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!
Nick Hamilton-Kane
President
2 July 2023