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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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Henley Hero's 
