In spite of all the challenges of COVID-19 and associated restrictions, a successful Changeover on Tuesday 30 June saw outgoing President Ross Schweitzer hand over the reins to our new President Sue Voss.
With only twenty Members and guests in attendance this was a significant departure from the Changeover events of other years. However, everyone in attendance seemed to enjoy a wonderful evening.
David Morris, MP, undertook induction duties with the assistance of outgoing President Ross. Thank you David.
Sound issues made life more difficult for those ten members who were present via Zoom. However, we will learn from this and holding hybrid meetings into the future seems to be necessary at this time.
President Sue outlined her vision and expectations of the year ahead and we can look forward to 2020/21 with confidence.
Sue spoke about having such a capable and collaborative Board, most members of which continue on from last year.
She also noted that the 2020/21 celebrates the Centenary of Rotary in Australian that it will be 50 years ago since the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza was established in 1971.
Noting that COVID-19 had stopped us from conducting the Club Viisoning session earlier this year, Sue promised that this would now occur this year.
Our new President clearly outlined her desire to establish a Satellite Club during the next 12 months.
A key aspect of the coming twelve months will be engagement with other not for profits in the local community including sporting clubs.
A proposed 50 year project for our Club will be a 50 Years Legacy Project with the opportunity to sell bricks that will be used in a Path/ Paving project. We can use the opportunity to liaise with other community groups and have them sell bricks resulting in a win/win situation for those groups and the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza.
Sue also indicated that she will be looking for the Club to undertake a major international initiative.
Outgoing President Ross announced that Rotarian of the Year was Pauline McFarlane. Warm congratulations and thank you Secretary Pauline.
A number of Rotarians were made Paul Harris Fellows - congratulations to Brendan Hoban, Linda Morris, David Rew and Jim Young.
Outgoing President Ross officially installs our new President Sue with the Chain of Office.
The 2020/21 Board of the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza, President Sue, Treasurer Chris Angerer, Club Service Director/ President elect Neil Heron, Community Director Linda Morris, International Director Maurie Selth, Vocational Director Brynton Fennell, Youth Director Mike Weber and Past President Ross. Absent - Secretary Pauline McFarland (attended via Zoom) and Fund-raising Director Carolyn Such.
