This was the last meeting of the Rotary Club of Glen Waverley as we move on to bigger things with the merging of, initially RC Wheelers Hill, and now Monash RC with the RC Glen Waverley. Outgoing President Chris George thanked the musical group, the “Hua-monicas” three lovely young girls who were providing wonderful entertainment for our
enjoyment.

President Chris welcomed our visitors, who included DG Ian Ballantine, AG Helen Nordrum, Ian Bell, DG Nominee Peter Behm (D9815), GWRC Honorary Members, Sue Mair, Glenda Norton, Alfred Sung and many of the Rotarian partners.
Foundation Chair, Louis Jahshan, proposed the toast and thanked outgoing President Chris and the Board members for the hard work they have put in during the year.

The ravages of time have been evident this year, with the loss of some of our most supportive members, like Jack Wilson, Ray Cooper, Jim Leishman and just recently Joy Morgan, who was such a great supporter of the club, and husband Peter. Medical topics have become of great interest with quite a few speakers on various issues over the year, Highlights of the activities over the past year have included the International Womens Day Dinner, with Tania Farhar speaking on how we can tackle the problem of Domestic Violence. Sue and Michele were thanked for organising what has now become an annual event

The Multi-Cultural Inclusion Day which saw over 400 visitors attend a great display of dancing and various ethnic groups in Monash display their culture at the Mt Waverley Community Centre. Chris thanked Raj for all the work he put into this very successful event, which will probably become an annual event into the future.

Youth activities included sponsorship for a “Model United Nations Assembly”, support for the District 4 way speaking competition, the Primary Schools Essay competition. The erection of “Peace Poles” at the Glenallen school and the supply of sports uniforms for Glen Waverley Secondary College.

Our Community Service team provided an enormous amount of food and support for those in our community who are disadvantaged. They worked with the Father Bob initiative to deliver food, and obtain a Bendigo Bank grant to purchase food to supply to those in need. Just recently we supplied 500 packets of Pasta to MOCIS

Internationally, we support the Cambodian Student Trust, supplying many bicycles, and supporting a student to study at university. We have also supported Disaster Aid Australia, and just recently donated $2,500 to the Bangladesh Centre for the rehabilitation of the disabled. This has assisted 10 families gain assistance for their disabled family members, and we are just waiting for approval of a Grant to assist families in Indonesia.

A few facts and figures: We finished the year with 52 members, and will be going forward with 55 members. This is a result of some resignations from both clubs as a lot of members are now wanting to sit back a bit, but quite a number have expressed the desire to become Honorary Members, and that is great that they are still interested in our activities.

We have had many Bunnings Sausage Sizzles which has provided lots of fund raising for our projects.
2 cake stalls at Bunnings as well. 10 social gatherings, 18 members and partners attended the District Conference in Warrnambool

There were a number of recognitions presented by District Governor Ian Ballantine, which included Paul Harris Awards for particular contributions to the club. These were Roger Lough, Michele Oscar, Raj Susarla, Tony Hills and Noel Taylor.
In addition, Certificates of Appreciation were presented by Assistant Governor, Helen Nordrum to Chris Cameron,
Andrew Goddard, and Ralph Holmes and Kim De Waas who donated Her day to free face painting at the Multicultural Day.

These were accompanied by a ‘collectors edition’ mug, souvenirs of the Multicultural day. In turn Helen was also
presented with a certificate and mug, as thanks for all her assistance to the club during the past year.

Then Pres, Chris handed over to retiring President of Monash, RC Sandra Pyke who gave a run down on some of the activities at the Monash club during the past year.

The club supplied Sky Hydrant, supported the 4 way speaking contest, Polio Plus, Power Neighbourhood House, Kids Under Cover, Mercy Ships, Music Festival. Mayors Charity Golf Day, Wine Sales, Clean Up after the Rose
Society Display, had an International Women’s Day Function, with speakers discussing Financial Independence for women, and victims of domestic violence. The Monash Op Shop succeeded beyond expectations, and this initiative will continue, under the auspices of the combined Rotary Clubs.

President Chris then handed over to incoming President Don Kerley. Don has been very busy preparing for his role, attending the International Convention in Singapore, as well as District Conference and District Assembly. Don aims to make our new club ‘simply irresistible’, a vibrant club with new club models, achieve more by doing less, and look for suitable partners we can work with, and lots of fun and fellowship. He introduced the new Board and presented a Past President badge to Chris George. Not only that, he also presented Chris a Paul Harris fellowship to recognize the great job he has done as President.

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