July was an exciting first month as District Governor with many amazing and varied events and activities across our District. These included multiple Club Changeovers celebrating achievements and renewal. Special events included a Health & Wellbeing Forum for Youth, a National Science and Engineering challenge, a classic Rotary Art Show in its 61st year, the chartering of a Rotaract Club and a Radio Interview. This photo was taken at the Camberwell Rotary Art Show with Robert Pattison (sponsorship)and PP Peter Pratt (former treasurer).
Richmond Rotary Club’s changeover had special significance as two of their Club Members, Claire Davison and Gabrielle Parr, are respectively District Governor Elect and Club President in 2026/27. (Photo)
Rotary Williamstown’s changeover to Cate Elsworth from Stuart Catley included a presentation of a Royce Abbey Award to PDG Des Hosking. MC PDG Murray Verso presented highlights where, across many roles, Des has demonstrated unwavering commitment to service, the District and his Club. (photo) This was a great celebration of service, leadership and fellowship.
The Rotary Werribee Health and Wellbeing forum was a great opportunity for students / members of local Football and Netball Clubs to hear from elite sports people. This included North Melbourne Football Club Captain Nick Larkey (photo).
The Camberwell Rotary Art Show, now in its 61st year and at a new venue - Carey Grammar School - was very successful with good feedback from those attending in relation to the show and venue.
The National Science and Engineering Challenge held at Monash University was a motivating experience for students. Approx 200 attended. There were a wide range of experiments culminating in the Bridge design challenge. (photo) The event was expertly organized by Jo Kwok, Rotary Brighton.
The Charter of the Rotaract Club of Camberwell was a very special event. Some 40 attended the lunch. The Rotaract Club has 11 Members, including two in Timor Leste. Club President Priya Saikia received the Charter Certificate (photo) and was then inducted as the inaugural President. She then inducted the six members in attendance and followed with an inspiring speech.
Also in July, I was interviewed by Ian Salek, Glenferrie Rotarian and Producer and Presenter of the Rotary Radio Programme on 94.1FM 3WBC. The interview went to air on 24 July. If you wish to hear my plans for this coming year, the link follows: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qUR6f2ICdqvBrruLhGN8BqXXVNnwMfiL/view?usp=sharing
DGE Claire and new President Gabrielle
New Williamstown President Cate and PDG MurrayDG Graeme presenting PDG Des with the Royce Abbey AwardGraeme and Sue with Nick LarkeyWith Jon Oppy and the winning painting
The Bridge ChallengeDG Graeme with members of Rotaract Club of Camberwell at the Charter
DG with Pres Priya and District Membership Chair Alex Lapina
