At the joint sitting of the new and old boards this week there was discussion about supporting 6 Murray High School students who have been selected to perform at a Shakespeare Carnival in Sydney. It seemed like a perfect fit for our Club considering that we are a big supporter of youth programs through Paying in Forward, Kitenden and Rotary Youth exchange. We are also a big supporter of the Arts via donations to Hothouse, Flying Fruit Flies, Mural for Substanability and Murray Conservatorium and last, but not least we support literacy through the River of Stories. I’m pleased to say that the board supported the Murray High kids to the “tune” of $1,000. This week’s meeting is our Changeover meeting as such we will have an evening meeting at La Maison. This is a great chance for us as a Club to reflect on all the good things we have achieved in the last 12 months – and that there have been a few is an understatement (hopefully you have all had a chance to read the annual report expertly put together by Peter Merk). Changeover is also a chance to recognise and reward those that have stood out for the year and to hear the plans and ambitions that President Stephen has in mind for his year. I’m looking forward to a great night of celebration and challenges. I’m pleased to see that our number of attendees is looking very good.

As this is my last President’s message I wanted to say thank you to you all for the support and encouragement you given to me this year. Together we have achieved some wonderful results and we have made a difference in our community. I’m proud to call myself a Rotarian and to call you all my friends. To conclude it is only right that I sign off with – Service Above Self.