2022-3 President Peter Perkins
On July 2nd, Peter Perkins became President of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley. This is the second time Peter has been President so he is fully aware of what he is taking on.
Outgoing President, now Immediate Past President, Bill Simons was pleased to hand over the reins to Peter as Bill will become the Area Governor for Group 5.
The new Board was introduced with a mix of long-serving Board members and some people on the board for the first time.
The new board is;
President, Peter Perkins, Treasurer, Mark Graetz, Secretary Sandie Simons, IPP Bill Simons, Community, James Dunn, Public Relations, Anne Schilling, Administration and RCBV Foundation, Grant Schuyler, Vocational, Bryce Lillecrapp, Membership, Sue Graetz, International PDG Peter Thomas, New Generations, Prue Maitland, Airshow, Keith Millington.
The following is the report written by Secretary Sandie and was published in the Leader newspaper.
Over sixty Rotarians and Friends of Rotary, and other service and community groups gathered at Wanera Wine Bar on Saturday 2nd July, for the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley’s changeover dinner and induction of new President, Peter Perkins.
MC for the evening, Past District Governor Peter Thomas commenced formalities with the Rotary Invocation presented by Rotarian Bryce Lillecrapp, and the Loyal Toast proposed by Rotarian Rick Kessner.President Bill Simons opened Meeting number 3279 with a warm welcome to all.
A very informative toast to Rotary International was proposed by Rotary District 9510’s District Governor Nominee, Craig Dowling, with a response from Past District Governor Robert Brookes.
DGN Craig presented Paul Harris Fellow pins to Rotarians Patrick Ritchie-Haydn and Mark Graetz, acknowledging their longstanding and valued contributions to Rotary.President Bill Simons delivered his annual report, which outlined the many achievements of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley over the last twelve months.
Despite Covid limiting opportunities for fund-raising and fellowship, the club facilitated the preparation of 400 birthing kits in collaboration with Zonta and Probus and the Great Revival Op Shop people; hosted the Sir Condor Laucke Oration after a two-year break; provided cooking and car parking services to various community groups and events, and contributed to the Science and Engineering Challenge for secondary school students.
The club continued to support youth focussed projects, including University Scholarships and local secondary school awards, Rotary Youth Driver Awareness, National Youth Science Forum, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. A major achievement was the rollout of a dental health education program for school children in Uganda, which was instigated by Rotarian Gavin Sidhu. Donations were made to several local ongoing projects and global Rotary projects.
President Bill also mentioned that the Barossa Airshow will be managed again by the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley in 2023, and again will generate funds to be dispersed to those in need, both within our local community and the global community.
In concluding his report, President Bill thanked all the Members and Friends of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley, for their support over the last twelve months, and particularly acknowledged the efforts of Team Leaders, who have facilitated the events and projects.
President Bill stated that thanks to the support given to him in his year of being President, he has the confidence to go forward in his new role of Area Governor of Area 5 from 1st July 2022.
Following a delicious main course, President Bill inducted Rotarian Peter Perkins into the position of President of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley 2022-2023 and was duly thanked by the new President for his contributions to the club during 2021-2022.President Peter Perkins then asked DGN Craig Dowling to unveil the 2022-2023 Rotary International theme banner, and DGN Craig explained the story behind the design featured on the 2022-2023 Rotary International Theme banner.
President Peter introduced each of the 2022-2023 Board and Team Leaders, and DGN Craig presented them with their 2022-2023 pins.
In his closing remarks, President Peter mentioned that when he was President of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley for the first time in 2004-2005, Katina Jones was appointed as the first female District Governor of District 9500 (now combined with District 9520 to make District 9510). Since then Rotary has continued to demonstrate gender diversity (without quotas!), and we now celebrate the first Rotary International President Jennifer E Jones, for 2022-2023.
President Peter highlighted the need to recruit younger members to Rotary, which is paramount for the continued success of Rotary, and suggested that we seek to diversify our fundraising sources. He also reiterated he wished to continue Past President Bill’s work in maintaining co-operation and collaboration with other service clubs and community groups.
After reciting The Four Way Test, President Peter declared closed Meeting number 3279.
MC Peter Thomas concluded the evening’s formalities by thanking everyone for their participation in the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley’s changeover dinner, and delicious sweets were enjoyed during fellowship amongst all attendees.
The new RI Theme is Imagine Rotary.
DGN Craig revealed the new Theme Baner after a rendition of the John Lennon song "Imagine" sung by Faith Lutheran Student Chloe Seabright. The members were also entertained by Chloe during the after-meeting fellowship.
Below are a few pictures of the Guests, Members and friends at the meeting.
