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Guest speaker was DG Neville Johns. He joined Central Melbourne Sunrise in 1995 and since then has been a heavily involved Rotarian with many club and District roles.
He was first known to most in our club as AG some years ago and warmly welcomed back by some old friends.
When one thinks of how during the year the DG visits each club in the district, there are more than 70, sincerely enjoys each meeting and then delivers an inspirational 20 minute speech on the current messages and themes of Rotary, and the District, tempered with his own personal thoughts, and without any suggestion of staleness, it is remarkable. Neville's fresh enthusiastic address was great, his messages and passion clear and cleverly tailored to our own club context.
Reminding all of RI's theme this year "Rotary Serving Humanity" Neville summarized his goal for each club this year as to be simply "stronger" at the end than the start. The characteristic being contrasted could one of many, membership, community involvement, fellowship gatherings, project achievements but above all notwithstanding plans in place, "do" , for only by acting will there be growth.
He told of several District drives this year:-
Three public showcase events
The club member/month campaign
Improved story publications with experienced journalist input
To engage all ages, Rotaract, Interact, Earlyact
Build partnerships with other stakeholders
To have fun and enjoy the Fellowship which Rotary offers
We were reminded of the several natural promotion opportunities this year, the centenary of Foundation, Australia Rotary Health, Polio Day (24/10) and Rotary Birthday( 23/2).
Most poignant however was MC Trevor Jones observation on one point of Nevilles story.
Faced with the invitation to join Rotary , Neville recalled his mentor's remark in response to his own reluctance to join for lack of time " Rotary will take whatever time you have". How true, we all have different capacities and yet can still contribute and enjoy the fellowship of being a club member.
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