1. Club Milestones & Transitions
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Our New Home: We have successfully settled into the Hampton RSL this year, expertly managed by Meeting Manager Keiran Cromie.
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Valued Farewells: We said goodbye to several deeply committed Rotarians: PP Paul Nicholson, PP Arthur Hubbard, Anne Holland, Alan Jarrott, PP David Grodski, PP Peter Johns, PP Des Thomas, and Tamer Burjawi. Together, they represent an extraordinary legacy of 235 years of combined Rotary service.
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New Member: A warm welcome to our newest member, Merve Boztepe, who is already stepping up to assist with the front desk and tech support.
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In Memoriam: We paused to remember PP Ian Mence, and extended our deepest condolences to the family of Lilian Efron (wife of the late PP David Efron), who has passed away peacefully.
2. Acknowledging Our Regular Contributors
We are many, and what I am about to do comes with some risk, as I may unintentionally overlook someone or fail to mention every contribution made. If I do, please accept my sincere apologies in advance.
The following people have been regular contributors throughout the past year, and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank them for their dedication and support.
Di Allan - a regular presence at the front desk
PP Julie Avery - Rotary Club of Brighton Charitable Foundation /Our Sergeant at Arms - most will know that I am not the biggest fan of the Sergeant's session - but as they say, money talks. Tonight I do wish we did have a Sergeant's session as last Thursday - June 25th, not July 2nd at 6.33 pm. I received a call from none other than Damian Hellard asking me why all the lights were out. Damian was a week early!
Angela Biggin - Classic Car Show/Farmers Relief Project
Merve Boztepe - Front Desk and Tech Support
Keiran Cromie - Just Lots
Nicole Chong - Behind the scenes for BaySpeak
Wendy Davis - Fellowship events - Naked Café and Jazz Night/Photographer
David Finney - ensuring we are set up for our meetings/Sargent
David Frauman - Incoming President/ Rotary Club of Brighton Charitable Foundation
Alexander Florea - seldom seen at our meeting but a participant at BaySpeak
Seng Goh - first to put his hand up to volunteer
Glenys Hitchen - Front desk and Club bookkeeper
PP Bill Howley - Club Treasurer
PP Arthur Hubbard - BaySpeak, Sargent, VP 2025-2026
Malcolm James - Seldom seen at our meeting but kicking goals in Tanzania
PP Pat Kearns - Footy Tipping
Jo Kwok - Youth and Vocational Services, which amounts to lots, Social Media
Paul Laband - Rotary Club of Brighton Charitable Foundation
Anthony Langley - Club Secretary, Kieser Great Bayside Swim
Maurice Lichter - seldom seen at our meeting - DIK Club representative and weekly volunteer at DIK
Max Martin - Bulletin Editor and Event Graphic Design, Photographer
Stuart McIntyre - Community Services Director, District International Chair, Kieser Great Bayside Swim
John McKell - seldom seen at our meeting - Rotary Club of Brighton Foundation
Rob Pinchbeck - Brighton Classic Car Show, President Elect Nominee
PP Alan Pinkus - Raffle Ticket distributor - someone has to do it!! Poetry
John Schmoll - Rotary Club of Brighton Charitable Foundation, Sergeant, BaySpeak
David Smyth - Speaker Seeker and Coordinator/Jazz Night/Bayspeak and Author
Ian Stacy - Sergeant
PP Norm Thomas - Major Sponsor relationships, Major Events - most recent Bayside Comedy Extravaganza
PP Ivan Vojlay – seldom seen at our meetings - Ivans Hackers
Many others also contributed throughout the year at the club's events, and I extend my sincere thanks to each and every one of you - thank you all.
The speakers
We were fortunate to hear from a diverse range of speakers who delivered presentations that were relevant, engaging and, in some cases, truly thought-provoking. Each of them is a recognised leader in their respective field. Here are a few of our prominent speakers:
Stephanie Woolard - Social Entrepreneur "Seven Women" charity
Dale Fisher - CEO Silverchain delivering "Care in the Home"
Ray Imbriano - Australian Federal Police
Shaun Crosgrove - Radio and TV personality
David Morgan - Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Sally Nichols & Shaynna Blaze - Voice of Change
Scott McKay - Mackay Harvester history, bushfire survivor
Members behind the badge - Merve & Keiran
3. President’s Closing & Board Thanks
As my year as President comes to a close, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional Board and the entire club. No President succeeds alone. Your shared ideas, time, and friendship made this a deeply rewarding year. I wish our incoming President, David Frauman, every success and look forward to supporting him.
4. Major Awards & Recognitions
Rotarian of the Year (The Jack Joel Memorial Award)
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Recipient: Keiran Cromie. Keiran is the go-to person for everything operational. As Meeting Manager, he handles the RSL logistics and tech support. He also serves as the Logistics Manager for our flagship fundraisers: the Kieser Great Bayside Swim and the Brighton Classic Car Show. (Accepted by Anthony Langley on Keiran's behalf, Keiran being away in South Africa).
Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions
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Rob Pinchbeck (New PHF): Joined in 2022, past Fundraising Chair, and current Chair of the growing Brighton Classic Car Show.
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Jo Kwok (PHF +3): Past Rotarian of the Year and current Youth Chair. Led key initiatives like the primary school kitchen garden and scout trailers, while successfully securing vital project grants.
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PP Bill Howley (PHF +2): Long-time Club Treasurer whose meticulous financial management ensures our ongoing stability.
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PP Norm Thomas (PHF +2): Former Bayside Art Show Chair who successfully established our new annual fundraiser, the Bayside Comedy Extravaganza.
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Stuart McIntyre (PHF +3): Community Chair and District International Chair. Led a multi-club container project to Cambodia and spearheaded the Western District Farmers Relief Project and the Kieser Great Bayside Swim.
Final Thanks
A special thank you to PP Julie Avery for organising tonight’s wonderful Changeover celebration.
Closing thought: A strong club is built by the many,
not the few, because while alone we can do so little,
together we can achieve so much.
Firstly, David said he would like to sincerely thank Colleen d'Offay for her outstanding leadership as President during the 2025/2026 Rotary year. Colleen's commitment, enthusiasm and dedication have ensured another highly successful year for our Club.
He also extended his appreciation to the 2025/2026 Board for their hard work, commitment and the excellent outcomes they have achieved on behalf of the Rotary Club of Brighton.
As President for 2026/2027, his intention is to build on this strong foundation. He said that our Club will continue to deliver its major fundraising events while introducing an exciting new community event -the Brighton Rotary Antique & Collectables Fair and Antiques Roadshow.
David's Goals for 2026/2027
1. Build a Progressive, Vibrant and Diverse Club
Ensure the Club:
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is progressive, vibrant and welcoming.
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is a Club where members are proud to belong and enthusiastic ambassadors for Rotary.
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achieves sustainable membership growth with greater diversity in age, background, skills and experience.
Newer Members (Less than Five Years' Membership)
Ensure newer members:
- have meaningful and visible roles in Club activities and projects.
- are fully engaged in all aspects of Club life.
- increasingly lead, own, manage and deliver Club initiatives.
- are supported to develop confidence, capability and leadership skills within Rotary.
Established Members
Encourage established members to increasingly focus on:
- mentoring and supporting newer members.
- sharing Rotary knowledge, networks and experience.
- coaching future leaders.
- stepping back from operational leadership roles where appropriate to encourage succession, renewal and fresh ideas.
2. Provide Strong Leadership, Direction and Governance
Provide leadership to ensure:
- all Club activities are well coordinated and aligned with our strategic priorities.
- strong governance, accountability and professionalism underpin everything we do.
- Club meetings are engaging, informative and professionally conducted, featuring quality guest speakers and varied programs.
- communication is timely, transparent and inclusive.
- fellowship and social activities remain enjoyable, varied and attractive to members of all ages and interests.
3. Increase the Profile of Rotary and the Rotary Club of Brighton
Raise awareness of Rotary and our Club by:
- promoting our projects, achievements and community impact more effectively.
- strengthening partnerships with local businesses, community organisations and schools.
- expanding our media, digital and social media presence.
- encouraging every member to be a proud ambassador for the Club.
- demonstrating Rotary's relevance and contribution to addressing today's community needs.
Our Fundraising Focus
During 2026/2027 we will continue to deliver our established major fundraising events while launching an exciting new initiative:
- Rotary Club of Brighton Antique & Collectables Fair and Antiques Roadshow
This event will provide a significant opportunity to increase community engagement, attract new supporters and generate additional funds for the charitable work of our Club.
Working Together
None of these goals can be achieved by one person alone.
Success will come through the commitment, enthusiasm and teamwork of our Board and every member of the Rotary Club of Brighton. By working together, supporting one another and embracing new ideas, he believes we can continue to build a Club that is progressive, respected, welcoming and recognised as one of Rotary's leading clubs.
He looks forward to working with all of you during what he is confident will be an exciting, enjoyable and successful Rotary year.
David Frauman
President 2026/2027
Rotary Club of Brighton
David's Board for 2026/2027
David is delighted to be supported by a highly experienced, committed and enthusiastic Board for the 2026/2027 Rotary year.
The Board brings together a broad range of skills, experience and fresh perspectives. Together, they will work collaboratively to provide strong leadership, good governance and strategic direction for our Club. While each Board member has specific responsibilities, they are committed to working as one team - supporting one another, listening to our members and ensuring the Rotary Club of Brighton continues to grow, innovate and make a meaningful difference in our community.
David sincerely thanks each Board member for accepting this important responsibility and for their willingness to give their time, knowledge and leadership throughout the year.
