In 1995 after retiring from the teaching service, Bill assisted in organising HOT. The following year former Rotary District Governor, Tony Reade assisted Bill in revamping the event. Tony’s invaluable experience paved the way for Bill, by now Chief Executive Officer, in ensuring that this iconic event would continue with national and international acclaim.
The Henley-On-Todd Regatta went from strength to strength with marketing strategies that publicised it as a major tourist attraction. Tourist operators from around Australia and the world were invited to put this event on their itinerary. Mini Henley-On-Todd (now called Corporate HOT’s) became popular and lucrative for the three rotary Clubs involved.
The Henley-On-Todd Regatta received a prestigious Brolga Award for tourism excellence in 2000.
As the reputation of the Henley-On-Todd Regatta grew, it seemed the right time to attract a major sponsor (the event had not had a major sponsor for a number of years) and in 2001, ASSA ABLOY (first under the name of LOCKWOOD) came on board injecting new life into the event. This company is still the major sponsor and their employees attend in full force to participate on the day.
One of the highlights of Bill’s stewardship, was being invited in 1997 as adviser to the Rotary Club of Staines in England, for their staging of a Dry River Regatta. Club members had seen HOT in Alice and wanted to simulate the idea. Ironically the beautiful River Thames floated serenely past their venue! It was a wonderful day and their Regatta still thrives as an annual fundraiser.
In nearly 10 years of dedication to Henley-On-Todd, Bill had succeeded in fostering an important Rotary ideal: “the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations between people of the world”.
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Warren Serone |
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Warren Serone joined Rotary around 1980 and has always participated to the full in Rotary as a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Stuart. He has acted in a variety of roles including : President of the Rotary Club of Stuart, Vice President, Club Service
Secretary, Treasurer (twice) and has received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow.
He was named Centralian of the Year a number of years ago, giving to his community activities and voluntary work.
He is a true participator in most Rotary activities and always available to fill in when required. He was Assistant Governor for a term and carried out those duties to perfection.
Warren would have been a member of the HOT BOARD for approximately 65% of his time as a Rotarian. Warren has obtained vast knowledge of how the Henley-On-Todd ticks and has been a willing volunteer in that time.
Warren has acted in the capacity as Commodore on two occasions, and undertaken various Board duties since 1980. He is a very willing participator in the Corporate Henley-On-Todd's and has been involved in all of them. Warren has become a very well respected member of the boar with his vast knowledge of the history and behind the scenes information on the event operation.
Warrens only bad habit he has, is he drinks Lambrusco on occasions.
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Peter Mostran |
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 Peter Mostran watched the first Henley-On-Todd (HOT) as a young man, his father Sandy Mostran having produced a film recording of the very first Henley-On-Todd.
Peter joined Rotary specifically to be involved with Henley-On-Todd in 1987. He has held positions in the club of Club Service Director, Club President, Community Service Director, HOT Commodore and was made a “Paul Harris Fellow” in November 1993 but believes his service to Rotary and to Alice Springs is best articulated with his work for HOT.
Preparations for Henley-On-Todd started well before the day for Peter’s family and his loyal staff. Over the years his staff have worked tirelessly alongside Peter to prepare the site, ensuring the equipment was maintained and also looking after the HOT yard.
When Peter sold the family business, the big issue was how to get his hands on the equipment needed to prepare the site for HOT. Many businesses and organizations now assist Peter with loans of graders, utes, cranes and personnel. Rotary and Peter are very grateful for their support in enabling this event to continue. These businesses too, are the quiet achievers for the community with their continued support. Like Peter, they just make it happen without any fuss. Peter’s satisfaction is in knowing that the job has been done well and the participants have enjoyed themselves, with the town benefiting from hosting the events.
The year Peter was Commodore, was the year the Todd flooded, so it really was an all night affair with cranes being needed to move equipment out of the riverbed. That occurrence cemented his resolve to stay with the site preparation, planning and clean up.
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Henley Hero's 
