It almost seems unreal that I was again chosen to be President of Rotary Caroline Springs. I accept the role willingly and know that I have an amazing group of people backing me.
Over the last year we have achieved much but there is still much to be done as we evolve into our magical year of Rotary. It took me some time to understand what the "Magic of Rotary" means. I have had to look back to all the past themes to fully understand it.
“We serve to change lives by imagining how we can create hope in the world through the magic of every serving Rotarian who volunteers their time in giving back to the community.”
These are the themes over the last 4 years. "Serve to Change Lives," "Imagine," "Create Hope in the World," and our current theme, "The Magic of Rotary."
That is the true magic of 1.4 million Rotarians worldwide.
I was honoured to have received the Paul Harris award presented to me by President Vijay Susarla and pinned on me by our District 9800 Governor Michael Lapina. Then to take over as President from Vijay. Rotary changeovers ensure the continuity of what we do for our community and for the greater good of all everywhere.
Together with our volunteer members my plans for the year 2024-2025 for Rotary Caroline Springs seek to connect with the local community in the following ways:
- Setting up an Interact Club of young people ages 12 to 18, this will help build the future leaders within our community
- Starting a Peace writing competition between schools, thereby building peace within us
- Setting up a Peace Pole at a local Primary school, we already have a Peace Pole at St Albans Primary
- Holding Peace Walks around Caroline Springs to raise funds that will go back into the community
- Continuing with the successful Wynspeak competition between schools
- Continuing with BusyFeet program during school terms for kids that are challenged
- Holding a Mental forum in Nov for International Men's Day
- Raising funds to End Polio with a walk around Lake Caroline with the community
- Working hand in hand with the Rover Scouts at Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN), many hands make light work
- We also welcome other community groups and individuals to give an hour or two of their time volunteering at WERN
- Supporting our local CFA in their open day in Oct
- Continue with raising funds at Bunnings BBQ
- Planting Trees for the environment
- Taking part in Clean up Australia Day
- Helping to bring a greater understanding about Coercive Control and family violence working closely with Rotary Safe Families and Inclusive Communities
Our key focus will be to engage with the local community leaders and groups such as the African Youth Initiative, BNI, RSL, MACE and other groups. As well as working closely with the local council. As such we are always seeking sponsors to help us in the work we do for Caroline Springs and Melton.
We thank our current sponsors Tobin Brothers and Modeina for supporting us.
It was therefore exciting for me to induct four new members into Rotary Caroline Springs. Three very experienced Rotarians and one new Rotarian who has been serving in her community already. We welcome all of them into our Rotary family in Caroline Springs.
Our changeover was a wonderful night of fellowship, sharing and exchanging ideas. We thank the 1st Caroline Springs Scouts for the use of their premises, Presidential Catering for a wonderful Spit Roast, GrandiFlora for the beautiful flowers for our tables, Mayor Kathy Majdlik and Deputy Mayor Steve Abboushi for joining us. I would also like to thank Fr Richard Rosse and Bro Greg Lewis of St Catherine of Siena for joining us and our esteemed guests.
As our wonderful author and speaker Iris Du said, we are stronger together. Together we will make a difference. Together we are the magic of Rotary.
Ronald Moss
President 2024-2025
Rotary Caroline Springs
