Rotary Club of Burleigh Heads Changeover Dinner 2025–2026

Reflecting on a Big Year & Welcoming a Bold New Chapter

On Friday 4 July, the Rotary Club of Burleigh Heads gathered at Currumbin RSL for our annual Changeover Dinner—a night of celebration, reflection, and fresh beginnings.

In a room full of friends, Rotarians, community champions and supporters, outgoing President Michael Shambrook passed the chain (and the mic!) to Joanne Kane, who was officially inducted as our 71st President… though technically only the 65th person to wear the badge—thanks to a few dedicated individuals doubling up over the decades!

A Full House of Rotary Leadership

The event was buzzing with energy—and we were lucky to be joined by the full G-Train, including:

• District Governor John Oomen and Narelle Oomen
• Immediate Past DG Lisa Hunt
• DG Elect Deb Frugtniet and Craig
• DG Nominee Gareth Hunt
• Plus Rotary Community Leaders, visiting club Presidents and Rotaractors

We also welcomed MP for McPherson and Rotarian Leon Rebello, and Gold Coast Councillor Josh Martin, both long-time friends of the club.

🚀 What a Year It’s Been

President Michael took the opportunity to reflect on some of the big milestones from the past year—and what a year it was:

• Seven Bunnings BBQs brought in over $13,500
• Our Duck Race was bigger and better than ever—thanks to support from Currumbin RSL, Kokoda Kids, local schools, and radio 94.1
• We proudly showed up at ANZAC Day Services, ran Interact trivia nights, supported the CWA, State Government Cabinet catering, and more
• The Scooter Project continued to change lives
• And we had real presence in the community—at markets, events, and on-air

We’ve shown up, stepped up, and done it all with spirit.

🏆 Celebrating Our Own

It wouldn’t be a changeover without recognising the heart and hustle of our members. Huge congratulations to this year’s award recipients:

• Spirit of Rotary Award – Ken Clark OAM
• International Service – Brenley Milsom
• Four-Way Test Award – PDG Tony Heading
• Community Service Award – Richard Diaz
• Rotarian of the Year –David Ungar
• Most Active Rotarian – Roger Mussett

Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to Leon Rebello, Terri Taylor, and Michael Cooper (in absentia)—in recognition of their incredible commitment to service and leadership.

A special moment in the evening came when Ken Clark spoke about the legacy of the Paul Harris Fellowship—reminding us why we do what we do.

🎤 From the New President: Jo Kane

Jo brought her signature mix of warmth and boldness to her induction speech—sharing her reflections, her hopes for the year ahead, and a heartfelt call to action for every member:

“We all come to Rotary for different reasons—purpose, connection, giving back, or just to find your people. Whatever your reason, I want to know: what’s your gift? What lights you up? This club works best when each of us brings something to the table.”

Jo highlighted the message from Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo, who reminded us that:

“Behind every act of service, every challenge met, every new member welcomed—are two things that matter most: friendship and trust.”

Jo reinforced that Unite for Good isn’t just the international message—it’s what we already do, and what we’ll keep doing.

🙌 Meet Your 2025–2026 Leadership Team

• President: Joanne Kane
• Immediate Past President: Michael Shambrook
• Vice President: Michael Shambrook
• Secretary: John Clark
• Treasurer: Michael Cooper
• Membership Director: Mitchell Calley
• Service Projects Director: Richard Diaz
• Youth Services Director: Hannah Murray
• Rotary Foundation: Ken Clark

🎉 The Energy Was Real

With great food, heartfelt speeches, a few cheeky laughs, and lots of sparkly frocks and sharp suits—this was a night to remember.

We finished the evening with dessert, photo ops, and a sense of shared pride in who we are and where we’re headed. As Jo said:

“Let’s be the club that feels alive.”

And with this team, and this community, there’s no doubt we will.

Here’s to a fantastic 2025–2026—let’s unite for good, and do it the Burleigh way!