Our 27th Annual changeover event took place last Friday evening at "International on the water" in Ascot. It was well attended by club members and district office bearers. We heard from various speakers including immediate past president Warwick Smith summing up his year in office.
Master of ceremonies past president David Cleary then presided over change of presidents for the 2018/19 year.
I have decided to stand up as president for the initial term of three (3) months plus an additional three (3) months if required. My reason for a limited term being I do not wish to stop any member from having the opportunity to lead this great club, my choice to stand was more by necessity than design due to circumstances the club found itself in one week from changeover.
A bit of my background, I am 60 years of age married to Vicki with two daughters Tara and Laura. I have been a member of Heirisson since 2005.
I have been involved in community service organizations since I was twenty (20) when I joined Jaycees in the wheatbelt town of Kellerberrin in 1978.
I was working for Bank of NSW during those years and was transferred throughout country WA.
I joined Tambellup "Lions" club in 1981 and was club secretary, it is during that time that I witnessed true leadership first hand.
Our President, Derek Reynalds was a farmer, 65 years of age that had gone blind at age of 19 years, he was aware of his pending total blindness in the preceding years and set about to familiarize himself with every shed and gate on the farm. Eventually he took over the family farm with the help of a farm hand and was able to continue to work the farm after his father passed away. He was a quietly spoken articulate man that had a wonderful sense of humour that allowed him to gain respect of all members, he was inspirational due to his can do approach to life and his ability to read the "feel" of the meeting from member feedback.
This club has a great history of achievements over the past 27 years and I wish to continue that tradition.
I will be a president for all members but I won't support an A team and a B team I will only support ONE team. We don't want to be a team of champions we want to aspire once again to be a "Champion team".
This week I have met with board member Ken Mullins and we are planning our program for next few weeks to try and fill some vacant board positions.
Please consider the good of the club and if you can step up to the plate we would be grateful for your commitment and contribution.
As I described earlier don't lose "sight" of the main game, you don't always have to see it you can "feel" it!
We are about to make some changes to this club and we need to have a "firm hand on the tiller" as it will be "Steady as she goes" in the true "Heirisson" spirit, be flexible in your approach it doesn't have to be a winner take all!.
The intention is to move from less bureaucracy and more towards outcomes based leadership.
I would like to personally acknowledge St Bart's Chaplain Ross Jones for his tireless work compiling "Heirisson Happenings" each week, he is an inspiration to us as he goes about his work.
Members please also note;
There is a combined meeting planned for Monday 23rd July with Rotary Club of Northbridge for an evening dinner event hosted by District Governor Charles , I will brief you of the details on Thursday meeting at Antico Cafe.
I hope you'll have a wonderful week ahead.