We have been “Lighting up Rotary” and now moving to “Be a gift to the World”.
DGE Jane Cox proposed the toast to Rotary International and reminded us that the main object of Rotary is Service to the World.
PDG Chris Sims responded to the toast on behalf of Rotary International and reminded us that some in the world are not as fortunate as us and quoted us Past RI President John Kinne’s theme “The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands”.
Rotarian Jane Myers spoke about an international project in Ballamataan Nepal that she was a part of. Midwifery skills were taught to local medical staff. Six Rotary Clubs involved, Bayside Geelong plus 2 more from Victoria, two from New Zealand and one from Nepal.
Jane and her group then presented at a break out session at the RI Conference in Sydney in 2014. Jane has kept in touch with the group in Ball and looks like another trip will happen in the near future.
PP Jo White than presented a power point display of the “Year that Was”. It was a timely reminder of what we achieved over the year and of course the fun we all had participating in very worthy causes. “Rotary is fun while serving the community was very apparent” in the “Year that Was”.
Pres Judy the presented her President’s Annual report 2014-2015 (Refer separate attachment).
PP Ken Wilks had recently resigned from the RC of Bayside Geelong. Ken was our charter President in 1997. Ken had also given 40 years of service to Rotary. A certificate of appreciation was presented to PP Ken by Pres Judy.
Pres. Judy presenting Ken and Marjorie Wilks with a Certificate of Appreciation and flowers.
Pres. Judy then called Jan McGowan from Christ Church forward. Jan was presented with a monetary donation for the Christ Church meals program.
Jan thanked the RC of Bayside Geelong for our kind donation and also for our support in providing volunteers for the dinner meals program on one Monday night each month.
Next was the presentation of Paul Harris Fellows. And the PHF’s for this year are:
Peter Hynes and Daryll Webb.
Both long serving Rotarians well deserved, who have epitomised the “Service above Self” motto. DGE Jane Cox then inducted PP Judy as Pres Judy for the 2015-2016 Rotary Year.
Pres. Judy then introduced her Board which was the same as last year. One of their main challenges will be finding a President for the 2016-2017 year as Pres Judy stated she will not be going around again.
Pres Judy then thanked all for attending and closed the meeting by introducing the new Rotary Theme for 2015-2016 “Be a Gift to the World”. The new Rotary International President is K.R. Ravi Ravindran from Sri Lanka.