Rotary Club of Burnside Changeover Sunday 12th July 2026
The Changeover lunch is a significant event for the Rotary Club of Burnside, as it is for all other Rotary Clubs. It is the handing over of the reins from the sitting President to the new President. For our Club, after two years in the chair, Andrew Bradley has passed the Chain of Office over to John Rockliff and now can sit back and enjoy his time in the Club. Andrew has worked very hard during his Presidency, promoting the Rotary Club of Burnside, and setting up the History committee, his vision being to record the past 50 years of the history of the club. With an enthusiastic and capable committee, with David Johnston as Chair, this is almost completed. Many hours were spent going through old minutes, Bulletins and speaking to past members. We all look forward to the completed task.
Bob Cooper PP, Past District Governor delivered the Toast to Rotary International and then Past District Governor Jeff Neal responded on behalf of Rotary. The Club was delighted to have many guests, members, partners, friends of Rotary, Past Presidents, past District Governors, and Special guests. The venue is always delightful with a wonderful atmosphere and delicious food. We have always been well looked after, (with special thanks to James).
Before Andrew passed on the baton to John it was his privilege to present awards to club members.
A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to the History Committee for all their research and to Kevin Williams for his expert computer skills.
A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Ana Kuusk for her enthusiastic uptake of the Youth Programmes where she has embraced her role and already made an impact.
Des Munro was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow with his 3 Sapphire for his tireless work both in front of house and behind the scenes. His passion for Rotary is always very evident, and he is truly the heart of the club.
Chris Gascoine was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow – First Sapphire for his dedication to the Bulletin, having taken over the editorship from David Dewar after David suffered a major stroke. John Rockliff was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow – First Sapphire for his role as Secretary (no easy task at any time), as well as his role in helping organise events as they are requested.
Margie Maloney was awarded Rotarian of the Year for her work with the Community Wellness Hub and the Club’s website, the latter with expert assistance and support from Kevin Williams. Andrew Bradley was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by John Rockliff in John’s first action as President. This was to acknowledge Andrew’s energy and vision for the last two years, something not easy to do while also having a full time job.
Special thanks to Mayor Anne Monceaux for attending as Anne has been a great supporter of the Rotary Club of Burnside. We enjoying seeing Anne at many functions, particularly the annual Senior Citizens Lunch. Thanks also to Jack Batty MP and his wife Charlotte and little Archie. Jack has also been an amazing supporter of the Rotary Club of Burnside and we value his support. Other special guests were David Dewar, accompanied by his daughter Julienne, and Murray Rawinski’s daughter Amanda accompanied by her husband Todd. Murray was a much-loved club member, and his loss is still felt. It was a wonderful lunch where we all got to appreciate Andrew’s efforts over the last two years, and to hear what John Rockliff hopes to achieve in the next twelve months. We all look to a bright future for 2026-27 with continual Community involvement and Rotary fellowship.
