The Changeover went very smoothly.With the night EmCeed by PP John Gray, James Hamilton was called upon to say Grace, then the business started.
PP Paul Milde presented the Loyal Toast, Sec Phil read a long list of apologies, and John Gray proceeded to welcome all guests and visitors.
Came time for the Toast to Rotary International. One of our long standing members, PP David Byfield gave one of the best toasts to Rotary International the editor has heard. Subsequently it is reprinted here in full.
Toast to Rotary International
Distinguished guests, my fellow Rotarians and friends of Rotary.
While some of us here tonight have been in Rotary for many years and others have only been with Rotary a short time, we are all on the same journey.
A journey that began over a hundred years ago when our founder, Paul Harris, had an idea.
And it wasn’t just any idea; it was one of those planet altering ideas. He didn’t know it at the time, but we, in hindsight, sure do.
From humble beginnings and a group of 4 friends in Chicago, to a world wide Service Organisation of some 1.2 million Rotarians in 33,255 clubs, and in 210 Countries, that idea has taken root and bloomed. Rotarians from across the world have combined to eradicate Polio and it has now been isolated to four pockets of the world. A super human effort since Rotary took control in 1985.
But what of the myriad of other programmes that Rotary runs every year?
Health programmes, water programmes, youth exchange, youth leadership, literacy, shelterbox, malaria, medical aid, scholarships, the list goes on and on. They are all worthy programmes that show what Rotary is about.
Service Clubs seem to have become less popular during the more affluent years, but Rotary is just as necessary today as it was when it was first introduced in 1905.
This coming year the new Rotary theme is “SERVE TO CHANGE LIVES”
And to me that means restoring dignity and offering a chance at a better life for those in need, without any strings and free of any political or religious overtones.
The journey of Rotary over the years has opened doors across international boundaries and lets Rotary in where other aid organisations have difficulty. The world trusts Rotary.
It has been a successful journey, a journey studded with highlights and surrounded by hard working Rotarians, and friends of Rotarians, all of whom are and have been donating time and energy for free. I am sure that it is a journey we are all proud of and one we want to see continue.
I am proud to be a part of Rotary International and to be an Australian and I ask you all to stand and join me in drinking a toast to Rotary International and Australia.
“To Rotary International and Australia.”
Representing the DG, Michael Moore,
was PDG John Glassford. He replied telling of his fondness for Wollundry Club and his appreciation for all the work it does in both the local and international community, and the role it plays in making sure that things are done in the correct manner at District level. He mentioned that changes were underway, a comment that PP David Pyke and quite a few others saw as encouraging. PDG John also mentioned the huge growth in Rotary in Africa, indicating that some districts had more than trebled their numbers over the past few years. He is searching for the missing feature in western countries and feels it may be the business side, although the urge to help others is as strong here as there.
was PDG John Glassford. He replied telling of his fondness for Wollundry Club and his appreciation for all the work it does in both the local and international community, and the role it plays in making sure that things are done in the correct manner at District level. He mentioned that changes were underway, a comment that PP David Pyke and quite a few others saw as encouraging. PDG John also mentioned the huge growth in Rotary in Africa, indicating that some districts had more than trebled their numbers over the past few years. He is searching for the missing feature in western countries and feels it may be the business side, although the urge to help others is as strong here as there. 
After President James Ross gave a great summary of his year, Pat Ingram came forward to announce the list of donations that the Club had been able to make.Hampered by Covid the Club was able to distribute just $32500, but these funds went to very worthy causes and the community is a better place for them.
PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE CHANGEOVER