Notes from Changeover 29th June 2017

Posted by Tatiana Porter

The Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific Changeover 2017

President Mike Healy welcomed all members, guests, visiting Rotarians, exchange student and families. Special recognition was given to Assistant District Governor Gordon Watson and his successor, Wendy Gilson.

This was followed by a rousing rendition of the Australian National Anthem.

International Toast

Frank Price proposed the International Toast to the Rotary Club of Honolulu, Hawaii.

He once spent 6 weeks there and has fond memories. The club meets on Tuesdays at noon, in the Monarch Room of the famed "Pink Palace"- The Royal Hawaiian Hotel located in Waikiki. The club was chartered in 1915 and is over 100 years old with more than 160 members. The current President is Rick Towill and President Elect is Terry George. Amongst other things, the Club has participated in making their community a better place, by transforming "the only remaining patch of undeveloped land in central Waikiki from a barren, debris-strewn, gravel lot into an oasis of greenery, education, culture and family activity!"

Grace was delivered by Peter Asher.

Greig Lee Archer received a telegram (or more likely an email) from Will and Donna Waterford congratulating the outgoing president, welcoming the incoming president and wishing us well.

Mike Healy spoke of our successful partnership with Zonta to complete the DV House. He then introduced Marilyn who spoke on behalf of the Zonta Club of Caloundra, and thanked our Club for contributing to the success of the Rise Project and the $650 000 that was needed to complete it. She informed us that it has now provided support for women and children in need and will continue to do so in the future. She spoke of one woman being so overwhelmed that she gave a BIG hug. In addition to thanking the club, Marilyn thanked Dave Smith who was supportive from Day 1. She also thanked all those who provided water at the Tri Series and spent a day in the sun. She made special mention of Peter Higgs who fixed some drainage issues and spent the day knee deep in mud, and Will Waterford who worked hard to get the landscaping done with Peter. Thanks also to Marilyn Harris who acted as liaison. She finished by saying that this project demonstrated that collaboration is a wonderful thing.

Outgoing President Mike Healy told us he had sent out the annual report, and then detailed some of the highlights of the year:

Queensland Air Museum Open Cockpit Weekend - it was his first event as President and he was apprehensive, but it was a success thanks to all who participated and especially Ross for doing all that needed to be done.
Golf Day - it was another great Golf Day thanks to the participation of the Club and especially Tony Long, who organised the event and came up with Dame Edna Beverage.
Trivia Night - another great event raising funds for ROMAC and it ran smoothly thanks to Bryan Mason and his team. Another highlight for Mike was that his team won.
Youth Activities - RYDA has gone from strength to strength. It is a credit to Rotary and the Youth Team. The Youth Exchange Program saw Gertrud come in and Alana go out - and this is one of the great ways to encourage the Rotary Objective of promoting international understanding.

Mike thanked the Board and the Club for making his year so enjoyable, and noted it was the willingness of all to pitch in that made it so effective. He also thanked Jenny for her support throughout the year. He then would have presented 100% attendance certificates to Bryan Mason and Les Pontin - but they were both absent.

Dan Thomasson presented the Centurion Awards to Kevin Curd, Allan Gillespie, Ross Harrison, Mike Healy, Peter Higgs, Ken Hinkly, David Johnston, Manfred Klink, Geoff Leddy, Greig Lee-Archer, Tatiana Porter, Frank Price, Bruce Radford and himself.

Mike Healy then presented the Paul Harris Fellowship. We use the Fellowship to acknowledge Rotarians and members of the wider community for their service to humanity. For those who have received the Fellowship in the past, we recognise continued contribution with a Sapphire Pin.

Dan Thomasson was honoured with the Paul Harris Fellowship and Neville Woodforth received the Sapphire Pin.

Please read the attached story to understand the remarkable contribution both have made to the community through Rotary.

Upon receipt of the Paul Harris Fellowship, Dan was initially speechless, but then noted that the Club does "a lot for our community, internationally and locally".

Neville was "almost lost for words", but confirmed his passion for youth projects, and clarified that he was not a pest (as Mike had suggested he must be to get schools to participate), but in fact used 'diplomatic persuasion'. For Neville to contribute so fully for so long he had the great support of Margaret, and on their 2nd last cruise (of the 5 they will be doing in the next year) they will be celebrating their 52nd Wedding Anniversary cruising the Norwegian Fjords on board the Queen Victoria.

Our exchange student from Denmark, Gertrud Vølund, gave a presentation of her 10 months in Australia and shared some interesting stories, quirky observations and amazing photos. Thank-you Gertrud!

Graeme Bowden and his assistants drew the raffle.

INDUCTION OF PETER HIGGS

President Mike, in his last moments in office, announced the changeover ceremony and handed over to ADG Gordon Watson.

ADG Gordon told us that Rotary around the world was looking for New Energy and Renewal. and while we should reflect on our past and our achievements, we should also look to what more we could achieve.

ADG Gordon Watson introduced Peter and his wife Yvonne to the club. He listed Peter’s long Rotary history.

ADG Gordon then presented Mike with his past president’s pin.

Past President Mike then presented Peter with the Club’s Charter for safe keeping.

ADG Gordon then officially inducted Peter as President of the Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific and presented him with his lapel pin and the Presidential Chain of office.

President Peter presented his thoughts for the coming year, which was to gain recognition for Rotary International and have fun doing it. He then introduced his board for the year:

Treasurer - Brian Reith
Secretary - Don Wilkie
Community Service Director - Kevin Leadbetter
Vocational Service Director - Barbara Bailey
Club Service Director - Ross Harrison
International Service Director - David Smith
Youth Service Director - Dan Thomasson
Sergeant-at-arms - Les Pontin

In addition, the following people have these responsibilities:

Aub Tucker - attendance

Will Waterford - program

Dan and Ross - Clubrunner

Tatiana - Bulletin

He finished by asking us to THINK ABOUT WHY WE JOINED ROTARY.

Next week we'll work out what we're doing for the year.

All in attendance were thanked.