This week was my last meeting as your President.  The time has flown, it only seems like yesterday when the Board members asked if I could step up to the Presidents role after Margarets resignation.
I could not have survived the role without the support of our Board Members and the club members. You have all been fantastic. With so many changes since I was last President in 1997-98 it was overwhelming, at times I wondered what I had done.
We are all different and I have to say those differences are valuable, as there was always a club member who knew the answer to my question. No matter what the differences everyone I ask to assist did so willingly.  A club that pulls together because of a common goal and that is “Service Above Self” will indeed make a difference.
In the last six months there have been some changes and significant events notably the: -
•    decision to sell the Frankston following advice from Prior Law
•    introduction of Corporate Membership
•    development of a model for a Succession Plan
•    monthly social functions (note the word “fun”)
•    start-up of a Mahjong group hopefully to be developed overtime into a Rotary Fellowship Club
•    reintroduction of Vocational visits to our community partners
•    wonderfully successful International Dinner
•    Canberra Conference. Our club’s attendance was greater than most clubs.
•    Marriott Support services Ball
RCBMC Goals established at the beginning of the Rotary Year 2022-23
1.      To increase membership thereby allowing us to do more in the service of Rotary
2.      To actively engage with our local community to build and establish on going relationships
3.      Increase the Club profile in the community, promoting Rotary ideals, objectives and projects
4.      To develop an ongoing Community, hands - on project(s) that may over time add to our income stream
Overall, we did reach these goals except for Membership, although a plan was developed this is one area that is just now coming to fruition. We gained two new worthy members in Kellie Carruthers from Marriott Services and Dr. Helen Parker.
Increasing and retaining membership is of major concern for the majority of Rotary Clubs not just ours. Every member needs to be prepared to make this a priority in the coming Rotary year. We should share Rotary, to be persistent, and constant in our message about the wonderful work Rotarians do.
The speakers programme has over the last six months had interesting and inspiring speakers, speakers that made us laugh, made us think and ones who amazed us with their ingenuity.
In conclusion: I believe the club has met the RI President’s goal “members to engage more with each other and use these connections to build partnerships that change the world” plus our own Club Goals.            Well done and thank you.
I wish Ron all the best for this coming Rotary Year as President of our wonderful vibrant club.
To Ian, best wishes for a fantastic, successful year as District Governor of 9810.