by Bob Aitken

Rotary International President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar’s choice of Service Above Self as the Rotary International theme for the beginning of Rotary’s second century of service is most appropriate.

The theme has epitomised the work of Rotary for many years and continues to set an identifiable and proud benchmark for all Rotarians.
The challenges set by President Carl-Wilhelm are well documented elsewhere in this magazine but, as always, the real strength of Rotary in 2005/2006 will come from the enthusiasm and energy generated by the new team beginning at club level and working right to the R.I. Board of Directors.

Of course, the 29 new governors in each of the Rotary Districts based in New Zealand and Australia form an integral part of the worldwide team. Each will add to the overall strength of Rotary by their personal programs and subtle variations to R.I. initiatives.

Rotary Down Under will introduce all regional governors in a special feature in the August issue.

Similarly, we will introduce the new R.I. Board of Directors and The Rotary Foundation Trustees in subsequent issues.

R.I. Director Joc Joc Bolante, of The Philippines, completes the second year of his two-year term this Rotary year and Ian Risely of District 9810, Vic., was formally inducted as R.I. Director Elect at the Chicago Convention.

Major changes have occurred within the RDU Management Committee for 2005/2006, with R.I. President Elect Bill Boyd of District 9920, N.Z., completing his term of office at June 30 after eight years of outstanding leadership.

District 9750 Past Governor Peter Williams is the new committee chairman, whilst District 9980 Past Governor Stuart Heal was elected to replace Bill as the official representative of RDU Group One on the Management Committee. Paul District Governor Paul Gillett was returned unopposed for his second and final three-year term as the representative for RDU Group 4.

Warm and special thanks are due to the outgoing team, all of those wonderful people who combined to give Rotary the most memorable centenary year imaginable. The Centenary celebrations presented a most unique challenge to Rotary club presidents and their members, to District Governors and numerous organising committees.

Success of Rotary’s Centenary efforts can be measured by the extraordinary amount of media coverage and recognition achieved throughout our region and around world.

The real challenge now is to maintain the exposure and build on this new-found public awareness.

PICTURED ABOVE: Then R.I. President Nominee and retiring Rotary Down Under Management Committee chairman Bill Boyd and wife Lorna receive a Rotary Down Under Distinguished Service plaque from new Rotary Down Under Management Committee Chairman, District 9750 Past Governor Peter Williams.

• District 9690 Past Governor Bob Aitken is the managing editor of Rotary Down Under. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains, N.S.W.