This week’s meeting saw us hold a successful changeover meeting. We had a fantastic turnout of more that 50 members, guests, visiting Rotarians and dignitaries.
We had great support form the surrounding Rotary clubs including:
- RC of Warrnambool
- RC of Warrnambool East
- RC of Terang
- RC of Warrnambool Central
- RC of Port Fairy
It was great that the ladies from Inner Wheel were also in attendance, and finally, but not least, Warrnambool City Mayor Robert Anderson started his busy day early.
Jan gave a report on our very successful Rotary year, a year that we all celebrated in Jan’s honour.
During the Changeover we presented the Peter Johns community service award to David Kelson, what an amazing level of service David has given to the Dennington community.
some of the highlights are:
- Volunteer at Dennington football club from 17 years of age and still involved
- Dedicated historian & publisher on the history of the club
- Dennington Cricket Club
- Compilation “History of the club 1937-2007”
- Centenary of WW1: David was involved in research for the Centenary of 1st World War locating families to be present at the laying of commemorative plaques at Dennington War Memorial.
- Dennington Community Progress Association:
- David is an active member and was involved in the inaugural running and set-up of the “Carols by the Merri” and has worked at this event for many years.
- P.J. Kelson Pavilion:
- Now, David is involved in the building of the new amenities block at the P.J. Kelson pavilion at the Dennington Football ground.
We then recognized the Service given to Daybreak, and our community, by Rotarian Mehul Patel. Mehul was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Pin and Certificate.
Rotarian Barry Brooker was very surprised to see one of his grandchildren, followed by several other family members, enter the meeting. Barry was then presented with a sapphire pin to his current Paull Harris recognition. Barry is a Founding Member of Daybreak and has supported many others in our community on many occasions.
Following the Presentations, I was given the honor of being inducted as the 20th President of our Club. I am not sure who was more nervous, PP Ian Watson or myself. I am sure my knees were knocking because of the weight placed on my shoulders from the Presidents collar.
It was a pleasure to present the certificate of service, IPP Badge and podium banner to Jan. Jan has stood strong throughout the year despite the challenges of the role.
I then introduced the incoming board members, minus Janey Preston (Public Relations) and Sue Cassidy (Foundation).
In closing the meeting, I noted the challenges that may face Rotarians and community leaders across our community, but challenges that may prove to be more difficult to many in our wider community. I then asked those present “Be the Inspiration” in everything they do in our community.
Several members attended the Lady Bay restaurant for lunch after the changeover.
On the Saturday prior to the changeover,11 members enjoyed some fellowship whilst giving Chris & Janey a sendoff. Chris & Janey are heading to Canada for a holiday. Once in Canada they will be attending the Rotary International Convention in Toronto. There’s a fair chance they will bump into Cheryl and Ann at the convention as they are heading over on the 14th.
Our guest speaker this week, I hope, will be Mary Ferguson from Warrnambool Primary School. Mary will talk to us about a math program she is running.
Hope to catch up with you on Wednesday, in the meantime please continue to:” Be the Inspiration” in all that you do across our community.
Steve
This week’s breakfast is continental, please send apologies to Mary Bouwman 0439 711 057 before 12:30 on Tuesday.