In late June 2022 the club’s 43rd Changeover was celebrated. Total attendance was 54 which included special guest PDG. Andy Rajapakse, Rotary International Zone 8 Assistant Rotary Coordinator, who introduced his guests Varuna & Sumika Gunatillake. Alan MacDonald introduced his family and friends from Brisbane. On arrival, the ladies each were presented with a red rose. A very special touch organised by Alan MacDonald. Thank you Alan!!
Changeover June 2022
In late June 2022 the club’s 43rd Changeover was celebrated. Total attendance was 54 which included special guest PDG. Andy Rajapakse, Rotary International Zone 8 Assistant Rotary Coordinator, who introduced his guests Varuna & Sumika Gunatillake. Alan MacDonald introduced his family and friends from Brisbane. On arrival, the Ladies each were presented with a red rose. A very special touch organised by Alan MacDonald.
President Ron Borland explained the Brightwell Trust and introduced PDG. Andy Rajapakse to present Bill Ross with an Honorary membership for his work on the Trust.
Chairman Gherry Westerveld called upon Gillian Reeve to propose a toast to Rotary International to which PDG. Andy Rajapakse, Rotary International Zone 8 Assistant Rotary Coordinator, replied.
After providing some hilarity for the evening Chairman Gherry asked PDG Andy to present Ron and Allison Borland each with a Paul Harris Fellow Award which was accepted with grace and much surprise. This is the vBery hard work and dedication both put into the preparation of the Campbell Stree property for auction plus setting up the Brightwell trust with funds from the auction.
The Fellowship Award, which was determined by his peers, was presented by PDG Andy to Colin Welch.
President Ron Borland provided his report on the year in office and achievements and then invited Alan MacDonald to come forward and be inducted as the 2022-2023 President of Mermaid Beach Rotary Club. He then presented him with the President Pin, the Charter, President’s sash, briefcase and the new Honour Board.
President Alan then spoke about his plans and aspirations for the ensuing year and thanked Past President Ron Borland for his achievements.
The Charter Members of the Mermaid Satellite Club Young Mermaid were inducted and each presented with the Rotary pin by Mermaid Beach Past Presidents.
President Alan McDonald thanked DG Andy for his assistance in the formation of the club. The Satellite members were informed how they would pass on the responsibility of the Brightwell Trust to the next generation.
Chairman Tom Ross of the Satellite Club Young Mermaid spoke on how energised they were to carry on the work of Rotary. Tom Ross formally receiving the Charter.
A special thanks go to Jan Westerveld for the report and photos, Jen Kennedy for her usual contribution and to Allison Borland for more photos.
