We would normally have had a Changeover Dinner to formally end the 2019-20 Rotary year and welcome in the 2020-21 Rotary year. It would have been even more special as we end Districts 9500 and 9520 and merge to become District 9510. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has put a stop to any gathering to celebrate these events. Hopefully, we will be able to celebrate the not too distant future.
Welcome to the New Rotary Year, the new District 9510 and the new Rotary Area 5, Riverland, which consists of Barossa Valley, Barossa District, Berri, Kapunda, Loxton, Renmark and Waikerie clubs. Our Area Governor (formally Assistant Governor) is Craig Dowling from Loxton. Craig was going to join us tonight but due to a double booking, he had to cancel and will talk to us next week.
I have the Annual Report almost ready to go, just a couple of tweaks, corrections and omissions to fix up and it will be published. Thank you to all the proofreaders that supplied information. Most people have opted for a digital copy but there will be several hard copies printed for members and friends that have requested them, and to go into our historical records.
There will not be big changes for the new year. The board will not change, but if any members would like to change teams, please let me know as soon as you can as the Team Leaders our planning post-pandemic activities so that we can get on with our support of our community.
The Bulletin Editor will change. Roxane Canning has done a tremendous job in keeping this vital communication tool operating which was made even more difficult and important during the pandemic. Roxane produced the Bulletin very quickly and kept it entertaining and informative despite her employment workload increasing dramatically due to the lockdown and isolation requirements. I am sure everyone will join me in congratulating her for a job well done.
Robert Brookes has volunteered to become the Bulletin Editor. We have had a couple of sessions getting him used to the Club Runner system and he has taken to it with some trepidation but is gaining confidence and skill every day. Robert has already set up several processes to get items for the Bulletin and I am sure you will find Robert will do a good job with the Bulletin.
In 1921, four Rotary Clubs were created in Melbourne, Auckland, Wellington and Sydney. Therefore, 2021 will be the Centenary of Rotary in Australasia. There will be a lot of activities from our Zone and District and we will find some way of joining in the 100th-anniversary celebrations.
Keith Millington
President
Barossa Valley Rotary Club