Past President and Foundation Chair Louis Jahshan proposed the Toast to Rotary International. He acknowledged Don’s leadership and passion for service during the past year, and how the club is entering a new chapter with Raj’s proven commitment, confidence and excitement, and he reminded us that all Rotary Clubs around the world are unified by a mission of Peace and Service.
Incoming DG, Peter Behm responded to the toast, and again he mentioned the values that unite us all. He paid testament to our club, we have touched lives, near and far, and our projects that reflect the compassion and values that our club stands for. He recognised that the 36,000 Rotary Clubs around the world are united to advance Peace and Goodwill, and he thanked our club for the contribution to that goal, Outgoing President Don then gave a comprehensive summary of the Projects that this newly merged club have successfully carried out during the year
YOUTH PROGRAMS: GlenAllen School Art Tables * National Youth Science Forum Primary School Writing Competition Rotary Peace Poles Australian Rotary Health Indigenous Health Scholar Wellington Secondary College Scholarship Grant * Rotary Youth Leadership Award Science Experience 4 Way Test Speaking Compet. (District Final) Model United Nations Assembly David Mair Scholarship
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS Community Support & Assistance Centres Australian Rotary Health Ride for Research DG Partners Project – Monash Children’s Cancer Centre Eastern Emergency Network Homeless Support Dementia Café Donations in Kind Mercy Ships Books for Babies Disaster Aid – Queensland & NSW Floods, Western Victoria Drought
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROJECTS: Indonesia Cervical Cancer Project Operation Toilet Australia Rehabilitation Centre Bangladesh Lita Seng Scholarship Rotary Overseas Medical Aid for Children, Timor Water Project RAWCS Vanuatu Earthquake Appeal Cambodia Rural Student Trust Rotary Against Malaria Educational Supplies/Donation in Kind
FUND RAISING : Monash Opportunity Shop Second-hand Book Sales External Donations & Sponsorships District Grants Heads & Tails - club meetings Monash Mayor Charity Golf Day Wine Sales; Bunnings BBQs School Shrine Visit Grants International Women’s Day Dinner Event Garry Warren Car Raffle Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme Christmas Cakes & Puddings Cake Sales
Don also gave special recognition and thanks to several members who were involved in Club Service, devoting a lot of their time to making sure everything ran smoothly. They were:- Andrew Goddard, for his service of organising our comprehensive speaker’s program, Michele Oscar, Bulletin – meticulous recording of meetings, photography, editing and content. Ralph Holmes, Secretary for the past 3 years. To the member who knows everything and does everything in a timely and efficient manner and does not know how to say No. And to his wife Glyn, for whom his words of gratitude for her support are just not enough.
Don then carried the formalities of hanging over the ‘Chain of Office’ and the Presidents Badge to the new President, Raj, who proceeded to thank Don for all his hard work and leadership of the club. Raj then gave an outline of his vision for the club in the coming year.
YOUTH SERVICE Support Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, Youth Exchange & MUNA Primary School Writing & 4 Way Test Competition Australian Rotary Health Scholarship Build strong relationships with local schools; NYSF and Science experience Peace Poles in Schools Youth guest speakers
COMMUNITY SERVICE : Local impact projects like neighbour hood house kitchen refurbishment. Partnership with Monash council & local secondary / primary schools to involve in projects. Environmental sustainability activities Vocational service being part of Community “Pride of workmanship”, recognizing professions and trades.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE Support Rotary Foundation with TRF giving & Global Grants Participate in international projects Continue Support for Polio Plus giving from Used Stamps sales proceeds Explore sister club partnerships, Disaster relief when needed.
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT / PUBLIC IMAGE : Attract diverse, passionate members Celebrate member milestones Focus on retention through involvement Share stories in local media Update website and branding; Club trips or BBQs Joint events with other clubs Empower members to lead/co-lead projects Mix of formal and casual meetings
Raj is certainly looking forward to his year as President and the challenges that it will hold.
His final message to the club is:
• To Serve with purpose, lead with compassion, inspire each other.
• Let’s make this a memorable Rotary year – stronger, bolder, kinder. Thank you!
