Conference was an unqualified, outstanding success on all counts!
Two and a half years ago we set ourselves the challenge of delivering an ecologically sound “world class” event, delivering outstanding guest speakers, great food and awesome entertainment. I am pleased to report that we delivered just that over the weekend.
Our wonderful conference speakers explored the concept of sustainability in a variety of contexts. From our homes and family relationships, to our farms and businesses, through to what it takes to sustain focus and commitment to achieve sporting goals at the highest level. In all cases the message was clear; have a plan, clear goals and make small achievable changes, one small step at a time. To start a sustainability journey, begin by choosing one small change to make and avoid being overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge in front of you, whether it be to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, farm more sustainably or win an Olympic gold medal.
On Friday night we hosted a cocktail evening in our beautiful Cambridge town hall where delegates enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones, all the while enjoying tasty canapés and stunning musical entertainment by talented World Performing Arts Champion, Sean Lurman. Our very own Bruised Brothers launched the official conference song to a great reception. To our delight the Rotary International President’s Representative, Johnny Yu, referenced a line from their song in his closing remarks on Sunday.
“Something tells us Rotary’s into something good”.
Thank you to Colin Davis and the Bruised Brothers Band for producing a masterpiece for us and their fine pre-dinner entertainment on Saturday night.
Saturday and Sunday delivered a superb variety of guest speakers, commencing on Saturday morning with the inspirational Nicola Turner from Mainstream Green and concluding with the moving presentation of Miriama Kamo. On Sunday morning after a late night dancing the night away, delegates were jolted awake by the very talented comedic magician Jonathan Usher who managed to extract $20 out of Mark Hanlon and much to Mark’s delight turned it into a 50 right before his eyes. Champion single sculler Mahe Drysdale book-ended conference with the story of his rowing career and the determination, dedication and sheer pain it took to take him to three Olympic single sculls finals (bronze and two golds) and multiple world championship titles.
Saturday night we hosted our Op Shop Glam Ball. What a night! Great fellowship, great food and great entertainment from the Bruised Brothers and the Sean Lurman Band. Never has there been such energy, excitement and atmosphere at a Rotary Ball as there was on Saturday. As Dennis Denuto famously said, "It’s all about the vibe". And Saturday night most definitely had “The Vibe”!
To conclude I would like to thank the Management Team and the wonderful Deb Wootton, our event manager. What a fantastic bunch of people to work with! Without their dedication, wisdom, experience and commitment, conference would not have been the huge success it was. So to DG Bill, Andrew, Bev, Tim, Shona, Malinda and Deb, thank you. I would also like to thank Deb’s staff and all our sub-committee members who worked with the Management Team developing the conference program, identifying and contracting top quality guest speakers and finding sponsors in these financially challenged times. Finally, to every other Rotarian who put their hand up to assist with conference in any way they could (you know who you are), thank you!
David Blewden
Conference Chair
We have come to the end of a long journey with the successful completion of the 2024 District 9930 Conference. Last Thursday we were privileged to hold a Pre Conference meeting with the Rotary International Representatives Johnny & Veronica Yu as well as the Conference MC John Prendergast and the Managing Director of HPCE, our Conference Events company, chaired by David Blewden.
