Rotary Clubs have an annual changeover dinner to recognise the achievements of the past year and to introduce the new officebearers of the Club and the incoming President.

Tonight I was invited to attend the Rotary Club of Mitcham Changeover Dinner. While I am a member of the Rotary Club of Ringwood, I do know several members from Mitcham, including its previous and outgoing Presidents.

The function provided an opportunity to recognise the committed service of individuals and it was wonderful to see Sharon Partridge being awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship. Sharon, was a former Whitehorse Councillor and past President of the Rotary Club of Mitcham.

During Sharon’s year as President she successfully organised several events, including fundraising activities and a concert providing funds for solar facilities in East Timor and scholarships for Indigenous Australians.

The Paul Harris Fellowship is one of Rotary’s highest honours and was named after Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary.