My fellow Rotarians and friends of Rotary,

ROTARY CLUB MOVES FORWARD

Yesterday I was formally appointed as President of Strathfield Rotary Club for the Year 2023-24. I regard this as a great honour and I thank you all for putting your faith in me to lead the Club for the next twelve months.

I hope that everyone who attended the Changeover had a good time. These events are necessarily a bit of a speech-fest - it is good to look back on the past year and celebrate the things the Club has achieved and to recognise those who have contributed to Rotary, the Club and the community. Unfortunately, by the time that the incoming President had finished at the lectern, with his notes spilling out of his hands whilst clumsily trying to juggle the microphone and attach official pins to the incoming Board, I think everyone was already falling asleep in their glasses of wine and ready to go home.

Luckily, we were blessed with wonderful entertainment: Everyone enjoyed Gulian roasting the outgoing President, incoming President and anyone who unfortunately caught his eye (remember, what goes around comes around Gulian!); The traditional Maurie Awards brought some light hearted recognition to our interesting Rotarians;  Superman Rick's entry, hot and sweaty but suspiciously fresh, at the event of his fundraising marathon (sponsorship still open - I encourage you to support Rick if you haven't done so already, Chalmers Road School is a great cause); Taneesha's beautiful and spine-tingling renditions of some classic love songs; Roy's birthday celebration, with the best cake ever; followed by disco dancing led by the Club's most senior member and (very) junior 'Board member'.

We were honoured to be joined with our distinguished guests; by our local mayor, Councillor Karen Pensabene, as well as the entire Rotary District leadership chain: IPDG Janice Hall, DG Tonia Barnes, DG-elect Ron Browne, DG-nominee Renga Rajan, as well as our new AG, Bharathi Rengarajan. I'm delighted we got in first with the first formal event of the new Rotary year. By the end of this week, after they have attended between them all the Changeovers in the District, despite their unwavering politeness on the surface, they will no doubt be hoping to never see another Rotary event ever again.

At the Changeover, I congratulated Andrew on his Presidency. For the benefit of the bulletin, I would like to repeat my thanks for his tremendous work over the last year. As I said, Andrew has brought to the leadership of the Club energy and enthusiasm as well as a wicked sense of humour which we have all enjoyed, although not always understood. Fun aside, Andrew has brought to the Presidency of the Club a sense of personal responsibility, diligence and of what is in the best interests of the Club. He is much respected, has great ideas and, although he has an extremely busy and stressful work life, he has been supremely generous to the Club and its causes, both financially and in terms of personal time. During this year, under Andrew's leadership, the Club has remained strong, has continued to provide support to wonderful causes and has held some great community events which have given recognition to inspirational individuals. His recognition of Rotarians and community workers as Paul Harris Fellows makes to further the work of the Rotary Foundation. Thank you Andrew, I will look forward to receiving your guidance, having a laugh and enjoying a few rounds of golf with you over the next 12 months. I certainly have a hard act to follow.

I also said a few words, some would say a few too many words, about what I think the Club's priorities should be over the next year, in light of the Rotary theme this year of 'Create Hope in the World'. In brief my thinking is this: I would like to raise the profile of the Club and see us actively and visibly involved in volunteering in projects in the local community. I would like to see us leverage on the amazing education sector in the area by reaching out to a wider range of schools to identify ways in which we can work on projects involving young people. I will look at how we can cooperate better with other Rotary clubs in the Western Harbour area of the district, including on international projects. I want to continue with President Andrew's approach of fostering fun and fellowship, engaging with all members to ensure they are drawn into the social life of the Club and having some great events. We of course need to learn some lessons from the past to make sure new membership is sustainable.

Please join us this Wednesday for the Club Assembly when I will go into a bit more detail on this. I look forward to receiving your views.

I would like to thank the new Board for joining me on the journey this year : Andrew (IPP), Alexey (PE), Steven (Secretary), Rod (Treasurer), Grahame (Club), Nella (Community), Ying (Youth), Thomas (Vocational) and Arie (International). I believe our Board will have a productive combination of experience and new blood.

There are obviously many other responsibilities in the Club which members agree to take on. Thank you all for taking on these roles - they are all valuable. I would like to mention a couple of invaluable positions: Rick Vosila will be Sergeant-at-arms this year, so we're certain of good entertainment. Bradley Ayres has taken on the important role of Programmes Chair and is already diligently working on a stimulating programme of speakers. Communications will be important for the Club and therefore it's great that Janelle Watson will continue her great work as Bulletin Editor and Raymond McCluskie will continue to expertly look after the Club's website and social media. Thaya has agreed to lead a renewed push for new members.

What a great Club we are! What a great team we are! I am looking forward to the challenges of the next year tremendously!