Bulletin #3 2024

 From the President

President Kelly welcomed Rotarians and Friends and asked that they remain standing as the 19 July is a day with a difference. It is celebrated as Stick out your Tongue Day. KG noted that this represents a unique opportunity for a new record for Rotary WA - it also provides an opportunity if there is someone you always wanted to poke your tongue out at. So on the count of three he requested everyone to stick out their tongue. And yes, a new achievement  record for a Rotary Club in WA was created!

KG also noted that on the19 July 1977 we entered the Era of GPS as the first GPS signal was transmitted from Navigation Technology Satellite 2 (NST-2) and received at a building of the Rockwell Collins Company in Cedar Rapids Iowa, USA.  In a quiet moment it is worth contemplating the significant change this technology has introduced into our lives.

Guest Speaker Lt Colonel Reece Young - The Race to Alaska

No one knew what to expect when Gerry McGann introduced our guest speaker today. Reece's presentation  was a double edged sword - combining Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and The Race to Alaska.

A 46 year old with 3 brothers (one a twin), all of whom are in the Defence forces. The brothers have covered between them, every conflict since 1999. Reece and his brothers were products of  Swanbourne  'hippy' parents who instilled in them a sense of adventure. Reece has served in 8 wars, has 2 degrees, and is currently undertaking a PhD. Reece married his childhood sweetheart and is blessed with four children - 5, 6, 8 and 11 year olds. 

Reece left the Army four years ago after being diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), and spoke of how his mind-set is always in 'Danger Alert' after being involved in so many conflicts. He described it as being in the moment of 'Ready, Steady....'  stage, when the adrenalin rush is at its highest before reaching the 'Go' phase.

 

As part of his rehabilitation Reece built a wooden surfboard and this was the precursor to building his boat for theRace to Alaska.

 The challenge was on! The race is a yearly event from Seattle in the US to Alsaska, 750 nautical miles, approxiately the distance from Perth to Coral Bay. 

The route is ripe with Orkas, storms, Bears, logs, snow, and a wonderful coastline - if you can get past the rest!

Boats are not allowed to be motorised, so each is reliant on wind and sails or oars, with vessels ranging from 30ft yachts to Dinghy's and Catamarans - needless to say Yachts have to have very long oars! External help is prohibited, although a stop over or night out is never out of the question!

30-footers might take 3-4 days to complete the course but those travelling at 5 knots might take 2-3 weeks.

The prize? $10,000 cash dangling from a rope on the jetty - first in cashes up, second prize - a set of steak knives! But the real prize is the kudos of having conquered the competition. Why does Reece do it? It's a different environment, the polar opposite to Antipodean culture, it's an avenue for discussion in beating the stigma of mental health issues, it has a purpose, it's an adventure and the journey itself is rehabilitative. The stigma itself is more damaging than anything else and lack of understanding and education on mental health issues have long lasting effect on things such as employability.

Besides the race, Reece has taken up coaching football, T-ball and netball as avenues to overcome his disorder and the way in which he speaks of this process leaves one with admiration and respect for his achievements.

Building a 20 foot boat which can only be powered by sail and oars, and which will fit in a container, Reece spoke about the process of building this in the vein of the old Dory, Whaleboat style of vessel. Shipped flat-pack from Tasmania, put together with copper wire, epoxy glue and fibreglass left Reece and his partner Chris with a bucket full of solidified epoxy (bottom row second left). 

 

Not knowing what to do with it, they are calling out for a sculptor to sculpt a lucky mascot duck out of it! A true partnership, Reece will do the 'sailing' bit whilst Chris (a rower) will take to the oars - wise move Reece!

After abandoning the build for 2 months, they are now 'back at it' and making progress with what Reece describes as a 'Karate Kid mentality', meditative repetitive tasks which soothe the mind and allows the boat to take on its own personality as rough-hewn, shapeless timber becomes smooth and recognisable in its form.

What should have been a 2024 race was postponed to 2025 but then the authorities decided to run the race every two years, so now Reece and Chris are aiming for the 2026 event.

What next?

The target is to finish the boat by Christmas 2024, then the trials begin to test its sea-worthiness; a trip to Rotto and back to replicate different type of weather; storage logistics have to be considered; where to put the compass? Source a container for travel purposes; seek sponsorship - cost is about $30,000 - to fit out, kit out and complete the trip. But all that will be put to good use as Reece will use his story to promote the issues and rehabilitation of CPTSD, all the while getting ready for 3 weeks of camping and weathering any storm which comes his way.

Reece left us with a powerful story and reminded us that CPTSD is only mitigated, never resolved.

We wish Reece and Chris well in their endeavours and look forward to welcoming Reece back to the club after the race. The full powerpoint presentation can be seen here https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xE90btEgJ_DwD8eli8u3RoKLnGu3BFcM/edit#slide=id.p1

or visit their website at https://www.dublduck.au/

 

Directors Reports and Announcement

President Kelly : advised members the sad news that the late Marguerita Paule's brother Fred, whom many would remember was a great story- teller at Marguerita's funeral, passed away this week.

RCMP had also been advised by RC of Como that Dr Sak had passed away this week. Funeral details to follow.

Scott Dwyer : anyone wanting to catch up and have extended fellowship can now do so here at RPGC to purchase and enjoy a coffee after our meeting. This is a comfortable and easily accessible venue and members of Rotary do not need to be members of RPGC to take advantage of this offer. This is also an opportunity for us to demonstrate our support for RPGC.

Michelle : Peter Stevens in Hollywood Hospital and receiving visitors.

Rick : Reminder -Tree planting this Saturday and Sunday 9 - 12.

Wayne : BulldustNBack lunch on Day 3will be in Wongan Hills.

Bill Boekman : Wildflowers will be out in Wongan Hills and some pretty routes to follow for those on the BNB.

It's a Fine Day to Bring "JOY" to the World!

Night Owls - Tennis watchers and any late night sport tragics

Peace Day - end of WWI so pay up if you're here!

Kelly and every other 'pocket dialler'

National Pyjama Day - everyone who wears pyjamas except if you cook for PICYS.

Wayne - used to be the Joe Biden of RCMP but now sporting a turnip ear in sympathy with Trump

Scott - dubbing Past President Veronica 'Hot Lips' 

Lyn M - Comparing Joy's height to that of a 6 year old.

Everyone who lives in Como or South Perth!

David R - for stealing Sue's spectacles because he had lost his own.

Winner of Heads and Tails

One of each, two tails and two heads gave Michelle a 'heads up' and a great bottle of wine which she re-donated to the club.

Thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for supplying the tipple,

Attendance

28 attendees in all, including guest speaker Reece and (adopted) Rotarian 'wild' Bill Boekeman from Wongan Hills.

 

 

Bulletin #2 2024

 From the President

President Kelly greeted everyone with a "good morning and welcome" to all Rotarians, guests and friends. 

Friday celebrated a very special day in the calendar when the club acknowledged a group of people who through their attitude and commitment, consistently go above and beyond  expectations in the performance of their job, through the spirit in our Pride of Workmanship awards.

Friday was also National French Fry Day which had Kelly baffled but of further interest, was how the US celebrated 12 July as National Simplicity Day (in honour of Philosopher David Thoreau) - which didn't seem to be working for them.

President Kelly called on acting Sgt Deb to simply tell us who we were celebrating this week.

Pride of Workmanship Awards - 2024

 David Rowell welcomed everyone to the Rotary Club of Mill Point 2024 Pride of Workmanship Awards. This. Is an important annual event in our Club Calendar.

The objective is to recognise outstanding achievement and commitment in the workplace, any workplace. This year we have selected three worthy recipients from three very different work situations.

Criteria for the Award include personal values, initiative, attitude, quality and quantity of work and sense of responsibility.

Each Proposer and their nominated Awardee were invited to the front. A brief summary of the nominee’s qualities and responsibilities was given. The Award and a certificate were presented, after which the Awardee was invited to respond.

Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (RFBYC) Commodore Peter Chalmer introduced nominee Sharon Skinner. Sharon is the Sailing & Power Boat Administrator for RFBYC. She is responsible for calculating and organising all yacht racing entries, handicaps and results up to three times weekly throughout the year. Unlike many other clubs around the world, the results are available and presented shortly after all boats are back at the club.

Sharon also has the responsibility for organising all aspects of specific regattas.

She recently organised for a world regatta, recruiting 65 volunteers, seven support boats and about 140 international sailors including John Bertram.

Sharon organises not just the big issues, but the minor details as well.

Sharon is a great example of going above and beyond her job description and is a very worthy recipient of the RCMP Pride of Workmanship Award.

In response, Sharon thanked us for the nomination and is very humbled. “I really enjoy my job, it is not so difficult….”

Lorrie Gray was invited to introduce her nominee, Christine Ion of the Western Australian Ostomy Association (WAOA).

Christine has spent many years with the Association, having started as a volunteer. In 2019 the Association was required to employ staff, which was a new venture. Christine was the first volunteer to come onboard as an employee, due to the exemplary work that she had been showing and her very positive involvement with the other volunteers.

Christine creates the environment of being a family, recently organising to celebrate Lorrie’s birthday…she had a lovely time.

While some employees go home at 4PM, that’s not the way Christine works, even wanting to come in when she was ill.

That’s the way she is and she is well worthy of this award.

In response, Christine conveyed her appreciation for this Award, thinking “why me?”. She came to WAOA thirty years ago, not initially as a volunteer but an Ostomist herself and coming to terms with having an ostomy bag. As a volunteer she was able to give back for the support she had received. She acknowledged Lorrie as her mentor and source of inspiration for her.

She thanked RCMP for the Award.

 

David Rowell, on behalf of David Tyler, introduced nominee Barry Telfer of Angelo Optical. Barry opened his business, with his partner Wayne McCarthy in 2005. Today, Angelo Optical is a great example of a local business continuing to support the South Perth community and beyond.

David Tyler has been a customer since Barry and Wayne opened and they have guided him with sensitivity through the process from initial glasses to the gradual deterioration of sight most of us are familiar with.

David Tyler’s other reason for nominating Barry is for the many years Barry has been the bugler at our Anzac meetings.

David Rowell also mentioned Barry’s involvement over many years in training and Optometry Associations.

In response, Barry said he is very humbled to receive the award. He was first introduced to RCMP by then member Diana Purcell. It was Diana who first “roped Barry in” as bugler in 2001-02.

He also acknowledged the contribution that we as a Club make.

Barry told a very amusing anecdote about once arriving at our meeting in the nick of time, to Ken Pittman’s immense relief, after apprehending a man in the midst of stealing his car at the beach….

 

Directors Reports and Announcement

Youth - Astrid Mitchell

• National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) gives studnts who are about to start Year 12 in 2025 the opportunity to explore future STM pathways and engage with other like minded young people from all around Australia. Please nominate a student you know for inclusion to attend program in Canberra or Brisbane. Applications close 15 July.

Community - Rick Sneeuwjagt

• Tree planting on 20 and 21 July. Please let Rick know if your name is not on the list.

Club Service - Brian Johnson

• New membership directory out now, please claim one if you haven't already. Club service meeting after breakfast
  

What a Fine that was...

 Jenny McLean cashed up with...

• Tennis Tragics, Soccer Fanatics and Wimbledon Groupies
• WCE Fans - due to injuries, Simpson exit, Concussions and everything else which went wrong.
• Gerry McGann for sitting opposite his wife and forgetting she was there!
• In deference to Pride of Workmanship Awardees, everyone who has been a CEO, Senior Manager, Middle Manager, Employer of any kind...
• International Director (AWOL in Paris) for getting K's (for Kings)and J's (for Jewels) mixed up - President Jelly and 'her' responsibilities - Raelene you have got a lot to answer for!
  

Winner of Heads and Tails

After 2 heads, 2 heads and tails and 2 heads the winner was Sharon Skinner, guest and awardee of a Pride of Workmanship. 

Attendance

39 attendees in all, including Pride of Workmanship awardees Sharon Skinner, Barry Telford and Christine Ion; Rotary partner Rona McGann and visitors Andy Fethers, Peter Kostopoulos, Libby Beresford, Peter Chalmers and Tim Houveling. 

 

Bulletin #1 2024-2025

 From the (New) President

President Kelly bid everyone a very cheery "Good morning", welcoming everyone to the Breakfast meeting, adding "Today's meeting is the first official activity for this club in what has now been termed the PLE - the Post Lawrance Era. Who knows what the future may present us with?"

He then invited Sargeant Deb to enlighten us on who, and what, we were celebrating this week, after which he welcomed guests - Agata Dharma, Sharon Gleeson and Isabel Sanchez.

President Kelly took the opportunity to "thank those who attended our Changeover function last Friday night where we were able to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that Veronica made to this club over the last two years as President. It was also an occasion to recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals in the club with awards to the Rotarian of the year and Paul Harris Fellow awardees. I would also like to congratulate everyone of you who has contributed to our activities whether they be projects or vocational or fellowship related activities because every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the fabric of this club. There are many amongst us who are beavering away in the background and just getting things done. I would like to assure you that your efforts are very much appreciated."

 

Guest Speaker - Agata Dharma, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce

Agata Dharma is a proud go-getter with a wealth of international experience, having lived, worked and played in Indonesia, America, Canada, and the UK. With a passion for learning, she holds degrees in Computer Science, International Business and Commerce, as well as certifications in Prince2 and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and she shows no signs of slowing down.

Throughout her career, Agata has been exposed to diverse cultures and corporate environments, always seeking to champion local and small businesses and passionate about finance, technology and change management.

Currently, Agata holds the position of Chief of Operating Officer at Townshend Capital, where she is in charge of day-to-day operations as well as executing the company's long-term goals.

Agata was on the founding Executive Committee of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce Western Australia (ICCWA) and presently sitting as the Vice President.

Agata gave an interactive and very interesting presentation by getting members to download the Kahoot App to their phones. Everyone then participated in a quiz to test their knowledge on Indonesia/Australia relations:

• Which Indonesian crustations are exported to Australia? (prawns and lobsters)
• What fruit is the most exported to Australia? (durian)
• How much is Indonesia/Australia annual trade worth? ($3 billion)
• Which industry is the most important to Australia? (mining)
• Which is the biggest educational exchange? (Students – Uni)
• Which sport has the most participation with Australia? (surfing)
• Which is the largest cultural export? (batik)
• Which Indonesian music genre is gaining popularity in Australia? (Gamelon)
• Biggest environmental collaboration? (marine conservation)
• Favourite film Genre? (horror films)

The winner was Gorby, followed by Debbie Sills and bronze for Diana Goh. We’ll never hear the end of it from Gorby….

There are three Organisations:

• Indonesia/Australia Business Council
• Indonesia Institute
• Indonesian Chamber of Commerce

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce was formed out of the Covid lockdown. Its mission is to connect Indonesian business to WA, build strong economic connections, promote and facilitate bilateral trade and investment. By comparison, Indonesia has 275 million people and Australia 25 million.

ICCWA offers business networking, market entry support, Trade Missions, info and advocacy (rules and compliance).

Notable connections and achievements are

• East Java is the sister province to WA
• Den Pasar has an Information Technology MOU with WA
• 2021 Established ICCWA
• 2022 Visit from “Warren Buffet” of Indonesia
• 2023 Golden Group Indonesian Entrepreneur Summit
• 2024 Trending Hot Topics monthly events

Agata thanked the club for the opportunity to tell us about Indonesia.

Directors Reports and Announcement

Brian J

• News of Dr Sak (Como RC, formerly Mill Point member) in ICU after being found unconscious a week ago. Family request privacy.
• Membership Directories now available, one each, please take and sign for it.
•  Committees still being finalised so no Club Service meeting today.

Rick S - Community

• 1st meeting to be held today after breakfast to discuss key roles.
  
• Tree planting is happening with 4 or 5 other clubs on 20 and 21 July. More details to follow.

Wayne M - BulldustNBack

• More cars from club than external participants. Please support this FUNdraiser to meet our target of $150,000 this year. Garrick McCamey joining support team as spotter.
• The Government are depositing several hundred dollars in your electricity accounts. Use it to make a difference by donating to RCMP for Kids with Cancer, Youth Mental Health, Peace Poles, Global Hands Charity, The Rotary Foundation.
  

Wayne D - Peace Poles

• Peace poles have been spotted as far away as the North Pole, Pyramids of Giza, South Perth Primary School and Como Primary School. We are looking for new sites to raise a Peace Pole.

Joy B - Good News

• One of our visiting GSE team member from Florida (a couple of years ago now) has been made President of Seville, Spain.
  

Michell L - Pastoral Care

• Peter Dowling is recovering from skin surgery and hopes to be back with us soon. Card sent from us all.
  

I'm Fine with that...

The Master Extractor of Fines was none other than Wayne the Elder who berated the following:

• In this entire year under a new President we have not yet raised a dollar - I'm here to help, so President Kelly - new Rotary Year, New President, first of many fines - get used to it!
• All Amazon Buyers for making it the world's most valuable company.
• Selfie takers - specially those selfies taken with Koalas, Quokkas, and animals - including children...
• Cricket fans, son Graham (of Greg Chappell) now "top gun" in RAAF. Pay a fine and hope he doesn't bowl underarm.
• People who missed out on a great Changeover night (you missed a treat, so pay up)
• Bleary-eyed Wimbledon Watchers , Tour de France, and all late night TV watchers
  

Ian K forced Wayne the Elder to buy the box for falling asleep at a funeral and had other attendees wondering weather he should have been in the box!

Winner of Heads and Tails

This week's tosser was Wayne the Elder and threw 2 heads, 2 tails and a winning tail for Dianna Goh!

Attendance

38 attendees in all, including guest speaker Agata Dharma, and visitors Sharon Gleeson and Isabel Sanchez.

Bulletin #47 Changeover Night 28 June 2024

 Go Green and Gold

Well what a night it turned out to be! The event was a sea of Green and Gold from the ridiculous to the sublime, but everyone made an effort to participate in the theme of the night.

President elect Kelly Gillen did a great job as MC and welcomed everyone with his usual aplomb!

 

 

DG Ineke Oliver and husband Geoff, Geoff Baker MLA, Greg Milner Mayor of South Perth, President elect John Cahill and wife Denise Rotary Club of Como and new members Dianna Goh, Lydia Wong, Peggy Leung and Garrick McCamey all got a mention in dispatches.

DG Ineke Oliver gave the Toast to Rotary International speaking of the wonders of Rotary and the difference that Rotarians make.

 

 

 

 

 

The response to the RI Toast was given by David Rowell and was extremely eloquent in his words of wisdom.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Toast to partners was given by Rotarian Joy Burnett, a beautiful emotional toast, remembering late partners (and members) of the club.  Joy spoke of how partners are the support of Rotarians and how hard it would be for Rotarians to "do what they do" without a partner beside them.
 

 

 

 

The response by Joy's partner Charlie Burnett, was indeed a fitting tribute to fellow partners with accolades to Rotarians who had welcomed him into the Club, as a Rotary partner 30 years ago!

 

 

 

 

 President Veronica gave a brief snapshot of the year in review logging some pretty impressive and significant projects, activities and events that the club had been involved with over the last 12 months:

• The Sewing Sisters
• The Amerta Bhuaa WAter Project in Bali
• Sri Lanka eye camp
• BulldustNBack (now in its 6th year)
  
• Dial A Santa
• Rock N Roll night
• Ukraine Ambulance
• Guildford Gaol
• SKG visit
• The Pines Awards
• Fremantle Historical Walk
• Camp Opportunity
• Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN)
• National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)
• Four Way Speech Contest
• Kensington Secondary School Awards
• South Perth Primary Graduation
• 2nd Peace Pole, South Perth Primary
  

PHF Awardees 2023-2024

A Paul Harris award is not given lightly, it signifies a Rotarian’s commitment to their Club through a number of activities, events and projects. It reflects on their leadership skills such as mentoring new Rotarians in sharing their knowledge as well as mentoring Rotarians who are taking up new challenges within the Club. It’s about sharing experiences within and without Rotary and sometimes putting a hand up when time and resources are tight.

It’s about quality of service as well as quantity, the number of Directorships held, deputising on committees and upholding Rotary’s values and ethics.

Mill Point's 2023-2024 PHF awardees are great examples of all these things, and it was a humbling but very proud experience to recognise and award PHF awards to these Mill Point Rotarians.

Firstly (and in no particular order), a long standing Rotarian of 30 years. Formerly a charter member and past President of a Rotary Club in the wild, wild, west.

During which time was working full-time with young  children of their own as well as being a Director in the family engineering business.

Some of the portfolios they’ve held include President, Secretary,Vice President, Club Director, International Director, and Past Assistant District Governor.

When the family moved to Perth, this person joined the Rotary Club of Mill Point. Within a month of joining this person was seeking out projects in which to participate.

At the time RCMP was a large Club with over 70 members  and was very active in community activities. 

No surprise then that when they joined Mill Point in 2012, this person held offices such as Secretary and Attendance Officer; Assistant District Governor for District 9465; named Rotarian of the Year 2017-2018; Camp Inspiration nurse 2023; BulldustNBack medic 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and Acuity Tester at Eyecare camps in Sri Lanka annually since 2018 (and ongoing).

Of course the last testimonies gave it away and  it is none other than our own Florence Nightingale Raelene George now PHF+2.

Raelene is currently in Paris, really wearing the green and gold but we will present this to her when she returns to Perth

The second awardee joined Rotary in 1992, but has had 40 years in Rotary - now that must be a milestone to be reckoned with!

During this time, they have held important positions - and not just for one year - Club Treasurer from 2013 to 2018 and Club Secretary 1995 to 1996 then 2021 to 2024, as well serving on Vocational, Club Service, Membership, International, Bulletin editor, Community Committees and being the Finesmaster. They were also Rotarian of the year in 2015-2016

They are a font of knowledge on all-things-constitution and by-laws.

This person beavers away in the background, it's noticeable in the way in which they say little but take in a lot and always, always, can recall conversations and the details.

Some would say they are ‘old school’ and that’s OK, as we experience constant change it is always good to have the ‘roots’ of our club firmly planted.

Receiving their PHF+4 it's John O’Sullivan.

John could not attend due to recovering from a  hip replacement and we wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return when he will be presented his award and welcome him back to the club – as good as new! 

 

Lastly, 1993 was a very special year – it was the year in which mine and Jon's twins were born and probably the year I met this person for the first time, as it was in 1993 when they joined Mill Point.

They have been a Past President 2014-2015, and have held multiple Directorships - Membership, Youth, International, Community, Club Service, Fundraising, back to Membership and is currently a Director of our Charity Trust.

They are a negotiator, a calming presence, a softly spoken person who has supported this Club through thick and thin and always ready to jump in when a problem arises.

They can’t be with us tonight as duty calls elsewhere but I know members will recognise the efforts over this Rotarian's 31 years of service,  Congratulations to Lew Thomas PHF+3.

Amongst many duties, Lew is on babysitting duty and unfortunately unable to receive his award, but now with a "trifector" in our hands we will ensure that Lew, Raelene and John receive the accolades they deserve at a future club meeting.

 

2023-2024 Rotarian of The Year

I’m very happy to say that our Rotarian of the Year is here tonight

But first of all I want to acknowledge Graham Rennie who created and donated this magnificent duplicate trophy to record all the Rotarians of the Year since the award was created in the Rotary year of 2012-2013.

It would also be very remiss of me not to mention the very first awardee of this trophy – Ken Pittman, who has set the standards for all future awardees. Well done Ken.

However, this year’s Rotarian of the Year  joined Mill Point in 1996, they are a Past President of the Club, as well as taking on committee roles such as Membership, Youth, Club Service, Vocational, and Fundraising.

To date they have introduced quite a few new members – mostly females - which makes me think that retirement is quite out of the question as they are such a good source of new members.

What is particularly noteworthy of this Rotarian  is their ‘hands-on’ approach and  leadership style, who is never afraid to get their hands dirty when organising their committee events. Amongst his many titles, and by now you will have recognised "Mr Parking" of the Rotary Club of Mill Point and 2023 2024 Rotarian of the year – Dietmar Mazanetz.

 

Outgoing President Veronica then handed over to outgoing Board directors a small token of appreciation and thanked them for their support, encouragement, hard work and commitment to the Club.

Last but by no means least, President Veronica finally became Past President Veronica and thanked incoming President Kelly for his contribution, exclaiming, "Kelly it has been a real pleasure working with you over the last two years, developing ideas and sharing experiences and activities for the benefit of the Club and I know you are going to be a Magical President of Mill Point".

Veronica then presented Kelly with his new name badge and President's bar to attach to the President's collar, as well as the Presidential Theme Banner for 2024-2025 "The Magic Of Rotary"

Kelly introduced his 2024-2025 Board and thanked them for their volunteering for the new Rotary year. 

(L to R) Astrid Mitchell (Youth), Michael Gottschalk (Vocational), Rick Sneeuwjagt (Community), Lyn Metcalf (Treasurer), David Rowell (joint President elect with Gerry McGann - apology), Brian Johnston (Club Service).

 

As his first official act as President, Kelly then presented a PHF+2 to Veronica.

In addition Kelly then presented the following Olympic Medals.

"Unfortunately the premier event of the evening - the 25m hurdles across fully laid dining tables - has had to be cancelled due to the race being deemed a liability issue by RPGC. This was reinforced by general concerns aout Ian Kremmer being seen in athletic leotards!

"Instead over the last year there have been many examples of the Olympic spirit demonstrated in our club activities often by people beavering away in the background. So, in keeping with the Olympic tradition and standards we have some awards to give out tonight. I would ask that recipients come forward to stand on the podium to receive their Medals.

"The Gold Medal for the highly competitive Easter Bunny Hop goes to Debbie Sills who has left all other bunnies flat footed and eggless. You do need to bunny hop to the podium Deb!

 "In the long distance category the Gold Medal goes to our one and only cupcake Mike Collett. This has been a record breaking run for roster continuity and Mike is still well out in front as no one else can get up as early as him.

 

 "The Gold Medal for consistent and irrelevant trivia came down to a closely fought contest between President Veronica and Wayne the Elder. In this instance, depth of experience and streetwise cunning gave Wayne the edge in this hard fought contest.

 

 

"Finally, we have the hotly contested Race to the Friday Breakfast Buffet. No Gold Medal has been awarded for this event however the 'winner' of the Bronze medal is Michael "coffee cup" Gottschalk, whose inconsistent attempts to curry favour with the incumbent President were clearly doomed from the start". 

 

In closing President Kelly thanked everyone for attending and their support in making this changeover  a resounding success and wished everyone a safe and happy year, and a safe drive home.