Rotary Year 2024/2025
A great night was enjoyed by attendees for our Rotary Year in Review on Tuesday 17 June 2025. It was good to welcome everyone to the meeting and we also shared in another great meal prepared by Chef Kouma and assisted by his son Akith. Unfortunately, we had some late apologies (after we had advised Kouma of the numbers).
Lucky winners of the Raffle were Kay Hodges and Cec McPaul. The big Award of the Year – the Bruce Duncan Fellowship Cup was presented by last year’s winner Barbara Burnheim with a very fitting handover speech to this year’s recipient Peter Tomlinson – congratulations.
I have included my report from the night for member’s information.
Tonight draws to the close the current Rotary Year – with the Theme – The Magic of Rotary and I have to thank every member of our great club for their continuing contribution to our Club, Rotary and the Community.
I expressly wish to thank Neil J, Noel and Andrew (a lean Board) for their support during the year.
Have we met the challenge of embracing the Magic of Rotary in our Club and Community? I think so and we have just witnessed the photo presentation put together brilliantly by Neil J and it shows what our club has achieved over the past Rotary Year. From welcoming back 2 members and further welcoming 3 new members, we are on the right track when it comes to sharing Rotary and Fellowship. Now that we only have 2 meetings a month – the first being a ‘normal’ meeting and the second being a fellowship night, we as a club I feel share great friendship and fellowship, while following the ideals of Rotary. We have been fortunate with great Guest Speakers over the past 12 months including our own members, as well as a visit by District Governor Lisa and Gareth Hunt. Thank you Neil for preparing this presentation and to Jim for showing the presentation as well as providing the computer and projector to enable this to occur.
The Magic of Rotary was to emphasise the transformative power of Rotary’s service and positive impact it has on communities. Under the guidance of Past President Harold, the Mobility Scooter Project is a classic example of having a positive impact on our community. With over 50 Mobility Scooters in the Community, our Club is providing an independence to our recipients that they would not normally have. It is good to know that our Mobility Scooter Project is well known among our fellow clubs, whom this year have provided positive outcomes with advising of donations of Scooters and recently we have to thank Pacific Fair for donating 3 scooters to our fleet. When you are able to witness a recipient receiving a scooter and enabling them additional mobility and happiness, it is something that our club should be proud of and without our fundraising by members from the occasional Bunnings Sizzle we would not be able to continue our Mobility Scooter Program.
We have had club representation at the District Conference and District Assemblies and also have members enjoying a number of Rotary Fellowships. In April, Vice President Neil travelled to our Sister Club Tauranga in New Zealand for their 80th Anniversary and again I thank Neil for attending and representing our club.
We have had our lows this year with the theft of our Club Van, but thanks to Harold, the Insurance Claim was settled and a new van acquired. But, at the same time we have had some highs, particularly the Christmas function held at our new home Esprit de Vie at Mermaid Waters, which I am confident was enjoyed by all and hopefully we are able to repeat it again this coming Rotary Year.
Our Club Building – The Hub is a great asset – the envy of some clubs, which also includes the level of hospitality we are provided and the magnificent meals that Chef Kouma provides us – for that – all of say Thank You.
It would be remiss of me if I did not acknowledge that today is Tony Lewis’s Birthday as well as the Birthday of our beautiful partner Christine Jones and if you can raise a glass in celebrating this day it is appreciated.
I would like to personally thank every member for their personal contribution to our club and Rotary in general, particularly the setting up and cleaning of The Hub for meetings and the general upkeep of The Hub, plus the members who ‘volunteer’ for sizzles and on the Scooter Roster. While we encourage the responsible use of alcohol, I have to thank Colin for coordinating our Containers for Change process, as well as the members for bringing their empty containers to The Hub for depositing to the Club’s account. Everyone is doing good in the world.
Turning to next Rotary Year, it has been an interesting last few weeks with the incumbent Rotary International President Elect resigning and a new President nominated and confirmed. The Theme for 2025/2026 is UNITE FOR GOOD and encourages members to leverage their collective skills and resources to address community needs and create positive change. I know that Broadbeach Rotary will continue its great work in the community and embrace the Theme – UNITE FOR GOOD.
Not much change with our Board for 2025/2026 being Treasurer and Vice President Noel Hodges, Rotary Foundation Director Neil Jones and Youth Director Andrew McTaggart. I thank these members for again assisting the club with their expertise.
Congratulations to Peter Tomlinson for being awarded the Bruce Duncan Fellowship Cup.
Thank you to Past District Governor Sandra Doumany and Sam for representing District Governor Lisa Hunt. To our Guests Edwina, Judy and Jack, visiting Rotarian Rock our Honorary Members, Partners and Members thank you for your attendance and I am confident of another successful year for Broadbeach Rotary.
We do not have a lot of time until the next Rotary Year commences with our next Meeting being a Club Forum on Tuesday 1 July, see you all then.
PP Neil proposes toast to Rotary International PDG Sandra Doumany Responds
PP Andrew Proposes toast to Rotary Families Carol Baldwin responds
