Our Club Changeover on the 1st July was a successful event and saw close to 80 people brave the winter chill to attend the formal and fun evening at the Commonwealth Club. After a year impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns and other restrictions, uncertainty and once again, cancellation of some of our important fundraising events, outgoing President Sandra handed the Chain of Office to PE Chris who left the event as this year's President.
New Members
At the beginning of the meeting, two new members were Inducted into the Club - Her Excellency High Commissioner for Cyprus Mrs Marth Mavrommatis and Dr Krishna Nadimpalli AM. We look forward to learning more about our two new members in the coming weeks.
New members, Martha Mavrommatis and Krishna Nadimpalli
Prior to the handover ceremony, outgoing President Sandra summarised the year and her speech is available in the Download section if members missed the event and would like to know more.
Paul Harris Fellows
President Sandra then acknowledged the work of the Board throughout the year and all members who contributed and recognised some individual Club members who continuously go above and beyond - often working in the background and not visible to all. PP's Helen Moore and Natalie Vandepeer-Bradley and Max Kimber were presented with additional sapphires for their support to the President and the Club over the last year. A couple of member recipients were absent and will be acknowledged at a later time.
President Sandra and Max Kimber PHF
President Sandra and PP Helen Moore PHF
President Sandra and MC / PP Natalie-Vandepeer-Bradley PHF
Also attending and the recipient of a PHF, was Peter Gordon, CEO of Hands Across Canberra, for his ongoing support individually and through the organisation to many local charities and including the District 9705 Vulnerable Youth Project.
President Sandra with surprised PHF recipient, Peter Gordon, CEO - Hands Across Canberra
Rotarian of the Year
This year this Award went to PP and Area Governor Desmond Woods. Throughout the year, as well as his Board and Area Governor roles, Desmond has driven several initiatives within our Club and beyond to provide support to both the local community and Emily Nabakooza's Assisi Centre for Social Justice and Peace in Uganda.
President Sandra with RCC's Rotarian of the Year, PP and AG Desmond Woods OAM PHF
The Changeover ceremony was assisted by PDG (as of that afternoon) Leo Farrelly. Area Governor Lynne Duckham presented newly instated President Chris with the new banner - 'Imagine Rotary'.
President Chris then made a few opening remarks (see above) and introduced the 2022-23 Board.
Outgoing President Sandra being 'relieved' of the Chains of Office by PDG Leo.
Immediate PP Sandra with PDG Leo and President Chris!
The 2022-23 Rotary Club of Canberra Board.
PP Sandra thanks everyone for their ongoing support in the last year and she is looking forward to supporting President Chris in 2022-23.