This week we had our Club Changeover Dinner which was a celebration of the past year and a launching of the new year. Prior to the formalities beginning the Guests circulated, chatted and caught up, and snacked on canapés.

 

The Guests for the night included:

Merv was the Chair and MC for the evening who introduced Greg. Greg welcomed and introduced the Guests and also welcomed Marion who was able to attend via Zoom. The Toast was proposed and Harry recited the Rotary Invocation. Merv then read out the apologies and called on Charles to propose the Toast to Rotary International.

 

Peter Rawlings now gave the response to the RI Toast. He spoke about the incredible work being done by Rotary, both Locally and Internationally, and about the exceptional work that is being undertaken by the Rotary Club of Dromana.

 

Merv thanked Peter for his speech and called on Greg to begin the Presentations. Just prior to staring, Greg had a few words about the strengths and benefits of our Club. He pointed out that it functioned as a Family which provided friendship and support when needed, which he and others greatly appreciated.

 

Paul Harris Fellows were awarded to:

Charles Ross

 

 

And Cr Simon Brooks

 

 

The Sandy Christie Memorial Award was presented to Mark Long.

 

 

The Presidents Award went to Andrew Turner.

 

 

The David Jarman Community Perpetual Trophy was awarded to Merv Prossor.

 

 

And last of all, but by no means least, Greg gave a special thanks to Rick Hayller for all the extra work he has done to help Greg and keep the Club functioning.

 

 

At this point in the night the main course was served, so people took to eating, chatting and catching up.

 

 

After the meal, the Chair invited DG Paul Mee to the lectern along with President Elect Michael Smith. Paul now set about the formal induction of Mick as President for 2023-24. Mick formally accepted the induction and made a brief acceptance speech.

 

 

After the applause died down, President Mick now made a presentation to Past President Greg, thanking him for his leadership during the past year.

 

 

As the desert was being served, and as a slight deviation from the formal proceedings, the Chair now called on Belinda Rodman from the Southern Peninsular Support and Information Centre to give a brief update on the work of the Centre.

 

Belinda spoke about the Centre continuing thru Covid but now experiencing a 20% increase in the calls for assistance. She also pointed out that the cohort of the homeless has changed recently with the rental crisis being felt. There are also many more “teetering on the edge”. The Centre is trying to help but the help provided by Government during Covid has now gone. Philanthropy is helping with up to 60% of the Centres funds but end of financial year tax time is approaching which adds to the many challenges that the Centre has to deal with.

 

Belinda thanked the Club and all those who are helping the Centre and looked forward to our continued support.

 

Merv thanked Belinda for giving an impromptu speech, without warning, and called on the Incoming President to give an address.

 

President Mick thanked the Club for the opportunity to serve and looked forward to a productive year where we can build on our strengths and work on solutions to our weaknesses such as increasing our membership.

 

 

Mick now introduced his Board for the coming year:

 

A hearty round of applause greeted the presentation of the new Board and President Mick announced the closing of the formal part of the Dinner at 9:15.