President Peter's address to the Club Changeover upon his induction as President of the Rotary Club of Caloundra:Good evening everyone, with special mention to, District Govenor, John Lane. State Member for Caloundra, Mark McArdle, and wife, Judy. Carolyn Krueger, President Sunshine Coast Central RC, David Mares, President Mooloolaba RC, PAG Gordon Watson, invited guests and fellow Rotarians. And a special welcome to our two Paul Harris Fellows.
I’d like to thank you all for coming tonight and sharing in the celebrations of the Rotary Club of Caloundra’s 2017/18 ChangeOver.
At this time I’d like to recognize some special people in my life that have supported me in many ways, to enable me to be where I am today.Firstly, my wife Narelle, who has not only been a wonderful and encouraging partner to myself, but also a fantastic role model to our three children, Blake, Kimberley and Sheridan, who, I am proud to say, are all here tonight. Unfortunately their partners have other commitments, as does our Grandson, and can’t be here. We are very proud of our family and what our children have achieved and to have them all here tonight, along with my wife, is very special to me.
Recognising the amazing job of our former President, Anna, is something that I’d like now, to do. Anna, to you and your team, congratulations on a job well done and for providing me with a platform of such a healthy club, to continue to lead. I regard you as a great example for myself and I intend to carry on the tradition and continue to make our Club great.
As you can see by the signage on the tables and the banners, this year’s Rotary theme is, “Rotary, making a difference”. This slogan was chosen by the incoming President of Rotary International, Ian Risely. Ian hails from the Rotary Club of Sandringham in Victoria, Australia. Having an Australian in such a high position is a privilege and we should feel honoured, as Rotarians. With a bit of luck, we may even be fortunate enough to have a visit from Ian during his busy year in office.In order for us to understand how Rotary can make a difference, we must first ask ourselves, “What is Rotary ?”.
As Rotarians, we need to know more about Rotary. When we are educated, we enjoy being a Rotarian, we in turn can increase our Club’s membership, as we are able to spread the word with enthusiasm to potential members.
So, what is Rotary ?
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels.
Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back.
During my year as President, my primary objective is quite a simple one. I want our Club to remain a vibrant and strong Club.
I’d like our club to engage our members, to conduct meaningful projects and try new ideas. Our club’s activities should reflect the diversity and personality of our members. A successful Club is when every member is empowered to shape the Club’s future and make it outstanding.
I would like to extend an invitation to all Club Members to attend Board Meetings. Getting to know what goes on in the Club’s “engine room”, provides more transparency and a greater willingness to be involved.
A vibrant Club will naturally attract new members. Membership is something that I intend to work hard to achieve in both quality and quantity. I’d also like to recognize that Member retention is equally as important to gaining new Members. This, I will do, in conjunction with our Club’s Membership Director, Arnaldo.
I would like to introduce some variations to our normal Breakfast Meetings. Some of our members experience difficulty attending the Breakfast Meetings but would like to remain on as members. To alleviate this problem, I envisage having an evening Social Event once a month at varying venues in Caloundra. This would be an ideal opportunity to bring family and friends along. A potential Rotarian, perhaps.
Working with the Club’s Vocational Director, Bernie, we will continue to look at having our Breakfast Meeting at varying venues also.
As far as Projects are concerned, as most of you are well aware, my passion is Mental Health. The area that interests me the most is Suicide Prevention, in particular, preventing Suicide amongst our farmers and rural residents.
I have made contact with the research department at the Black Dog Institute which has a study designed to “Reduce suicidal thoughts through a web based self help intervention”.
The Digital Dog team, as they are known, are investigating cutting edge methods for detecting mental health risk via social media, and developing novel interventions for mental health treatment. The Digital Dog team focuses on interventions to target depression, suicide risk and to enhance wellbeing.
Australian Rotary Health has provided some funding for this project already, and I am enquiring with regard to expanding upon this.
Closer to home, I would like our Club to support Sunshine Coast Mental Health Services. Benefits of these services include, aiming to prevent admission of individuals to the Psychiatric Ward by providing support for these individuals so they can remain in the community.
This is achieved by the Service developing a shared care plan with other clinical services, and the individual to maximize independence and self-management in the community.
I look forward to working with our Club in the Solomon Islands, once again, to improve their levels of sanitation.
Along with the continued quest of Rotary International, for the world to be free of Polio.
There will be many other organisations that will benefit from my year of service. These are just a few.
Finally, I would like to introduce the members of my Board for the 2017/18 year. We have a nice mix of experience amongst the Board members.
I’d personally like to welcome and thank each member of the Board for taking on their roles, and I know that they will perform their respective tasks with vigour.
I believe the combination of experience and enthusiasm we have, will set our club up for a strong and vibrant year and we will “make a difference”.
Lastly and far from least. Many thanks must go to the organizing committee of lovely ladies who made this night run so seamlessly, Deb, Judy, Pam and Bernie.
There has been so much hard work done behind the scenes and I would hate it to go unrecognized. Thank you ladies.
Thank you also to our MC for the evening, Gerry, for the outstanding job you’ve done.
[ Click here to see the Board Members for 2017-18 ]
I ask you each to come forward and accept your Lapel Pin, signifying your role within the Club. Thank you for accepting your position and I very much look forward to working with you all throughout the coming year.