Grant Chirnside and David Neill recognised

As we come to the end of this year, I approach the half way mark of my presidency, making it a good time to reflect on my journey so far. I must admit that although it is busy (but let’s be honest, life is often busy for us) I have really gained a lot from this role. I have had the opportunity to see more of the different committees and the people that make them up. I have gotten to get to know several club members and their partners better. I have had oversight into how the club operates. I have also got to see what Rotary does at a District level. Did you know that our club has the district responsibility of appointing a trustee on the J R McKenzie Trust national Board, as well as administering the J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund on behalf of D9980. 

 

The J R McKenzie Trust was founded in 1940.  Since inception, the Rotary Club of Dunedin has provided a trustee, a tradition that continues today with Jonathan Usher having been a trustee for 5 years, and Neville Caird was for 10 years before him.

 

Each year, the J R McKenzie Trust provides funding to the J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund.  Just like the Trust, our club has the district responsibility of maintaining these funds and distributing them to those in need.  Grant Chirnside has been the D9980 representative on the J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund for the last 5 years.  The Fund has the ability to provide funding for families in need of support for the cost of school uniforms, especially for children who are entering secondary school for the first time.  Around September / October each year, Grant calls for applications from schools and other social service agencies.  As applications roll in, he records them, then distributes them to the rest of the club members who are on the committee for review.  After that he needs to advise the successful grant recipients.  The grant recipients don’t receive the money though, rather they receive an order form that they take to suppliers.  The suppliers then invoice Grant and he pays the bills over the January to April period.

The Youth Education Fund also supports young people to attend Outward Bound and Grant also handles these applications as they flow in.

 

Grant has brought a lot to this role since he took over as chair.  Most notably he has automated and streamlined what was a cumbersome process.

 

It seems Grant has great organisational skills. I had the privilege of working alongside Grant over a 4 year period as part of a committee that planned and ran Jonathan & Bruce’s District conferences. Grant acted as conference manager for both these conferences, running the programme and organising the logistics. This is not a small or simple role, but Grant did it on both occasions with confidence and ease.

 

Grant first joined our Rotary club in February 2003. In 2004 he became convenor of Club Service, during 2012-2013 he was director of International, 2014 director of membership, and 2018 again director of membership. He has served on club service, vocational, international, youth and now membership committees. Grant has also served as President during the 2015/16 Rotary Year

 

Paul Harris founded Rotary on the 23^rd February 1905. From the organisation’s beginnings in Chicago, Rotary is now made up of 1.3 million members in more than 200 countries.

 

Rotary is the world’s leading service organisation, making a huge difference to the lives of individuals, communities and countries throughout the world, providing targeted assistance through six areas of humanitarian focus and exemplifying the motto of “Service above Self”.

 

Rotary is only able to make the difference it does because of the contributions made by members and by others. Today it is a privilege to be able to recognise the huge contribution made over many years, and in many ways, by Grant

 

The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship award, named after the founder of Rotary, is the way our Club can formally acknowledge the contribution of an individual to our Club, to our community, and to the work of Rotary around the world.

 

Please join with me in congratulating and thanking Grant as I present him with a Paul Harris Fellowship award.

 

I now want to take this opportunity to thank those who have supported me so far in my year as president, as without you, the job would be a lot harder. Thank you for saying yes to my request for you to take on a role during my year, for fulfilling that role, and for generally being supportive. I must say that the club as a whole is very supportive and nothing ever seems a bother. We really are like one big family, so thank you all.

 

They say that behind every great man, there is a great woman, but I think this can also be the other way around. A very key person in making my job that bit easier is the fabulous club secretary – David Neill.

 

David joined our club in 1979. He has served on Youth, city affairs, community service, fellowship and city & community committees. He has been convenor of community service and fellowship, as well as director of city affairs and fellowship. David has also been the club secretary since 2011.

To quote Grant from his time as president “Last year Peter described you as his wing-man, and I thought at the time that Pete had had that extra glass of wine and perhaps his emotions had got the better of him but as the year has gone on I’ve come to realize that he is actually the king of the understatement.  As Club Secretary you have supported me throughout the year, you do an incredible job, you are highly organized, very efficient and very supportive, you don't even get grumpy at those last minute additions to the Board Agenda." These words from both Grant and Peter still apply today. I cannot thank you enough for everything that you do, without compliant, always with a smile, to help us in our role. Your wise council is always on point and appreciated.

 

Rotary is only able to make the difference it does because of the contributions made by members such as you and by others. Today it is a privilege to be able to recognise the huge contribution made over many years, and in many ways, by David

 

The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship award, named after the founder of Rotary, is the way our Club can formally acknowledge the contribution of an individual to our Club, to our community, and to the work of Rotary around the world.

 

Please join with me in congratulating and thanking David as I present him with a Paul Harris Sapphire award.