Changeover dinner
This year the Club’s changeover dinner was held at Lees Fortuna Court; Crows Nest and it was a wonderful success. There was a great turnout of members, family, friends and Club guests and Presidents from Lane Cove, Roseville and Chatswood. As well, two past District Governors - Harold Sharp and Gina Growden were also in attendance.
The evening was a wonderful community of great energy, laughter and comradery. The speeches, toasts and stories showed the incredible strength of the Rotary family. Our new board members were also formally introduced - showing strong club continuity.
The evening ended far too soon with continued conversations well after the tables were cleared. The friendship and mutual support were clear and will certainly continue as the new Rotary year unfolds.
Changeover dinner- Awards
Two well deserving club members were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the club: Incoming President Mark Staples was awarded the Cyril Clark Award and Louise Steblina received the Paul Haris Fellow award.
The Cyril Clarke award is a special, perpetual award in Cyril's name. It recognises exceptional members of our club who have shown the same dedication and commitment to the ideals of Rotary that Cyril embodied. Mark is a past president of our club and currently sits on the board. Since his joining he has been involved in all our club events, projects and fund raising. Mark has been recognised by our club over the years with a number of Paul Harris recognitions. Mark is an integral member of our club.
Louise is a relatively new Rotarian of only a few years but has been involved in all things rotary from day one. From attending the rotary leadership institute learning program on joining, attending district assemblies, participating in all club projects, now a board member, collaborating with other clubs on projects and brought many new ideas, projects and connections to our club.
President's changeover speech.
PDG’s Gina and Harold, Presidents Jenny and Phil, guests and fellow Rotarians.
It is both an honour and a moment of deep reflection as I stand here tonight to officially pass the chain of leadership. The rotary year has flown by, and what a journey it has been!
When I look back on the role of president, I knew it would be challenging – but also incredibly rewarding. And thanks to each one of you, this past year has been exactly that.
Together we have served our community, strengthened our fellowship, and upheld the Rotary motto of Service above self.
We have had many highlights. I came into the role late to fill the gap and missed PETs and the district assembly as I was still overseas, so I had little time to plan. My goal for the year became to continue the three F’s, Fun, Fellowship and Fundraising and added two C’s Collaboration and Consolidation.
As you can see from the program we participated in numerous projects and have a few more unfinished programs and donations in the pipeline. Our monthly night meetings were well attended.
The future of Rotary I see is in collaboration with other clubs in our area. This year we continued working with Chatswood Roseville in the Tree of Joy, we had a joint POW night with Lane Cove, continued with the De Caf Cafe with North Sydney Sunrise and Northbridge and we joined with clubs in our cluster in the ongoing plight of domestic violence. As far as consolidation goes, we are one of the few clubs in our district that had a net gain of membership. Most pleasing is that as we go into the new year, we have five prospective members in our membership pipeline.
But behind every success is a team. I won’t mention any specific names, but I want to thank my board and committee chairs for their tireless work. To each member who stepped up to volunteer, who bought ideas, who showed up consistently – thank you. You are the heart of this club. Rotary is not just about projects and meetings – it is about purpose, people and legacy. As we look to the year ahead, I am confident we are in good hands.
Mark, you bring passion, vision, and an energy that’s contagious. I have no doubt you will lead us with strength and integrity. Your theme Unite for Good perfectly captures the spirit that will carry us forward. To you, I offer my full support. And to all of you – I say thank you for allowing me to serve.
Let's continue to build on our foundation, grow stronger together, and keep doing what rotary does best, Making a difference.
Thank You.
2025 President-In speech
Welcome again, and I would like to start with some big thank yous.
- Angelo for his work last year
- Family, friends, Fellow Crows Nest Rotarians and their wonderful Partners for coming here tonight and making my Changeover Night special.
- Club Members for placing their trust in me to be their President for 2025-26 Rotary Year.
- Last & most importantly My wife Lyn for her support
Before I move onto the year ahead, before the benefit of guests and newer members, I would like to put in context the strength of this small club of 20+ and what it has achieved over the last twenty odd years. Harold regularly reminds us we are “punching well above our weight.
- Our annual donations peaked at $50,000 pre-COVID, currently above $30,000.
- Our key ongoing projects D-Café, Tree of Joy, RYLA here & East Timor RYLA, ongoing work with the Crows Nest community Centre and Mary’s house (women’s refugee for DV) and let's not forget Xmas Carols.
- Every year we always get a District Grant ($5000) for a project
- Every year Rotary International awards up to 150 of their 1,200,000 Rotarians a Service Above Self award. We have three in this room (Harold, Bill & Angelo). Supported by long serving board members like Tom, George, Ian, Howard and Sue
- Our club is strong, and has a base of experienced Rotarians, with a proud history.
Moving forward, I mentioned this history, because we have ‘fresh blood’ on the board, last year and this year. To quote Bill, after 50 years I’m happy to step down and let the young ones have a go. It will be a real positive to have both some of those I have mentioned working alongside the younger ones building on this solid foundation. Plus, new members not on the board I welcome your input and will listen.
This leads onto 2025-2026 Rotary International theme which is "Unite for Good". This theme encourages members to work together, across differences, to create positive change and address global challenges. It emphasizes the power of unity and collaboration in achieving Rotary's goals of service and impact. This is re-enforced by our District wanting clubs to work together more. So, I will be building on the work we already do with other clubs Angelo has mentioned.
Angelo and Louise have sent out invitations for join us in our District Grant this year. $15,000 project to give RNSH the latest breast screening machine. North Sydney Sunrise wants to join us in working with CANTEEN & local schools and I have Chatswood & Lane Cove presidents on my table tonight.
Generally speaking, we will also:
- Ensure continued focus on projects and not be just a fun raising club
- Keep the focus on membership growth
- Spread the skills/workload including succession planning
- Public image needs work (website, Facebook, etc)
- Domestic Violence remains a priority
- Community Needs assessment for our area
On a personal note, members please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns or questions. After 10 years I’m still learning to treat Volunteers different from corporate employees, but Vice President George has promised to keep me honest.
And now I would like to introduce my team for 2025-26:
- Secretary: Gloria Bailen
- Treasurer: Owen Houston
- Community Service Director: Louise Steblina
- International Director: Angelo Raveane
- Youth Director: Adrienne St Clair
- Vocational / PR Director: Tom Sweeney
- Foundation Chair: George Condell (plus Vice President)
- Membership: Ross Gugliotti
I also wish to acknowledge others who work tirelessly in the background. Everyone contributes to the club, like Sue with her continued support with Louise in Community space. But the toughest job has been given to Harold – my mentor.
Before I hand back to Tom, another Thank You please put your hands together for Tom, another great job as MC.
