Changeover Night 24 June 2026 - from President Mike to President Elect Shia Smart
We had a great turnout at the Box Hill RSL that included noted Rotarians, with friends and family:
District Governor Elect Emma Clarke from RC of Emerald and District, Past District Governors Ken Miller, Malcolm Chiverton, Alma Reynolds (also District Foundation Chair) Rotary Foundation trustee Dennis Shore, Karen Allardice (daughter of late member Bob Allardice), Granddaughter Sophia, Mark and Monique Smith from Rotary Club of Boronia - Mark did a great job playing saxophone. Visitors attended from Rotary Clubs of Belgrave, Mount Waverley, Emerald and District plus members and partners of Rotary Nunawading. Chelsea Deacon from the Bendigo Bank Blackburn South Branch attended.
Rotary Nunawading Board Members: Bob Laslette, Katy Evans, Janette Etherington, Shia Smart, Mike Finke, Coral Page, John Lynch.
Mike gave an overview of the years achievement, emphasising the great achievements of the Youth Committee.
Paul Harris Fellow recipients:
Judith Eadon - PHF + 6
Russell Warmington - PHF + 5
Gabby Knaepple - PHF + 6
A tribute to the amazing contribution of our loved late member, Bob Allardice. Bob was inducted in 2019. He took on the much maligned Rotary Overseas Repurposed Playgrounds from the Rotary Club of Flemington. Bob loved RORP and what it achieved. Bob sadly passed away on 11 June 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mike, Rob Jackson and Russell Warmington gave very heart felt tributes about Bob and his friendship and impact on their lives. His wife Coral spoke about Bob's love of life and Rotary.
Bob's daughter, Karen Allardice, made a significant donation to the Rotary Foundation - the donation will fund 20,000 polio vaccinations.
Dennis Shore and Alma presented Bobs family with a major donor certificate and crystal.
President Shia then gave her overview for the new Rotary year:
- serve with purpose
- strengthen the club
- build partnerships to achieve more
Shia would like to add congratulations to Mike on the year that was, and to thank everyone who came to Changeover. It was a great night, there was a real buzz in the room.
I am looking forward to a sensationally fun year ahead.