President Justin Kell welcomed members and guests to the 89th changeover dinner of Goulburn Rotary Club, which was convened at the 'Blue Plate' Restaurant.
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Mayor Bob Kirk proposed a toast to 'Rotary International', during which he recognised the importance of Rotary International around the world and to this community in particular.
The response to the toast was made by past District Governor Steve Hill who emphasised the role of volunteers in achieving Rotary International's goals over the past 12 months. The millions of recorded hours worked by Rotary volunteers were worth far more in monetary terms.
Outgoing president Mr Kell presented his report for 2018-19 and stated that funds raised throughout the year amounted to more than $36,000 through activities such as the monthly Parkside markets, Goulburn Speedway catering, catering at the annual Classic Motorcycle Swap Meet as well as at numerous local events, culminating in the 150th Railway arrival celebrations.
Community programs included U Turn the Wheel and associated Log-Book and Seniors Runs, the Science and Engineering Challenge, the breakfast program for the Bradfordville and North Goulburn Primary Schools, the Hospital book exchange, the Rotary Street Van, Joseph's Gate Emergency Women's Refuge and the Rotary Youth Exchange program which welcomed student Frida Lassen from Norway and sent away local student Molly Beard, who is currently in Norway.
Aside from these community services, other donations included The Rotary/Channel 9 Drought Appeal, the Townsville Flood Appeal and the Rotary Foundation. Monies have been put aside pending completion/authorisation of Goulburn Hospital equipment, a rotunda at the Marsden Weir Rotary Park, and heritage signs along the Wollondilly River Walking Track.
Mr Kell thanked his club board and officers of 2018-19 for their efforts and support in his role and wished Bruce Hammond and his club board well for the coming year. He then gave an outline of his recent trip to Germany to take part in the Rotary International Conference in Hamburg.
President-elect Hammond was called to join President Justin Kell at the podium. The latter passed on the presidential chain to Mr Hammond, presented him with his president's Theme Badge and entrust the Club's charter to his care.
Mr Hammond said the theme for 2019-20 was 'Rotary Connects the World.' He hoped it would be exemplified through the club by making a positive difference through the local and district community, as well as through connections with the world of Rotary International. He wanted to actively seek and engage in partnership opportunities with other clubs and community agencies in order to best serve the community, a service which had continued for close to 90 years.
He also confirmed that many projects cited in past president Justin Kell's report would remain a significant contributor to the life of our community, district, and the world of Rotary International.
The Changeover having been completed, President Bruce introduced his Club executive and board for 2019-2020.
Among guests were the Mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Bob Kirk, past District Governor Steve Hill and the presidents of the Rotary Clubs of Goulburn Mulwaree, Goulburn Argyle and Crookwell.
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