WOW what a start to the Rotary year!

 

We had a great changeover with over 170 people traveling across the District to Traralgon in very wet and blustery weather conditions to share some fine Gippsland produce, great fellowship and to hear a report on the great past Rotary year.

 

International Rotary President Ron Burton remarked at the Sydney Convention about a saying in Oklahoma that it is "Better to leave the Woodpile a little higher than you found it". Obviously this analogy talks about using some wood but replenishing the supplies, so there is some for the next person. Certainly as I have moved around the District and experienced changeovers at more than 50% of the Clubs, I have seen and heard of many Club activities that Engaged Rotary and Changed Lives. The woodpile is in good shape and well stocked to Light Up Rotary in this coming year.  

 

A big thank you to now PDG Tim and Jane for their commitment, enthusiasm and leadership over the past 12 months to ensure that Rotary District 9820 has made a difference to the local, regional and international community of which we are all a part. 

One of the challenges for a District Governor is to be able to get around the District and to join the Conversation about Rotary goals, challenges and activity and to assist in making a difference. I am looking forward to the DG Club visits and catching up very soon with those Clubs I missed during Club Changeovers.

 

The past few months have been about preparing for the year ahead as we prepare to light up Rotary.  Now that we are through the Changeover activity it is time to get on with the job, or as RI President Gary said in his comments to the Governors Elect in San Diego on the final evening, "We have been waiting at the red light with our foot on the brake and motor ready to spring into action, so now we have a green light and it is time to ignite the candle and light up Rotary".

 

Rotarians I look forward to a great year of service as we put our diverse range of plans into action at an Individual, Club and District level to make a difference as we ‘Light Up Rotary.’