Tony Witham POM Rotary new president change over dinner  speech

Dame Carol, Past President Michael,  President of Boroko Rotary Bill Crain ,Paul Harris fellowship members, Fellow Rotarian and guests

It is with great honour and humility I take on the position of President of the Port Moresby Rotary Club. As you may be aware the club was formed over 50 years ago and many in this room have been president while I have been a member. Past presidents Dick McCarthy, Monica Slater, Paul Coleman Chris Smith Ernie Lohbegger, John Paton and Michael are past presidents since I have been a member > I am also aware that Ron Seddon has been a president of this club and it is an honour to be associated with these people.

I must admit , I first heard about Rotary as a young child playing in my Grandfathers house. My Grandfather was a Paul Harris fellow and an Assistant District Governor. My father wished to join Rotary when we moved to Caloundra on the sunshine Coast in Australia , however was unable as his ‘profession’-pharmacist was already held by another Rotarian of the Caloundra Club. I know after talking to him that he was very disappointed. So Rotary is in my blood and has been from an early age.

Before taking on the role of President, I thought deep about how can I make a difference and what did I want to achieve if I was to become the president. I looked at the 4 way test:

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all Concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

twenty four words, eighteen are one-syllable. Yet, it is as profound as it is simple. Those twenty four words made my decision easier.

Is it the Truth?- My fellow Rotarians will tell if it is the truth what I say tonight in 12 months time.

Is it fair to all concerned?- Yes I have been in the club for 8 years so do have the experience

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS-I believe that I do usually build better friendship and is one of my main aims this year.

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? – Again my fellow Rotarians will be able to judge me in 12 months time .

So what is my aim for this year, Simply : TO ACHIEVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THAT ENHANCES THE LIFE STYLES OF PEOPLE IN AND AROUND PORT MORESBY , AT THE SAME TIME ENJOY THE FELLOWSHIP THAT ROTARY BRINGS TO ALL INVOLVED.

Arrrrr yes you say,  but how????

First and foremost is to get all Rotarians involved in the community. Be it doing the sausage sizzle in front of Boroko Foodworld on a Saturday morning , to helping with the Valentine ball next year . I would like to see all of the Port Moresby Rotarians have fun helping the community. If we remember why rotary was formed originally it was to help fellow professionals in the business community. While that has changed a little over the years I also understand that each of us in Rotary do have full time positions that pay for us to live. I believe by enjoying rotary everybody gains.

If you were to ask me what do I see as the major areas that will achieve community development it is in Health and Education. During my time as president I will continue the school desk program which I believe is need in the schools. I will also ensure that Donations in Kind (DIK) continues even if we need to pay the shipping costs from Australia. I am fortunate enough to have Ron Seddon as one of my directors who will ensure that Rotarians against Malaria continues.

What new areas??I do not know as yet , but I can assure all in this room that I will try my darnest to ensure that where the Port Moresby Rotary Club can help it will help.

But alas I can not do this alone. I believe I have selected a fantastic team of executives that will assist me in achieving my and our clubs goals.

Can I ask that they stand so all can see the directors for 2010/2011 once again:

Paul Coleman –                                 Secretary

Ed McCardel-                     Treasurer

Chris Smith-                        Vocational

Heather Wright                 Youth

Megan Taureka                                Community

Ron Seddon                       Rotarians against Malaria

Ernie Lohberger                                International

Bruce Telfer                       Club Services

Carl Van der Haspel         DIK (unfortunately Carl has been called away)

Finally I thank you all for attend tonight. I would also like to thank Kym Coleman and Bruce Telfer who assisted in organising the crown plaza.

Next Tuesday is the first meeting as president. It is also the first meeting attended by the District Governor who will also be in town. Yes it will be at the crown plaza at 12 00-12.15 on the Tuesday...So no excuses as you all have been advised.

I leave you with this final thought about Rotary….

IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME

PLEASE ENSURE THE CONTINUED FOLLOWSHIP IN THE COMPANY OF FRIEND AND OUR GUEST SPAEKER.

THANK-YOU