38th Annual Changeover Dinner of the Rotary Club of Yea
Heralding a new THEME, new BANNER, new BOARD and a NEW PRESIDENT!
Changeover dinner was held at the Country Club Hotel, Yea, attended by over 80 Rotarians and friends. It was a night where we could acknowledge and celebrate those who go beyond expectations in service to the community and celebrate another wonderful year for the Rotary Club of Yea.
President Tony Jacobs welcomed our guests and read a list of apologies for those who unfortunately could not join the night.
Rotarian Lily Cox made a toast to Rotary International, listing Rotarian International Exchange, Ruth Konig Scholarship, School Bursaries, and the English Speaking Corners in 3 Thai school as being some of the projects of Yea Rotary Club
 |  |  |
| MC David Anderson | President Tony Jacobs | Rotarian Lily Cox |
President Tony Jacobs gave an brief overview of his second year as President, of which he presided over significant fundraisers such as the Art Show, Garden Expo, Open Gardens and Cycle Dindi, along with club raffles with prizes kindly donated by Just Great Coffee, Knead It Pizza, Yea Meat Supply and Reddrops Food-works, Yea. We assisted the local RSL with the running of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations.
Sadly we have had two very active, long term members move from the district—Jim Osborne and Terry Hub-bard, both now honorary members. Our Friends of Ro-tary members are a great support to the club.
Some of our achievements this year have included the printing of brochures which introduce Rotary to our community, Tradies Breakfast, extending the Ruth Konig Scholarship program for a further 3 years, introducing a Scholarship in Agriculture, supporting the English Speaking Corners which has now been introduced to 3 Thai primary schools, and welcoming Fabio last July as our Rotary Exchange Student.
We welcomed back outbound student Nakaiah from her fabulous 12 months in Denmark, and Nakaiah is off to Taiwan for a short term exchange later this year. In July we look forward to meeting our new inbound exchange student from Japan. Sincere thanks to all our hosts who open their homes and hearts to ensure our students have an exciting and successful exchange. Other activities have seen new storage shed has been built at Yea Racecourse and support to the Yea Op Shop for their ongoing valuable support to the community. We’ve had fun nights with club visits from Alexandra and Kinglake Ranges RCs, barefoot bowls nights, pie night and endured many Tony Jokes! Thank you to all members for their support over the past 2 years and I wish Penny all the best for the 2024-25 Rotary year.
David Long Community Award
With a late apology from Richard and Rhyl Long, the award was presented by Sharon Fox. Terry Hubbard gave an overview of the award in memory David Long, recognising his enormous contribution to his community and Yea Rotary Club. Terry invited Darryl King to announce this years worthy recipient. Darryl invited Liz Fletcher to step forward! Liz has had a lifetime of supporting her local and wider community, whether it be selling raffle tickets, bringing cheer at Easter and Christmas by way of dressing to theme, and actively supporting Glenburn CFA. Congratulations Liz!
Paul Harris Fellowship Recognitions -
PP Paul Kellett gave a brief background to the award, which recognises Rotarians or community members who have made an outstanding contribution to the community. President Tony presented Julie Lynch with her PHF award, complementing her awards in 2015 and 2015. Julie joined Rotary in 2003, and has since held many board and leadership roles including 3 years as secretary and President in 2011. Julie has spearheaded Cycle Dindi and coordinated many raffles. Congratulations President Elect Penny presented Tippy Anderson with her PHF award, acknowledging her active work as International Director by establishing 3 English Speaking Corners in Thai primary schools. Tippy has hosted Thai nights at Rotary meetings, celebrating dance, dress and food, along with recently hosting members in a visit to Thailand
 |  |  |
| Liz Fletcher and Terry Hubbard | Julie Lynch, Pres. Tony and Tippy Anderson | Fabio |
Fabio
Sadly, its time to say goodbye to Fabio, as he heads home to Switzerland after a wonderful 12 months of youth exchange, Fabio has been a true ambassador for the program, embracing all opportunities offered to him to enrich his experience and making himself available to help out at our Rotary events and meetings. Fabio thanked Yea Rotary for welcoming him to Yea, for our acceptance and friendships, announcing Yea as his second home, concluding with the announcement that he WILL BE BACK!!
Induction
To complete the formalities of the evening, 2023-34 President Tony Jacob inducted President Elect Penny Paxman as President for Rotary Year 2024-25, reading the citation and handing on the Presidential Chain! Congratulation Penny. Penny’s first job was to unfurl the 2024-25 RI Banner, the theme being The Magic Of Rotary. She thanked Tony for his past 2 years of leadership and acknowledged our past presidents through the wearing of the chain. Penny outlined her plans for the next 12 months of Rotary, and it sounds like we are going to have a fun year.She announced the 2024-25 Board members -
Past President—Tony Jacobs; President elect—Darryl King; Secretary—Glenda Woods; Treasurer—Gary Fitzgerald; Foundation—Tony Jacobs; Club Service— Glenn Milliken; Community Service—Les Hall; International—Tippy Anderson; Youth & Vocation—Lily Cox
 |
| Lily, Tippy, Past President Tony, President Penny, Darryl, Glenda, Gary, Glenn |
And to Start the New Rotary Year—
Hello members,
Hello members,
Not everyone is gifted a magic wand, top hat and an elephant (no rabbits available) at their induction as President. It was all to highlight our Rotary International theme – The Magic of Rotary. No wands are required (but are a bonus if you have one), we are simply demonstrating that Rotary creates magic by giving service to the community and getting things done. Change-over was a fun night and huge congratulations go to Liz Fletcher, the latest recipient of the David Long Community Service Award as well as Julie Lynch and Tippy Anderson who were both made Paul Harris Fellows for their service to Rotary. Looking forward to seeing you at the next meeting – July 11th.