2026 CHANGEOVER NIGHT
The Rotary Club of Mount Eliza held its Changeover celebration on Tuesday June 20 at our regular meeting place, Toorak College. The special guest was DGE, Emma Clarke, from the Rotary Club of Emerald who inducted our new President James Voss. Other guests were Rotary Community Leader Peter Rawlings, the Presidents of the Rotary Clubs of Somerville Tyabb (Ken Taylor & president elect Chris Such) and Mornington (Jo Davie & President elect Kaye Aitchison). The evenings preceedings were chaired by pp Carolyn Such. It was a full House and commenced with a very enthusiastic and cheerful fellowship session with drinks and nibbles. The atmosphere was buzzing and joyous.
Some of the attendees Chair Carolyn hard at work A "full house" in the dining room
The meeting started with the formalities of an accknowledgment to Country and the toasts to King, Australia and Rotary International. DGE Emma, responded to the toast to Rotary with a brief summation of her goals for the Clubs in District 9815:
- strong and flourishing Clubs
- meaningful training opportunities for all
- more collaboration between clubs
- support for initiatives to prevent family violence
- support for the District Conference in the Hunter Valley
This was followed by an excellent meal supplied by Toorak College Catering served as usual by Chrissy and her team.
President Jim gave his annual report of an excellent year for the Club under his leadership and he presented awards of appreciation for their contributions to the Club over the year(s) (wine of course!) to range of Members and Friends: Special Friend Catherine Gorr, Maurie Selth, George-Ann Sullivan, Rowan Miller, Maurie Selth, David and Grace Rew and Yvonne and Andy Simpson.
Maurie long service award George-Ann exceptional service Rowan invaluable service
Then the Club awarded 3 well received Paul Harris Fellows: Chrestyna Kemjt, from the Australian Federation
of Ukrainian Organisations in her role as Club adviser and her work in assisting Ukraine and its people, Phil Key for his role in fund raising and Club Fellowship and Neil Heron for his assistance in various roles. The Rotarians were suitably left speechless but thankful for the Clubs appreciation. Chrestyna was graceful in her thanks and responded beautifully for the Club's efforts in Ukraine and how important our support is.
Paul Harris Fellow Chrestyna Kemjt Paul Harris Fellow Phil Key Paul Harris Fellow with sapphire Neil Heron
The prestigous Rotarian of the Year was awarded to Yvonne Simpson with hearty acclamation from all present. Her efforts in establishing a vigorous, up to date and vital presence in social media has been remarkable.
Then for the main event, DGE Emma Clarke inducted Rotarian Jim Voss as president of the Rotary Club of Mount Eliza for the Rotary year 2026/27. Rightly so, his first pronouncment was to thank his daughter who flew in from the USA to support and celebrate with her Dad.
President James with his daughter DGE Emma presenting the chain of office It's official, he is now the Boss
James introduced his Board to great acclamation and the night was completed with great fellowship and congratulations all round. It was an exce;;ent Evening
ps
Does he look to be diisappointed to be a "feather Duster"?
Melbourne Symphony Music Experience for Primary Students
Cathryn has sent me the following gratitude messages form Mount Eliza Primary School. As Cathryn said "It is good too recieve letters of thanks and appreciation from the School".
