In keeping with the tradition of Rotary International, at this time of the year all Rotary Clubs throughout the world conduct what is known in Rotary speak at “Club changeover”.
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Clubs between Bulli and Kiama have either held or are in the process of holding their celebrations for this year.
This celebratory occasion is an opportunity for each President and outgoing Board to share their achievements, present the Club’s Annual Report and present cheques/money to various organisations which they have chosen to donate funds raised through their various projects/programs.
They also recognise people within their community, club and/or projects, with presentations of either Pride of Workmanship Awards; special recognition awards or the very prestigious Paul Harris Fellow – PHF - Recognition.
Clubs which have already celebrated are Kiama, Minnamurra, Dapto, Wollongong South – do visit each of their websites to gain an insight into the various projects, funds and activities these clubs have conducted as part of their commitment to their “Service Above Self” Rotary journey.
This week we feature our youngest, the only breakfast club and one of the busiest.
The Rotary Club of Illawarra Sunrise held its changeover at the Novotel North Beach on Sunday, June 26, 2016, where 60 Rotary District officers, club members, family, friends and recipients of awards joined together to celebrate another busy and successful year.
The event was organised by Charter President Elaine Hart and the MC Mark Hampson – both Charter members of the Club.
Outgoing President, the local and very popular Tony McAdam of 96.5 Wave FM and his Rotarian Board members/colleagues, presided over and recognised a number of amazingly dedicated people.
Paul Harris Fellow recognitions were made to club members Dr John Pearman for his long time service to local and international club projects and former member Myra Castellano-Hegarty for her incredible work in organising aid projects in the Philippines in January each year, where members of the club travel at their own expense to fulfil the agreed goals for the program for each year.
The first of the Community Service Awards – CSA’s - were presented to Club Past President, PHF Dr Rhys Gray for his long and dedicated service holding office on the Board, to local and international club projects including Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program and his work as District Chair of the National Youth Science Forum, to name a few.
The recognition was accepted by his wife PP and PHF Janice Gray as Rhys was cycling in Russia and Europe.
Judith Gunn, for her commitment and dedication to over 40 years with the local Scouting movement, plus countless other projects, was awarded the second CSA.
An Excellence in Service to Humanity award, only one of five awarded in District 9675 this year, was presented to another very high profile local businessman. Bill Dowson, who was really taken by surprise, when the District Governor Graham Wilson made the presentation.
Bill has served tirelessly for more than 30 years as a long-time supporter board/committee member of the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal and the Illawarra Hawks, among countless other community organisations.
Dr Michael Yabsley was voted by his peers as the Club Member of the Year, for amongst other things, his hard work and dedication in developing the club’s new website.
Visit http://www.illawarrasunrise.org.au/ to learn more about the club and the proposed goals of the club under President Peter Rixon and his Board for 2016-2017.
The photograph at left shows high profile local media identities from 96.5 Wave FM - outgoing club president Tony McAdam presenting a Certificate of Appreciation Award for the support and encouragement provided by his employer Wendy Gee, NSW Regional General Manager for Grant Broadcasters, the owners of Wave FM.
Tony also recognised Tony Williams, Wave FM General Manager. Both afforded the use of their resources and personnel to assist him in his presidential role and their continued dedication to community service.