The 16 July meeting will be held off-site at Milano's Cafe on the corner of Hutt Street and Wakefield Street (diagonally opposite Boccelli Cafe, under Channel 10's offices). Meeting starts 7.15 for 7.30am (as the cafe opens at 7.00am). This will be a casual meeting (no speaker) and people can order either breakfast or coffee or both! Prices are very reasonable (around $11 for breakfast).
On Monday 6 July, our official Changeover of Presidency occurred in the wonderfully atmospheric Parwana Afghan Kitchen (ably hosted by Zelmai and Farida Ayubi - friends of President-Elect Miriam and husband Steve). This charming restaurant was the ideal venue for a more casual changeover for around 50 members, partners, and guests - with delicious food to delight the most demanding palate.
Guests included DG Nominee Peter Schaefer (RC of Alice Springs) and wife Jennifer; RC of Adelaide's President David Egan, wife Chris and their son Nic (a member of Rotaract); Rotaract Club of Adelaide City President Kirsti Kankkunen, Vice President Paige Honor; Toni Jupe, Maria Johns and Sam Pons (friends of Miriam); and former Club member Rob Brooke. Also in attendance were our three Past District Governors - PDG John and Julie, PDG Katina and Geoffrey, and PDG Tony and (President) Yvette.
MC Rob McLennan (he with the dulcet tones) welcomed everyone to the Changeover while we waited for a few stragglers. Unfortunately former member Feisar Joya and Marcela tried to join us but were, instead, taking their sick son Ricardo to the doctors and then home.
The Invocation was delivered by PP Richard Jarret, and Toast to Australia was delivered by PP Terry Rodoni. President Yvette then
welcomed guests - and acknowledged the birthday of Adelaide President David Egan who bought the family along to celebrate! He was later rewarded with a birthday cake and strains of "Happy Birthday". We then tucked into our delightful entrees (steamed dumplings) and enjoyed some wonderful conversation and fellowship.
A little later, PP Angus Tuck proposed the Toast to Rotary International and this was ably responded to by PDG Katina.
A period of very dedicated munching then occurred while we savoured the delights of delicately spiced rice dishes, the Kitchen's signature eggplant dish, a couple of beautifully flavoured meat dishes and accompaniments. There was so much food provided that the restaurant later provided us with doggy bags to go - and not one bit of rice escaped from being whisked home that night!
It was then time for President Yvette to give her Presidential address (a full version is available in our Annual Report). The main points included the view that the loss of even one member of our Club - whether due to interstate transfer, changed family or financial circumstances or illness - greatly affects the wonderful atmosphere and personality of our Club that we've experienced over the past 29 years of existence. Even more devastating is losing a much loved member such as Bob Angove AO who lost his fight with leukaemia last December. Vale Bob. However, our Club has spent 18 months managing a seamless (remote) District Conference for District Governor John Campbell's year as well as performing its usual Club projects and fundraisers. A job very well done by Conference Chair Richard and the Conference Committee - made up mostly of the Club's Directors.
DG John did a good job promoting Rotary issues this year and innovations such as starting a Rotary E-Club, ably supported by partner (and Club member) Julie. Julie's DG's Partner project was to amass at least 8,500 pairs of shoes (and commensurate funds) for "Soles4Souls Australia" - which was achieved and exceeded by the end of the year.
President Yvette also mentioned our successful "End Polio Now" Fundraiser Cocktail Party which raised over $3,000 which when coupled with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's 2:1 matching grant provided enough funds to vaccinate over 16,000 children against Polio. The Port Lincoln Conference Raffle also provided an additional amount of $2400 for "End Polio Now".
Our partnership with the Rotaract Club of Adelaide City remained strong with our members helping them at the Rotaract Games in February, and our two Clubs joined together to raise funds for the victims of the Nepalese earthquake and tremors at our combined Quiz Night. President Yvette then thanked her Board for their support and efforts, and acknowledged the hard work of members and partners throughout the year.
With the assistance of The Rotary Foundation Director David Riggall, President Yvette was then pleased to award several Paul Harris Fellowships to Club members. PDG John Campbell received a PHF pin with his 4th sapphire which recognised his contribution as District Governor for 2014-15; and Julie Campbell was presented with a PHF for her dedication to achieving her aim with the DG's Partner project and her strong support of DG John throughout the year.
A very surprised but pleased Pam Sullivan was awarded a PHF for her support over many years for Rotary projects - the Maughan Church Sunday night dinners, Club Christmas events at her home, helping to deliver mattresses to those in need through Snooze, and many more. Worthy recipients.
It was then time to induct President Miriam for the 2015-16 year. President Miriam said she was pleased to be elected as President of the RC of Adelaide Light and acknowledged PP Don Tindale who was going to take on the role until his health concerns forced him to reconsider this decision several months back. It was lovely that President Miriam accepted this challenge with little notice and we look forward to her input and managerial expertise.
President Miriam mentioned that the Rotary Theme for 2015-16 of "Be a Gift to the World" was especially pleasing as it echoes her own philosophy in life.
The Incoming Board and Club office bearers was then introduced:
President - Miriam Silva
IPP - Yvette Reade
President Elect - TBC
Secretary - Dean Sullivan
Treasurer - Bruce McDonald
Club Administration - Julie Campbell
Community Service - Deborah Wotherspoon
Vocational and Youth Service - John Wotherspoon
International Service - Angus Tuck
Rotary Foundation - David Riggall
Fundraising/Fellowship - Terry Rodoni
Membership - John Campbell
Public Relations - Yvette Reade
Rotaract Liaison - John Karran
Sergeant-At-Arms - Rob McLennan
Newsletter - Di Lane
Speaker Program - Phil Harding
Club Webmaster - Richard Jarrett
The meeting was then handed over to PDG John who asked Conference Chairman Richard Jarrett to the podium so that he could, on behalf of the District, award Richard was a PHF with 2 Sapphire pin in recognition of his bringing the Port Lincoln Conference in on budget and time, and spent hundreds of hours on pulling together all the details formulated by the Conference Committee into a cohesive whole. The Conference was an outstanding success and the District's additional PHF award was well deserved.
President Miriam then closed the meeting after all the raffle prizes had been drawn.
CLUB CHANGEOVER