What a year we have had. One we will not forget in a hurry.

Article by PDG Adrian Roach, Regional Rotary Coordinator

As we finish our Rotary year, I think it is essential to look back and reflect on our achievements as we make plans for the coming year. What a year we have had. One we will not forget in a hurry.

I would like to thank all those Rotarians who have helped to strengthen our membership. To all those who have instigated and started new Rotary and Rotaract clubs, those members who have invited friends and acquaintances to the family of Rotary, and those members who have reached out to current members struggling with their membership.

In Zone 8 we are steady with our membership numbers, but we continue to decline. We need to start new style Rotary Clubs and make Rotary available for everyone. I believe it is every Rotarians responsibility to ensure that this great organisation continues to support our communities both local and abroad.

I want to especially thank Issa Shalhoub who has been the editor of Rotary On The Move since its conception some 12 years ago. Issa has worked tirelessly to ensure we have had a quality membership focussed newsletter sharing ideas and success stories from over the zone and from around the world. This year we saw a new look and feel. The new digital format is easier and more convenient for readers, viewable on multiple devices - anywhere, any time. It includes more interactive content, is easier to share and better for the planet. The content has also expanded. Rotary On The Move readers now are able to hear from their zone Membership, Public Image and Rotary Foundation leaders in a single publication, with stories tagged, so that readers can go straight to their favourite content. If you are a subscriber, the publication will land in your email inbox on the 15th of each month. Rotary On The Move’s editorial team, led by Issa Shalhoub, remains the same high standard, ensuring you’ll continue to receive a great newsletter, packed full of information, tips and hints to enable you to strengthen and support your clubs. Thank you, Issa, for your past and ongoing service. It is very much appreciated.

I take this opportunity to say goodbye and thank my team of Assistant Rotary Coordinators (ARC’s) and to welcome incoming Rotary Coordinator Stephen Lamont and those new ARC’s commencing July 1, 2022. Special Thank you to Regional Membership Officer (RMO) Barbara Mifsud who is an integral part of the team and a pleasure to work with. Special thanks to Kero O'Shea Coordinator - Membership Voice for his dedication in building the library of membership information. You can connect with Kero here membershipvoice@gmail.com

Lastly, I want to express my thanks for the support of RI Director Jessie Harman. What a truly amazing Leader we are blessed with in Zone 8. I look forward to watching Zone 8 proper under her leadership and the leadership of my friend Jennifer Jones, what a team they will make. We can only “imagine”.