On behalf of President Robert it is my great pleasure to provide some words about the ‘best ever’ Changeover on 25 June.

Robert was unfortunately diagnosed with Covid 19 the night before so could not attend, but he told me that everyone

who he delegated his tasks to accepted the challenges with grace and diligence. A great leader can rely on their team.

The evening started with Vice Versa providing some easy listening music with Miriam Taylor on vocals.

John Lennon’s classic Imagine was amongst the titles that the band played, so very fitting for the 2022/23 RI Theme “Imagine”.

Lee must have been so proud to see Miriam performing so well.

The venue was great. Club Service Director Jenny Hyland, Lee Taylor, Chris Lynch, Judy Glasson,

Mark Blackadder and Gerelle Blanchard did a fantastic job in organising the event and decorating the venue.

Jeremy Jablonski from JEMPIRE EVENTS also excelled with standout sound and lighting. The Board of GDSC, Michael Sear, Kristy Essex

and the talented Chefs all contributed with the recently refurbished room looking great and the quality three course meal served efficiently to 65 or so diners.

DGN Dave Harmon and his wife Robyn thoroughly enjoyed the Changeover with Dave standing in for Robert to deliver the PH Fellow

and of course to respond to Camellia Flanagan’s beautifully worded Toast to RI. Maybe the Bulletin Editor could include the Toast in this

or a future newsletter as I think all members would be touched by the content.

Area DG Rep Anne Farrell and her husband Brian attended with Anne delivering Robert’s Annual Report and assisting Lee with the introduction

of the 22/23 Board. Being a retired nurse, Anne ensured that no bandaids were required!

Youth Director Leila Thompson and Treasurer Mark Thompson presented our Frank Glasson scholar, Sarah Rigby-Pierce,

with the $1750 balance of her scholarship. A fitting inclusion in the Changeover event, emphasising one aspect of our youth support programs.

 Our guest speaker, Debra Novak was outstanding. She covered her topic,

‘Imagine’, with professional, insightful, entertaining, informative and emotional examples.

The whole room paid close attention   throughout. This short paragraph will not do the presentation

justice as she covered so much territory while holding our focus. Dave Harmon later had the privilege

to present Debra with a Paul Harris Fellow   which she graciously accepted, having witnessed similar presentations

to others when she was a photojournalist. She said that she understood the honour attached to the gift. Perhaps,

this week’s meeting might   include any observations from other club members who were at the

Changeover, to expand on what I have briefly mentioned.

 Incoming 22/23 President Lee made a powerful speech about the RI Theme: Imagine.

Lee was engaging, thoughtful, inspiring, energetic…. as always.

Lee also paid tribute to Robert’s terms as President in many   references to his leadership qualities. Maybe the Bulletin Editor could

nclude relevant parts of her speech in a future newsletter.

 Thankyou Robert for giving me and other club members the opportunity to create the ‘best ever’ Changeover

and to attend a memorable event. We all share your disappointment in not being able to attend. 

Gerelle did you proud in making a couple of quality speeches on your behalf, and the team performed admirably on behalf of you too!

 Robert, get well soon! Covid 19 made sure that your 2 years and 5 months term was different,

right to the very end! The takeaway is: Covid 19 did not stop the club from growing from strength to strength under   your leadership!

  Brian Lane

MC – 2022 Changeover

Distinguished guests, my fellow Rotarians, friends of Rotary.

As a member of Rotary Grafton Midday it is great to be part of the World Wide Fellowship of Rotary International. In today’s society serious

Commitment to membership of an organisation is often crowded out by the busyness of life.
But Rotary is just as necessary today as it was when it was first introduced in 1905.

From literacy and peace to water and health with the End polio program, Rotarians are always working to better our world,

and we stay committed to the end and Rotary International’s most recent area of focus is Supporting our Environment.

Our motto has always been: Service Above Self. For 114 years, our guiding principles have been the foundation of our values: service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.

Rotary and Rotarians love a challenge.

To quote our founder Paul Harris at the 1940 RI Convention in Havana Cuba:

He said, "Rotary stands; though the tempest rage about - Rotary still stands. Why and how? Because it is grounded, not on fear,

rivalry, and suspicion, but on the eternal and indestructible rocks of friendliness, tolerance, and usefulness".

I am proud to be a part of Rotary International and to be living in Grafton, and I ask you all to stand and

join me in drinking a toast to Rotary International here and throughout the world.

To Rotary International.