Rotarians and Guests,

Another Rotary Year has passed, but what a year it has been! Being your President has been a wonderful, challenging and enjoyable experience, appreciating the honour it is with such a large membership

International President, Glenn Estess had as his theme 'Celebrate Rotary'. Mine was: 'Participate, Serve and Enjoy Rotary', encouraging all members to play a meaningful role in the operation of this very special Club.

At last week's meeting, Vice Presidents, Mev Connell and Phil Bowley presented their respective reports on the work of the Community and Club Service Committees.  I thank and commend them both on their thorough coverage of Committee and project activities throughout the year.  Without the contributions made by members, the Club could not have achieved such commendable results.  I thank you all, together with Chairpersons, Deputies and not forgetting the valuable role played by the Minute Secretaries.

On the more practical side of the Club's operation, a number of changes and developments occurred throughout the year.  These include:

• The relocation of the 'reception' desk/s into the Dining Room.
• The re-introduction of the President closing each meeting, and 'on time'!
• Significant research into improving the PA system at lunch meetings.
• Increasing use of our website for Board papers, the weekly Bulletin, photographs and significant papers presented at meetings. Congratulations to Phil Bowley and Stephen Lake for their expert input in this area, which resulted in District allocating the 'Best Web Site' Award to the Club.
• The inclusion of names of visiting Rotarians and guests of Rotarians in the Bulletin.
• The Administration Review continuing into next year.
• The Board decision to publish obituary notices in the Age and Herald Sun on the death of current members.  This year regrettably they have included Keith Mattingly and Arnold Atkinson.
• More recently the distribution of flyers on tables at lunch meetings announcing speakers for the future four weeks.
• The induction of 22 new members as a result of the hard work of the Membership Development Committee chaired by David Richards, with their ongoing integration in to the Club the responsibility of New Members Committee Chairperson, Peter Rogers.  For those not at the 22 June meeting Peter was selected by the Vice Presidents for the 'Axle Award' for his major contribution in this important area of Club Service.
• The naming of five Paul Harris Fellows: Bob Glindemann, Frank Bennett, Robin Syme, John Urbahns and Ted Garland (Sapphire).
• The presentation a short while ago of this year's Royce Abbey Award to Peter Jones.

In addition, the Club responded generously and quickly to the plight of the Cook family whose house was burnt down in Port Melbourne.  Members gave generously to the Club's Tsunami Appeal, and we gave a special welcome to Rotoractor Troy who cycled to Melbourne from Cairns to raise funds for Polio Plus.

Support was also given by the Club and DG Judy Nettleton, to UK Rotarian Bob Jones whose wife was hospitalised in Melbourne for three months before passing away in early May.

My attendance at the Batman Cluster monthly meetings under the guidance of Assistant Governor Dennis Shore has been most informative, rewarding and enjoyable - even though they had a 7.30 am start!  They provided a valuable forum for the exchange of information, mutual support and a constant reminder that whilst we may be the first and largest Rotary Club in Melbourne, we are not on our own!  I firmly believe that a great deal more sharing of events and projects could take place - in particular matters relating to Student Exchange.  The Cluster is fortunate to have Dennis continuing for a second year.  Thank you Dennis, for the support you gave me during the year.

My association with District 9800 and DG Judy Nettleton in particular has been a stimulating experience.  Every time I felt 'overloaded', I just thought of Judy and her responsibility of the 73 clubs within her boundary!  Those that attended the Centenary Conference in Hobart last March felt, without doubt, that it was the best one yet - great fellowship, stimulating speakers and an excellent venue.  Judy, a fantastic year, and your support has been greatly appreciated - along with John, of course.

I would now like to mention a number of events that took place during the year, which, as Murray Campbell would say, provided that 'element of surprise' for the President, and included Gordon on most occasions:

1.                    Two functions at Government House for 'Female Community Leaders' hosted by Mrs Lyn Landy.

2.                    Several most enjoyable functions associated with the Acclaims Awards.

3.                    Three special Anniversaries of Rotary Clubs sponsored by RCM - RC Warnambool's 75th birthday in January, RC Dandenong's 70th in May and RC Carlton's 20th in June. We also chose to attend RC Rosebud's 50th in May, where the AG was able to provide a link back to RCM sponsoring RC Dandenong which sponsored RC Mornington which sponsored RC Rosebud.

4.                    Royce and Jean Abbey Dinner to recognise Royce's 50 years in Rotary, attended by RI President, Glenn Estess

5.                    Ten Group Christmas Functions, with 2 Groups sharing, as well as Bayside Group's Procrastinator's Christmas Dinner only last week.  A mention is worth making of one Group, which shall be nameless and of which I had been Group Captain in the early 90s.  At the start of their lunch, one member asked the Captain 'Where is the President'?  You can guess the rest!  Just so many enjoyable occasions with the pleasure of relating to members and partners in a relaxed atmosphere - thankyou to you all.

6.                    St Kilda Festival - where over 60 members worked hard selling hot dogs and soft drinks.

7.                    The Pre-Conference Tour in Tasmania was 'special' for all involved staying at Freycenet Lodge, Coles Bay.  Thankyou to Peter Manger - On-to-Conference Chairperson.

8.                    Fellowship Weekend at Healesville RACV Country Club and visit to Tarrawarra Art Gallery.

9.                    'Café Internationale' organised by students at International House.  An excellent evening and recommended for next year.

10.                The District Awards Function referred to earlier.

11.                The Victoria-wide ABC Radio/Rotary Promotion Project.

During the Centenary Year of Rotary International, several celebratory events took place which a number of members attended which included the Rotary Park Tree Dedication by RI President Elect Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar; Australia Day Service at St Paul's Cathedral; Concert in the Myer Music Bowl; District Swanston Street Walk; the Centenary Gala Dinner organised by the Club on behalf of District; the District Werribee Park Picnic and only two weeks ago the planting/dedication of a tree in Rotary Park by the Governor of Victoria, Mr John Landy.  What a great Centenary Year!

The success and enjoyment of our weekly meetings rely heavily on the following Chairpersons: Reception - Bill Daish, Luncheon Organisation - Jens Holstein and Program - Alan Trumble along with their Committee members; the Sergeant-at-Arms - Phil Endersbee and his Deputy - Doug Marshall; our Accompanist - Barry Rawlings, as well as Photographer - John Tozer.  Bulletin Editor - Alistair Urquhart deserves special thanks, along with contributions made by 'Muzza', and John Kendall, our dedicated Archivist. Thank you to you all.

I extend my sincere thanks to my Board Directors for their support and conscientious work throughout the year, as well as Vice Presidents Mev Connell and Phil Bowley, Hon Treasurer Bill Charlton who re-organised our accounting system into one that is more clearly understood by all, and Lee O'Grady - Office Manager - for her diligent, reliable and courteous support, working 'beyond the call of duty' on so many occasions.

A Club, the size of Melbourne and its President relies heavily on the guidance of its Hon Secretary.  Murray, I am so fortunate that you couldn't find a replacement for the last 12 months!  My sincere thanks for 'standing by me' and being not only being 'spot on' in every way, but for also helping to make my year so enjoyable.  Murray, would you please come forward so I can make a 'very small' presentation, which reads:

"ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR

Murray Campbell

Hon Secretary 2003 - 2005

Presented to Murray Campbell in appreciation of his excellent performance as Honorary Secretary for a second term during the Centenary Year of Rotary International.

Anne Jacques - President 2004-05"

To all Members, your support and encouragement has been greatly appreciated. It has been a great honour to be your President during this Centenary Year.

Finally to my husband Gordon - thankyou from the bottom of my heart for making it all possible.  It has been a challenging year for you too, being the first male spouse of a Melbourne Club President.  I too will be clearing up my office of piles of paper!

It gives me great pleasure to invite Mev Connell, President for 2005-06, to join me at the podium.  Mev joined Rotary in 1987 after moving to Australia in 1967 with his family.  Mev was born in Kilcardy, Scotland in 1936 and was educated in Scotland and England and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Science (Botany and Zoology).  On completing secondary school Mev was conscripted into the British Army, first serving with the Gordon Highlanders and then as a volunteer with the Parachute Regiment on active service in the Middle East and Cyprus, also taking part in the Suez invasion.

Mev's tertiary education was completed after he was demobilised.  His first employer was the Infestation Control Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, UK.  It was with that body that he developed his skills as an applied entomologist specialising in the insect pests of stored products.   Mev was subsequently seconded to the Tropical Stored Product centre of the Overseas Development Administration.  With that organization he undertook several overseas projects under arrangements such as the Colombo Plan and the Caribbean and South East Asia Technical Assistance Schemes.

Whilst working in Sarawak (East Malaysia) Mev was recruited by the Australian Wheat Board.  Mev was responsible for grain storage and handling on a national level, and for commodity hygiene.  Later he was appointed Deputy General Manager.  In 1984 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Grain Elevators Board of Victoria and was also appointed a Director of the Australian Wheat Board.  Mev retired from full time employment in 1995 and has since provided specialist consulting services in Australia, Middle Asia and the Middle East.  He was always retained close associations with the CSIRO Division of Entomology and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service.

Mev is a fellow of the Australian Grains Institute, which awarded him a 'Gold Service Medal Award', and also received the 'Miles Bourke Award' by its Victorian affiliate.  In 1995, Mev was awarded a 'Public Service Medal' for services to the Australian Grain Industry.  Mev can describe many of his other experiences throughout the world - almost a topic for a guest speaker.  One I must mention is that, and I quote: 'I learnt to consume vast amounts of vodka at any time of the day'!

Whilst working in the north of England, Mev met and married Brenda.  They have two daughters, Morag who lives and works in France, and Rowena who lives close by and is the mother of their three grandchildren.

Mev's past hobbies included rock climbing and mountaineering, cross country skiing, sailing, equestrian sport. Currently he enjoys boating (power), fishing and dog obedience training.  He is a registered instructor with the Western Port Dog Obedience Club, as well as having been President of the Warneet South Slipway Club Inc. for many years.  He is kept busy looking after his property at Devon Meadows and his two Standard Poodles, Sophie and Pepe. He enjoys skilled manual work of every description.

Mev, named a Paul Harris Fellow in 2003, brings to his office a wide experience in Rotary having been a Board Director for three years, Minute Secretary as well as Vice President at the same time that he was President Elect.  This must be another 'first'!   With five year's experience, he will certainly be in an ideal situation to ensure 'continuity', which he has referred to on a number of occasions.  In addition he has been a member of a number of committees, as well as a Chairperson and Captain of the Mornington Peninsula Group.

Mev enjoys watching cricket, and - unlike his three predecessors - has always been an Essendon supporter!

Mev, you're shortly to become the 89th President of this wonderful club in its 85th year. You bring to the office, a depth of knowledge and experience.

It now gives me great pleasure to pass to you one of the two Presidential Chains of Office, which I know you will wear with pride, along with your President's lapel badge and very importantly, the key to the Rotary office.

We all know that you will be an outstanding President, and we extend to you our sincere congratulations and best wishes for an enjoyable and rewarding year ahead.  Melbourne Rotarians and Guests, please welcome President Mev Connell.

Anne Jacques