It’s a wonderful honour for me to commence the coming Rotary year as your District Governor. Twenty-eight months ago, I stepped on the G-train journey. I must say, it has been full of learning, training, information and picking up knowledge on all the aspects of Rotary at the various levels. The training for incoming DGs by Rotary International and by our Rotary Zone 8 training team is comprehensive and professional. It has been a privilege for me to participate in this “induction” to the role of DG. I have been meeting with my fellow Governors 2022/23 from throughout Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands (Zone 8) each month, and meeting with my fellow DGs 2022/23 in Victoria each month.My partner Adele and I have visited every club in the District (some by Zoom) in the past year in an endeavour to learn more about our fabulous clubs and inspiring club members.
My Background – I enjoyed a working career in Banking and Credit Risk Management with ANZ Bank which took me to various places in Australia.
I joined Rotary in 1987 as a 33-year-old, Charter President of the Rotary Club of St Helens in Tasmania (D9830). I accepted a position in Melbourne in 1997 so Adele and I moved our family to Victoria. I served as President, Rotary Club of Manningham (D9810). A sea-change took Adele and I to the Mornington Peninsula in 2016 and we both joined the Rotary Club of Rosebud Rye (D9820), where I served as Club President in 2020/21.
At District 9820 level, I have been involved in Youth Programs, The Rotary Foundation and as Assistant Governor. In 2018, I introduced the Foundation Student Scholarships Grants Program to our District.
I joined Rotary in 1987 as a 33-year-old, Charter President of the Rotary Club of St Helens in Tasmania (D9830). I accepted a position in Melbourne in 1997 so Adele and I moved our family to Victoria. I served as President, Rotary Club of Manningham (D9810). A sea-change took Adele and I to the Mornington Peninsula in 2016 and we both joined the Rotary Club of Rosebud Rye (D9820), where I served as Club President in 2020/21.
At District 9820 level, I have been involved in Youth Programs, The Rotary Foundation and as Assistant Governor. In 2018, I introduced the Foundation Student Scholarships Grants Program to our District.
We have 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren and we have hosted 8 Rotary Youth Exchange students each for 3 months in our home, all from different countries.
I am passionate about the future of Rotary, The Rotary Foundation, membership growth and mentoring the next generation of Rotary leaders.
We have an exciting year ahead with a fabulous theme “Imagine Rotary”. With your help, I intend to focus on increasing our diversity, equity and inclusion, making our clubs more reflective of the communities in which we serve and to ensure everyone feels welcome and engaged. I intend to focus on starting new style clubs and new or different ways of operating, to adapt to changing lifestyles and family priorities. Many clubs in our district are establishing strong partnerships with other groups in our communities. We see terrific opportunities for Rotary membership from these partnerships.
My/our goals for District 9820:
- Priority one - District Leaders will endeavour to ‘be of service to clubs.
- Membership - each club should aim to achieve a net gain of at least one member.
- New clubs - to start 2 new clubs (for example, eClub, Satellite club, Cause based club, Coffee club, Rotaract club)
- The Rotary Foundation (our charity of choice)
- 20 clubs will be encouraged to participate in District Scholarship Grants
- 30 clubs will be encouraged to participate in District or Global Grants (each club will be encouraged to contribute A$120 per member to Foundation e.g. 20 x $120 =$2400)
- each club aims to contribute A$1,500 to End Polio as a club contribution.
5. Each club to aim to promote at least one club activity in the District Newsletter, on our website (Event) or Facebook page, during the 22/23 year.
In the coming months, I promise to keep Rotarians up to date, via the Newsletter, on our progress regarding preparation for District 9815 (the merger of D9820 and D9810, which is programmed to occur on 1st July 2024).
We are looking at changes at the National level of Rotary via our proposed Zone 8 Regionalisation Pilot. Currently we have a small team of dedicated District Leaders who are booking times/ dates, to come to club meetings to provide an overview of the proposed Regionalisation Pilot. Please make these District Leaders welcome at your club and ask plenty of questions.
Rotary is a dynamic organisation because of you.
Let’s all join as Rotary members to have an enjoyable year.
