Changeover 2012
Outgoing President Doug Conkey welcomes President Andy Irvine as the new President of the Rotary Club of Wollundry for 2012/13. At a packed auditorium at the Commercial Club Past President Doug presided over a fun-filled evening of reflection on a great year for the club.
There were many highlights including total funds donated of $108,020 of which $42,500 was donated to Micah House a work of the St Vincent De Paul Society.
Past President Doug claimed a record for the donation and he set a number of records, his last being the quickest Changeover function which completed formalities by 9.15 p.m. Congratulations to Doug on a job well done!
New President Andrew Irvine is congratulated by Past President Doug Conkey. Both Presidents made great speeches. Doug thanked particularly Marj Nash, Maria Egan, and all the Irvine Family, for the table decorations and the preparation for the night.
He recounted that at PETS he had set three goals: to leave a legacy; choose a mentor and have fun. The latter was always achievable due to the nature of Wollundry club and the wonderful fellowship. While being President had been constant he had found it satisfying and a wonderful experience. He had chosen a mentor in PP Paul Murray who he thanked for his guidance and counsel throughout the year. His two legacies are Club Runner, with special thanks to Paul for setting it up and the Shed for our trailers which will be completed soon at North Wagga.
Doug had a special thank you for Chris Nash, for the shed at the Leagues Club, for the Nash Brothers and James Hamilton for the work on the North Wagga project and for the Bulletin Editors for squirreling away each week to produce the Bulletin. Doug finished by saying how strong our club is and encouraging a liaison with South Wagga Apex for potential future members.
President Andrew Irvine congratulated PP Doug and his wife Wendy for the great job they had done over the past year. He said how privileged he felt to be elected by his fellow Rotarians as the 35th President of our great club. He recounted how Michael Knight casually asked him if he would be interested in Rotary as they passed items across the bar at the Victoria Hotel. He knew Rick Priest who was president at the time and he also knew a few of the members, so he eagerly accepted the invitation.
Andrew expressed how much he enjoyed attending District Conferences and encouraged others to do the same. The next conference is in Leeton in April next year.
In a wonderful coincidence Andrew revealed that his dad Terry Irvine is being inducted as President of Narooma Rotary Club this month. Terry was a member of our Club for a time. We all look forward to a great year Andrew under your stewardship.