I first joined the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk in 2002, took a break after a few years and then rejoined in 2009. In that time, I have been a Board member for most years and served as club President in 2013-14 and again in 2016-17. Other club roles undertaken have been as Treasurer and Foundation Chair. I joined the District team in 2019 taking on the role of Assistant Governor within Goldfields North and also served as a member of the District Recognised Programs Review Committee. In 2021-22 I undertook the Executive Assistant Governor Mentor role.
I was encouraged to consider the role of Governor by two PDGs and, after much thought, I agreed to nominate.
Why? My view of Rotary is that it comprises people who essentially are there because they want to redress disadvantage.
That being the case, I saw the role then as one of building a committed team and empowering them to use initiative in support of our members. I was also aware that we have an extremely experienced and knowledgeable body of people to draw upon across our District.
The ongoing challenge becomes one of galvanising people to work in support of each other within collaborative and respectful environments in the interests of others.
My broad vision for D9800 during 2023-24 is for our clubs to maintain a focus on the key pillars of; Membership, Programs & Projects, and Fundraising.
I am also promoting the concept of our very capable District Support Team being in place for that specific purpose - SUPPORT.
A key priority for me is to assist my team in providing direct and informed support and guidance to clubs and club officers in the areas of need they identify.
While there are a range of ongoing programs that are strongly promoted by our District; eg. End Polio Walk, Rotary SAFE Families, Youth Exchange, etc. I wish to ensure the focus is primarily upon our clubs and the programs and projects they undertake. I'll be encouraging our clubs to undertake a planning process that sees them identify meaningful activity that becomes their priroity for the year. I then want to ensure our DST gives them the support they need to successfully complete their specific endeavours.
Promotion of the Rotary organization through focused Public Image strategies on the excellent work undertaken by individual Rotarians and clubs is also an important intention.
I want to encourage everyone across our District to be very active in "telling our stories" on the range media available to us. Hopefully, in this way, we can encourage involvement of people we are not yet reaching through the many volunteer activities that make up the annual program we will undertake. Quite possibly, this will enable encouragement of many of these volunteers into membership.
I'm sure, working together, we can all enjoy a rewarding year where we make a difference in the lives of many while having some fun and fellowship along the way.
Outside of Rotary, Deb and I enjoy travelling and like to spend as much time as possible with our daughters Michelle and Melanie and their families. My other interests lie with caravanning, photography, pottering in the garden at home and lawn bowls.