Club News

Changeover 2017

 
Papakura Rotary Changeover 2017 was the stuff dreams are made of! There was plenty of laughter, good food and even better company as we celebrated the 16/17 Rotary year in style.
 
Hosted by outgoing President Noeline Westley, the theme for the evening was set on arrival, as we were surrounded by fairy lights and dream catchers all handmade by incoming President Bruce Hart’s daughter, Anna. MC for the night, Morris Jones had us roaring with laughter and kept the evening running smoothly.

Our Exchange Student Leo Sanchez shared with us how life has been as on exchange over the last 5 months and expressed his sadness at losing his running mate Frederikke, as she heads back to Denmark in July.  

 
The Paul Harris Fellows presentation is always a highlight of the night as we recognise individuals for exceptional service and as a club donate $1000 in their name to the Rotary Foundation. Awards are given to Rotarians or members of the community that have made an outstanding contribution to the community.  Sue Lees, Warren Garlick and Tim Wilcock were this year's recipients.
District Governor Roger Harvey, Sue Lees, 2016/2017 President Noeline Westley
Warren Garlick, 2016/2017 President Noeline Westley and Peter Wilcock
2017/2018 President Bruce Hart 
 
Jon Faber was awarded the Bert McCollum Trophy for “Outstanding Rotarian of the Year”.  This annual award is designated for the one Rotarian who clearly stands out in demonstrating "Service Above Self". 
 
We had the changeover between Noeline and Bruce with Noeline outlining the many successes of the year. 
Incoming President Bruce Hart welcomed us to ‘the next chapter of Rotary Papakura”.  He challenged us as a club, to stretch “ourselves and our ideas in order to create new pathways and openings in our community” and truly embrace this year's Rotary theme of ‘Making a Difference’. 
 
A lighthearted auction got underway, with all proceeds going to Noeline’s favourite charity,  Lifeline. A perfect way to end the evening and kick off the 2017/2018 Rotary year with a bang!