This year’s changeover was held at the Churchill Waverley Golf Club in Rowville on Friday, 30th June. The ‘Chain of Office’ now rests on the shoulders of our new President, Greg Mossop.
President John Poke opened proceedings by welcoming Club members, our District Governor, Ken Miller, District Public Image Chair, Peter Behm, and City of Knox Councillor, Susan Laukins along with family and friends to the event. An eventful evening unfolded:
- District Governor Ken Miller addressed the Club with congratulations on a successful year.
- Councillor Susan Laukins addressed the meeting, acknowledging the Club’s community service and our collaboration with Council in doing so.
- District Public Image Chair, Peter Behm spoke about a District run program which resulted in rewards points earned for service and interaction with other District clubs. Rotary Club of Boronia members were reward winners!
- Club member Peter Malden provided a brief overview of the recently completed “Taveuni Eye Project 15”, an ongoing eyesight restoration project undertaken in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Taveuni Island, Fiji. Peter and wife Jan had just returned from Fiji where a total of 244 procedures had been completed during this year’s instalment of the project.
- A Club Presidential Award was presented to Pam King and a President’s Certificate of Appreciation presented to Annette Griffin for the ‘behind-the-scenes’ contributions made by these member partners.
- Paul Harris Fellows were presented to Club members John White (PHF with Fourth Sapphire) and Stephen Spiers (PHF with Ruby) by District Governor Ken Miller on behalf of the Club, both recognising continued service to the community and to Australian Rotary Health. Awards were also subsequently presented to Heather Anderson, Melanie Karajas and Janet Windebank (PHF with Second Sapphire) who were unable to attend the evening.
One of the highlights of the evening was the award of the inaugural Walter Goodwin Award to Doug Gibson. As our sole remaining Charter Member, Doug has provided more than 55-years of active service through our Club, an overview of which was provided by Lance Deveson. The Walter Goodwin Perpetual Award has been initiated in honour of Charter Member Wal Goodwin who left a substantial donation to The Rotary Foundation upon his passing in December 2021.
Outgoing President John then inducted Greg Mossop as the 56th President of the Rotary Club of Boronia. Greg briefly outlined his plans and vision for the year ahead before the service of the outgoing Board of Directors was acknowledged and the incoming Board was introduced.
Once the official part of the program was complete, musical entertainment by local group WINGIN’ IT drew the more energetic to the dance floor for some fun and frivolity!
July 2023
