By Mitchell Clarke
The Rotary Club of Berwick has officially changed hands, with outgoing President Geoff Double handing over the reins to President Isobel Caulfield for 2019-20.
The club celebrated their 58th Club Changeover Dinner on Wednesday 28 June where Isobel was officially sworn in.
District Governor of Rotary 9820 Adrian Froggatt was in attendance and asked Ms Caulfield to strive for balance between the three foundational pillars of engagement, fellowship and service.
“Incoming President Isobel, I can see the members of Berwick are very confident that you will do a fine job of President of the club for the coming year,” Mr Froggatt said.
“I ask you to build a strong, inclusive and engaged team, remembering that you don’t have to do everything yourself.”
Ms Caulfield proudly accepted the role, thanking her predecessor Geoff Double for his leadership when the club needed it most.
Paying tribute to her beloved parents in her speech, Ms Caulfield said she took inspiration from them for their work in “just doing things” within the community.
“Serving the community is just what we do,” she said.
“Rotary is a fantastic organisation and it is somewhat a natural progression to take on leadership roles within the club.
“When I was asked would I be President, I felt very honoured. I feel that it is another area that I can contribute to the club. We have a strong club and it is fun to be a part of it.”
In her acceptance speech, Ms Caulfield said the Rotary Club of Berwick has made lasting changes to the local community.
“I’m the person at the front but I can’t do it alone, you have to rely on the members around us, we all have a part to play to strengthen that club,” she said.
“We have a good strong club, we’ve had our challenges but we will get there.”
In attendance on the night were members from five different Rotary Clubs, three Inner Wheel clubs, and members of the Rotaract Club of Casey Cardinia, as well as City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon, and Councillor Susan Serey.
Going forward, Ms Caulfield said she’s passionate about mental health, stating it’s a much needed focus area with potential future collaborations alongside City of Casey and St John of God Hospital to provide much needed facilities in the community.
Locally, the Rotary Club will continue with their Australia Day celebrations and Carols by Candlelight while internationally, the main focus of Rotary continues to be eradicating Polio globally.
“We all have a part to play, just think of what we can do if we all work together,” she said.
“So, let’s collaborate.”
