24 June 2024
We’ve had a very active final two weeks to the Rotary year. Three new members have been welcomed into Rotary: Cathy Christie, Joy Tupper and Jane Paynter. This brings our total new members for the year to 10.
We have also given several Paul Harris Fellow recognitions in the past two weeks. The first was to Christopher Sferrazzo who accompanied our members to Sabu Island last year and filmed the entire visit. Chris crafted a very inspiring film that was shown at the District Conference in March. As a result, hundreds of Rotarians have seen the extent of the living conditions on Sabu Island and have been ready to donate toward the next phase of the project.
We also recognised the very generous financial support that Honorary Member Fred Hofmann has made to the Sabu project. Over many years he has donated directly to the Sabu project and subsidized the education of the students by providing scholarships.
Finally, we recognised John Beaty’s generous contributions to The Rotary Foundation. John has been The Rotary Foundation Chair these past years, and we were pleased to acknowledge his support and dedication.
We have had interesting speakers as well in these last two weeks. President Elect David Hone showed the film of the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School’s (MITS) camp that was held recently. The funding for the camp came, in part, from a successful District Grant that David submitted, with the club topping up the amount needed to cover costs. In a similar vein to the Sabu film, we saw the happy smiles of the young indigenous people who had come from the Northern Territory for schooling. The Transition School enables them to become familiar with schooling practises here in Melbourne and many go on to Secondary Colleges to extend their education. David’s dedication to MITS was evident as he described how important MITS can be in giving young indigenous people options for their future.
Our final speaker for the Rotary Year was George Haddon who gave a most engaging talk about his life as a cartoonist. He is a very talented artist and the illustrations of his cartoons were remarkable.
Please look out for the Trivia Night on 9 August in aid of Matt’s Place. Contact is Marilyn Murie.
Our Changeover will be held this Thursday 27 June, 6:30pm for 7pm. The theme is “Going to the Opera,” so feel free to glam up ladies, and black tie for gentlemen.
In closing I thank each and every member of the club for our collective efforts this year. Our volunteer hours stand at 1,500 and funds allocated to worthy causes at almost $80,000. It has been a wonderful year. I have enjoyed my time as President of Beaumaris Rotary and it has been an honour to serve in that capacity. I wish David Hone all the best for the year ahead.
Denise Grocke
President
