The Rotary Club of Carlingford celebrated the annual club "Changeover" as a Christmas in July themed event at Vikings Sports Club on Friday 4th July. A lovely 2 course Christmas dinner with pudding was served and the room had been fabulously decorated for "Christmas" by Martha Jabour, Therese Hanna, and Bob & Carol O'Shea. Special guests included District Governor Michele Ellery, Rotary Community Group Leader Russell Zimmerman and wife Marion, Robert Erskine OAM, Graham Moon, Minal Bapodara, Paul Moussa OAM, Dana Pollard, Therese Hanna's family, and Alex and Andrew - friends of Barry Wang. Wonderful to have honorary members PP Ed Strom and PP Trish Wetton also join us for the evening.
The evening commenced with the induction of Marion Cornish, who has re-joined the club.
The club congratulated Martha Jabour OAM and NSW Local Hero 2025, for leading the club as President for the past 12 months - another successful year, with more than $80,000 raised and distributed to local and overseas humanitarian causes.
Letters from Immediate Past RI President Stephanie Urchick were presented to Joseph Mack, Mike Morgan and James Addo in recognition of their 25 years of Rotary service (each !) by Presdient Martha with the assistance of Rotary District 9685 Governor Michele Ellery.
Paul Harris Fellow awards were presented to: Paul Moussa OAM (Parramatta Mission), Dana Pollard (Audiology), Graham Moon (Dundas Area Neighbourhood Centre), James Stevenson (Community Radio and Gardening), Carol Morgan, Carol O'Shea, Bob O'Shea (Club Youth Director 2024-25), Cristy Newall (Club Community Service Director 2024-25) and Chris Johnson. Each award represents a USD1,000 donation made by the club to the Rotary Foundation, and are awarded by the Club President to people who exemplify the spirit of Rotary.
Chris Johnson was inducted and welcomed as the incoming Club President for 2025-26. Chris is a quiet achiever who does a huge amount of volunteer work behind the scenes, including 2 days per week at the Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE) facility at Castle Hill.
Chris then introduced the members of the Rotary Carlingford Club Board for the coming year, as well as Ellen Harvison (Youth Protection), James Addo (Welfare), and John Green (Front Desk) whose valuable contributions ensure the club operates smoothly.
A lot of fun was had by all present.
