District 9620 Rotarians and guests gathered on Sunday, 6 July for the Changeover High Tea, held in the Ballroom at Victoria Park. With sweeping views and a golden winter afternoon as the backdrop, the event was a celebration of reflection, recognition, and renewal.
From the moment guests arrived—greeted with sparkling bubbles, and smiles, —the atmosphere was one of warmth and camaraderie. Dressed in classic High Tea attire, attendees filled the room with colour and conversation. Tiered platters of delicate treats and steaming cups of tea and coffee along with a few extra glasses of bubbles, the tone was set for an afternoon that celebrated the very best of Rotary District 9620 during the past year.
At the heart of the event was the ceremonial handover from outgoing District Governor Sue Mulraney to incoming District Governor Mark Williams.
Sue recognised the commitment of the district team, club presidents, and tireless volunteers who together made a profound impact across our communities during the year where we shared the Rotary International theme: “The Magic of Rotary,” and built meaningful connections through service.
It was a pleasure to be able to recognise outstanding Rotarians for the impact that they had made throughout the year – each selected by their Cluster Area Governor
Congratulations to the following amazing Rotarians:
Abbey – Francesca Sala, Boroko Rotary, Arawa Community Corps
Banerjee – Win Salmon, St George
Boyd – Andrew Rodgers, Brisbane Centenary
Dochterman – Frank Sauter, Brisbane Taylor Bridge
Huang – Mary Kearney, Kenmore
Kenny – Greig Lee-Archer, Caloundra Pacific
Kinross – Paul Harcombe, Redcliffe Sunrise
Renouf – Alina Graham, Global Water Safety and Drowning Prevention
Risely – Ian Cameron, Mitchelton
Stenhammer – Paul Swinburne, Beenleigh
Wilkinson – Jenny Ryan, Lockyer Valley
How do we truly measure impact?
Is it in the dollars we’ve raised, the projects we’ve delivered, or the sheer number of lives touched? Or is it something deeper—an unspoken certainty that we’ve made a difference, even if that difference changed just one life?
The truth is, impact wears many faces.
It lives in the community grant that helped a struggling school build a garden. In the child who received a warm jacket. In the family that now has clean water. In the volunteer who, through Rotary, felt seen, valued, and connected. Each of these moments tells a story of service—but together, they speak of something greater.
Behind every milestone stood something just as powerful: the unwavering commitment of our members. Through every act of kindness, every project completed, and every challenge overcome, our Rotary community lifted one another—and countless others—with quiet strength and shared purpose.
This past year, impact meant showing up. Again, and again—with generosity, grit, and heart. Whether clubs staged a major fundraiser or quietly packed hygiene kits in a local hall, you helped shape a legacy of service that stretches across generations.
But behind every milestone and moment of change stood something equally powerful: the unwavering support of fellow club members. Our Rotary community lifted individuals up—making great service not just possible, but personal.
Throughout the Rotary year, our Rotarians didn’t just count impact – they lived it.
As District Governor for 2025–26, Mark Williams steps into leadership with a clear and compelling vision—one rooted in connection, compassion, and community. Aligned with the Rotary International President’s theme, “Unite for Good,” Mark’s message is simple yet powerful: when we come together with shared purpose and open hearts, we create lasting, meaningful change.
Under his guidance, District 9620 will focus on strengthening the bonds between clubs, amplifying collaboration across projects, and deepening our collective impact. Mark believes that Rotary’s magic lies not just in what we do, but in how we do it—side by side, across cultures, generations, and communities.
Whether it’s responding to local needs, championing global causes, or nurturing the next generation of leaders, Mark’s vision calls us to lead with empathy and serve with unity. It’s a call to remember that no act of service is too small, and no dream too bold, when we truly unite for good.
As we begin this new Rotary year, Mark invites every member of District 9620 to be part of something greater than themselves—to unlock their potential, support one another, and embody the values that define us.
Together, we Unite for Good—and in doing so, we discover the very heart of Rotary.
IPDG Sue Mulraney
