Well, it all came together, exactly as one likes it: The weather was clear and crisp, the venue was superb, the food was delicious, the service was excellent, the speeches were short and concise, everyone enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere which is provided by a positive, forward looking and highly motivated Rotary club. For the first time in the 33 year history of our club, we had a Changeover Breakfast rather than a luncheon or dinner, largely as a consequence of planning in the COVID era. And for all I know, it could well be that we'll continue this in future!MC Andy Bell introduced our distinguished guests, including District Governor Andy Rajapakse, Councillor Darren Taylor, our incoming President's father Robert Thomasson, Dr Trent Lipp and Sean Lowry. PDG Darrell Brown proposed a toast to Rotary International, which was responded to by DG Andy Rajapakse. Andy also presented a special recognition to Past District Treasurer Doug Lipp for his long services to the District for some 6 years: A "Rotary Super Hero" pin.
Outgoing President Mario Fairlie summarized the major events and achievements of the past 12 months and projected a beam onto the ongoing major projects of the Sleeping Sanctuaries and the X-Ray Unit for Vanuatu. He then presented the club's awards and annual wandering trophies:
- Ben Illes was recognized with a Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his organising of materials, transport and crane hire services for the Vanuatu project, and
- Paul Seymour received a Paul Harris Fellowship Award in recognition of his work as Vice President when Mario was absent due to his hospitalisation and overseas travel
- The Doug Waller Trophy was presented to Col Laurenson in recognition of his ongoing major efforts in organising overseas shipping of materials from our Project Shed to various overseas destinations
- The Quiet Achiever Award: Mario selected Adrian Crowe - in Mario's words: Adrian is the very definition of the Quiet Achiever, he continues to serve the club whenever and wherever he can. He has organised the 'Containers for Cash' collection at his high rise building. But just as important is his work at home, caring for his wife.
- The Fellowship Cup went to Franz Huber for his ongoing work producing the club bulletin, the website and Facebook sites and the work in club administration.
- Then came the moment of who got the "big mug", the Rotarian of the Year: This trophy is voted on by the members of the club.
Our "Minister for Everything" Geoff Croad was the clear winner, in recognition of his ongoing work in various segments, particularly in fund raising. His originating of the Containers for Cash campaign is just one of his ideas. In addition to the trophy, Mario also presented Geoff with another Paul Harris Fellowship Award (his third) - well deserved!
The change of the President's collar came with an additional highlight: Mario handed over to the incoming President Charles Thomasson, and at the same time presented him also with a Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his work of getting the Corporate Membership concept up and running (with the capable legal assistance of Secretary Mitch Brown) and his work on the Wheelchair Trust board. Charles briefly re-iterated his aims for the coming 12 months, as he presented them in detail at last week's club meeting (see last week's bulletin and website). He then presented the new board for the Surfers Sunrise Rotary Club (see photo below, from left: Simon Brook (Membership), Gerald East (Foundation), Mitch Brown (Secretary), John Chirio (President Elect), Mario Fairlie (Vice President), Franz Huber (Club Administration), Neil Thurlow (Public Relations), Larry Murray (Services, incl Project Shed), Doug Lipp (Treasurer), Karen Holland (Fund Raising), PDG Darrell Brown (Youth Services). Lots more photos in our Photo Album section - see right hand side.
Note: the Changeover Report is in PDF format on our Download Section on the right. If anyone would like a hard copy of it, please let me know, I have a few copies still available.
The meeting was recorded on Zoom and will remain available until 28th July. If you would like a link and password, please send me an email.