Reflections from
President Vijay Susarla
Changeover Dinner 9 July 2025
Over 70 members, their spouses, friends, the current District Governor and immediate past District Governor and guests attended the Changeover dinner last Wednesday night at Amore’s in Richmond.
An audible gasp was heard from the attendees when the MC, Patrick Docherty announced that the evening’s singer is my daughter Pallavi Susarla. Under the expert direction of Ambica Docherty, Patrick’s sister, the audience were treated to two renditions of traditional songs honouring the Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, known as the preserver and protector of the universe. This was followed by a performance by a traditional dancer of around 9 years of training who is about to graduate in this challenging field.
Following the entertainment, President George de Souza delivered a passionate overview of his year in office. He thanked the board, his wife and all members for their support.
He presented a Royce Abbey recognition to Lindy Anderson. Congratulations to Lindy.
Brenda Innes was also recognised for her milestone years of membership of 10 years. Thank you, Brenda, for your years of service.
To everyone’s surprise, immediate past District Governor Michael Lapina, presented a RI recognition to Fabienne Nichola. Congratulations to Fabienne for this prestigious recognition.
As George’s final task of inducting the new president.
As the new president of the Rotary Camberwell, the following is a summary of my address to members:
- thanks to George de Souza for his leadership and presenting him with his new dinner badge, lapel badge and a gift from the club. His wife Fulvia was also thanked for her support and she was presented with flowers.
- Sponsor a Rotaract Club (Community) and projects related to peace awareness in the schools and communities and support The Rotary Foundation through donations and participating in the Foundation events.
- Members of the Board was introduced:
- President Elect & Cub Service – Daya Govinder
- Treasurer - George de Souza
- Secretary - Murray Anderson
- International – Chris Carra
- Youth and Vocation – Lyndon Joss
- Community Service – Nadia Hamilton who was an apology
The Changeover event was successful and went very smoothly with the efforts of the Fellowship Committee under the able leadership of Patrick Docherty. Thank you for all your work. Thank you also to all members for attending.
Congratulations to Lyndon Joss for being recognised as “Rotary Foundation Major Donor “ for his contributions reaching more than USD $10,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
THANK YOU Lyndon for your generosity and support for our Rotary Foundation, so that we can continue to do good in the world.
I was a co-Guest Speaker at Rotary Canterbury (one of the members of Timor Rotary Consortium) last week on Timor Project, which was well received. Justin Paragreen also presented her experiences in Timor Leste.
Next week’s meeting:
16th July – “Thank God It’s Over (Camberwell Art Show 2025) and Past President’s Dinner”:
Venue -Tower Hotel, 686, Burwood Road, Hawthorn East.
Time: 6:00 for 6:30PM
Vijay Susarla
President Elect 2024 - 2025
