As I reflect on my three years as the Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator for Zone 8 and the changes ahead for our Zone, it is appropriate to acknowledge the dedicated team of regional leaders.

Article written by PDG Peter Garnett MBE, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator 2021-24

Regional Coordinator and Regional Public Image Coordinator

As the Regional Council takes over operational responsibility for club, membership and public image activities from the 1 July 2024, the roles of Rotary Coordinator and Rotary Public Image Coordinator are being discontinued in our Zone during the regionalisation pilot.

On behalf of members throughout in our Zone and the Regional Rotary Foundation team, I extend a wholehearted thank you to RC Stephen Lamont and RPIC Sarita Mclean and their teams of Assistant Coordinators for all of the hard and challenging work you have undertaken over the past 2-3 years. It has been a privilege for the Regional Rotary Foundation team to enjoy your friendship and to work with you all.

The Regional Rotary Foundation Team

With this month marking the end 2023-24 Rotary year, it is “Passing the Baton” time for a number of the members of the Regional Rotary Foundation Leadership team.

My three years as Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (RRFC) comes to an end and I welcome and extend best wishes to my successor, PDG David Anderson from Rotary Yea, Victoria. I know David, together with the support of the continuing End Polio Now Coordinator Murray Verso and Endowment / Major Gifts Advisor Jennie Herring, will do an excellent job in leading Rotary Foundation support, grant project activities and storytelling in our region.

It is appropriate to acknowledge the eight Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinators (ARRFCs) we have in our region. Their support, hard work and interaction with their districts are appreciated by the Regional Rotary Foundation Leadership team.

Four of the ARRFCs complete their three year terms at the end of this year and we welcome their successors:

• Districts 9423 and 9510. PDG Hugh Langridge leaves us and his successor is PDG Wendy Gaborit OAM from the Rotary Club of St Peter’s

• Districts 9640 and 9660. PDG Rob Anderson completes his term and his successor is PDG Ken Hall from the Rotary eClub of District 9650

• Districts 9790, 9820 and 9830. PDG Janne Speirs finishes her term and her successor is PDG Tony Monley from the Rotary Club of Manningham. Tony will be responsible for Districts 9790 and 9815

• Districts 9910, 9920 and 9930.PDG Grant Spackman completes his term and his successor will be PP Jeanette Drysdale from Rotary Club of Otahuhu

PDG Julie Mason continues in her role with Districts 9780 and 9800, while taking over responsibility for District 9830.

On behalf of the leaders and members throughout our Zone, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, I acknowledge the huge efforts and contributions of each of the key members of the Regional Rotary Foundation team whose terms are ending. Best wishes to each of you for your future Rotary journey. At the same time we extend a warm welcome to their successors who take up their roles on 1 July 2024.

The Rotary Foundation is our charity and is the enabler for us as Rotarians to “Do Good in The World”. I encourage you to please provide regular support for The Rotary Foundation.