An all Zoom District Changeover took place between 12.15 and 1.30 pm on Sunday 28 June.
The Changeover had 102 devices log into Zoom and approximately 150 Rotarians and guests were in attendance.
Following the Changeover our very own Rotarian Mark Humphries is now Governor of District 9820.
The Changeover commenced with news of the recent sad passing of Rotarian Sir Clem Renouf. Clem, who was a member of the Rotary Club of Nambour, Queensland, for over 70 years, was President of rotary International in 1978/79. He was the International president who initiated and then drove Rotary's goal of eradicating polio.
The Changeover saw our new District Governor elect Bill Degnan deliver a toast to Rotary International while District Governor Nominee Paul Mee delivered a toast to Australia.
Our President Sue welcome everybody as Mt Eliza was the Host Club (being the Home Club of the District Governor).
Later in proceeding Sue received the District Governor Home Club banner from President isobel Caulfield from the Rotary Club of Berwick (Home Club of now Past District Governor Adrian Froggart).
Outgoing DG Adrian presented his Report and the depth of Rotary activities this was was extraordinary, especially considering the impact of COVID 19 on the last five months of the year.
The work that the District has done, especially for East Gippsland that has been struggling through drought and devestated by bushfires has been wonderful.
Adrian also covered all of the work that the District has done in the areas of Youth, Vocational, Community and International. All in all a most impressive year.
To conclude, Adrian announced Paul Harris Fellow awards to a number of Rotarians who have been very active in the District - Rob Cook, Nigel Counsins, Ann Cousins, Josie Wilson, Paerl Findlay-James, Janne Speirs, SamMcCurdy and Jim Wilson.
Adrian also announced that there were two Royce Abbey Awards - going to members of the same family - Jane Moore, outgoing District Secretary and PDG Tim Moore.
Following his induction by Past District Governor Merv Williams, our new DG outlined his plans for the year ahead. Mark has a clear vision for the District and I am sure that he is looking to the Mt Eliza Club to work with him achieve his goals.
Mark also introduced his new District Leadership Team, as he will report on in his columns in our Bulletin.