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Rotary Club of Barossa Valley Changeover –
Saturday 21st June 2025
Our Changeover Dinner at the Novotel in Rowland Flat was attended by 36 Rotary members, partners and friends, and special guests.
Thanks to District Governor Elect Rajeev Kamineni and Priya Kamineni for going the “extra miles” – all the way from Goolwa! – to attend our Changeover and assist with the fun and formalities.
A special Thanks also to Anna and Brad Dunn, parents of our new President James Dunn, and Tim Mikkelsen, James’ friend, for sharing the special evening with us. James’ grandfather was a member of Rotary so it’s great that James is maintaining the family connection.
Another highlight of this year’s Changeover was the presentation of Paul Harris Fellows, five in total!
- A special presentation was made to Marie Rothe, a former member of our club and now a member of Rotary Club of Unley. Marie’s PHF was a well-deserved recognition of years of service to our club, including many years as our Attendance Officer. Although well overdue, it was intended to be presented before Marie left the Barossa Valley eighteen months ago! Marie is a busy person, so it was lovely that Marie was able to come up to the Barossa and attend our changeover, and to receive her PHF.
PHFs were also presented to:
- John Semmler, during his 41 years of Rotary membership, has been an enthusiastic supporter for Youth activities including University Scholarships and Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA);
- Bryce Lillecrapp, for years of service to local and overseas programs, whose membership extended from Interact through Rotaract and then Rotary, which he joined in February 1977;
- Brian Eckermann, for dedication to the VET Awards and RYDA amongst many other achievements throughout his forty years of being a member of Rotary;
- Mark Graetz, whose “see a problem and just fix it” attitude has been absolutely invaluable to our club, particularly with managing the Grounds Team for the last three Barossa Airshows, including major carpark improvements.
As you would know if you attended our club meeting on 16th June or would have seen in our club’s Bulletin following that meeting, a Paul Harris Fellow recognition also was presented to Peter Sich. Peter is a true “quiet achiever” who just gets on and does things, from organising the Day on the Green car parking when Mark Graetz was out of action, to keeping our storage shed spic and span. A great example of Peter’s “get on and do it” attitude was when we were packing up after the Airshow and the group decided we would throw everything in the container and organise it later. But by smoko Peter had it so clean and tidy you could’ve eaten your smoko off the floor!
During his President’s report, Steve commended club members on their contributions throughout 2024-2025, which was a busy year for everyone, in particular with the Barossa Airshow, but also with the many other smaller events and activities which not only bring in funds to support our projects, but also demonstrate to the local community that we are “People of Action”.
Steve’s full report will be included in our club’s Annual Report.
President James with his parents Anna and Brad Dunn.
In accepting the President’s Collar from Steve, our new President James Dunn, thanked Steve for his leadership during a very successful year as President, and presented him with the 2024-2025 Rotary International theme banner as a memento of his Presidency.
DGE Rajeev (Adelaide Club), President James and
Past President Steve.
President James invited DGE Rajeev to unveil the banner featuring the 2025-2026 theme, “Unite for Good”. This theme encourages members to leverage human connection and collaboration to create positive change and address community needs. The theme aligns with Rotary’s Action Plan and aims to strengthen Rotary’s global impact and recognition.
President James thanked club members for welcoming him into the club and helping him and his family to settle into the Barossa. He looks forward to steering our club through the next twelve months, with the support of the Board members, whom he introduced to the meeting.
- Immediate Past President Steve Ahrens
- Secretary: Sandie Simons
- Treasurer: Mark Graetz
- Membership: Sue Graetz
- International: Peter Thomas
- Vocational and Barossa Airshow Committee: Steve Ahrens
- New Generations: Prue Maitland (apology)
- Community: Mike Connors (apology)
Board Members
PDG Peter, Sue and Mark Graetz, President James, Past President Steve, and Secretary Sandie.
We will continue to seek nominations to fill the position of President Elect.
Another great Changeover for our club, with the opportunity to reflect on the successes over the past year and look forward to the exciting opportunities the next year will bring.
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