'What a Wonderful Group of People, Doing Great Things'
We were delighted to have the company of our District Governor, Michael Lapina, his son and fellow Rotarian Alex Lapina, District Governor Elect Peter Shepheard, District Governor Noimnee Graeme Hope, and District Governor Nominee Designate Claire Davison. We also welcomed representatives from other clubs, especially from Brighton Rotary, the original sponsor of Brighton North.
The dynamic duo of Kate Strain and Peter Harris, swept the evening along, mixing wit and humour with the more serious parts of the event. We heard recollections from Past Presidents, some of them founding members of the club and were inspired by DG Michael Lapina’s speech in which he praised not only the club’s present and past members but also all those who had given us support over the years. Michael then presented the club with a certificate of recognition and congratulations from Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick.
We were entertained by the beautiful voice of tenor Stephen Coutts, now a Rotoractor, and by a lively auction for Phil Mortimer’s handcrafted charcutrie board, which raised $500. Congratulations to all involved for their work in organising the event in the Bayview Room at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club and thanks to Ross Rice for the photo presentation.
We were reminded that over 40 years Brighton North Rotary has had many achievements to its credit. We have indeed put service above self. As President-Elect Anne Cobham put it, in her closing address:
‘What a wonderful group of people, doing great things’
Our Major Fundraisers: Garden DesignFest (has raised nearly $800,000), Spirit of Tasmania Ships Inspection (raised $100,000), Dinner Auctions $120,000 raised with $60,000 additional funds through Australian Rotary Health for Friedreich's Ataxia at Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Recycle Regatta.
Rotary Causes We Have Supported: End Polio Now, Youth Suicide Awareness, Teen Mental Health First Aid, RYPEN, RYLA, Camp Getaway, International Youth Exchange, Young Achievers Award, Group Study Exchange, Ambassadorial Scholars, Donations in Kind Warehouse.
Community Events and Causes: International Men’s Day, International Women’s Day, Inter-School Debates, Red Cross Day Collections, Primary School Reading Support, Safe Driving Education, Big Serve, BaySpeak, Bayside Business Awards.
International: World of Difference in Cambodia,Timor L’este, Tanner Island, Tibet and Sabu Island.
Fellowship: Weekends Away, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Brearley/Turner Golf Trophy
Projects: Endeavour ‘Shipwreck’ playground at North Road, Brighton Courthouse Renovation, Busy Feet,.
ENJOY PHOTOS OF THE NIGHT FROM ROSS RICE