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Rachelle Mulraney

Hello and Happy *Rotary* New Year!

I hope this message finds you well and filled with excitement for the year ahead. It is with immense honour and gratitude that I address you as the newly elected President of the Rotary Club of Beenleigh for the 2023-24 year. I am humbled by the trust placed in me to lead this esteemed club.

As we embark on this new journey together, let us embrace the vision set forth by the new Rotary International President, Gordon R. McInally. His annual theme, "Create Hope in the World," resonates deeply within our hearts. This year, we will align our projects with President Gordon's goal to create hope by focusing on mental wellbeing and working for peace. By championing these causes, we have an incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact in our community.

I am thrilled to announce that we will be continuing some of our successful projects from previous years, including the "Don't Throw in the Towel" campaign, the Music Bingo event (Save the Date – August 19^th), and the Hygiene Pack project. These initiatives have brought joy, support, and comfort to countless individuals, and I am confident that we can build on their successes. And let's not forget the highlight of our year, the Beenleigh Cane Parade, Festival & Gala Ball in May. Together, we will make it the biggest and most unforgettable event yet!

But we won't be stopping there... We are also embarking on new and exciting projects that will leave a lasting legacy in our community. Members will focus on the rejuvenation of the Maternity Gardens at the Logan Hospital, creating a serene and comforting environment for new mothers and families. Additionally, we are in the early stages of forming a new Interact Club, empowering young people in our area to get involved in community service and instilling in them the values of Rotary from a young age. In January, we will witness an exciting milestone as our first Rotary Youth Exchange Student since prior COVID embarks on what promises to be the best year of his life. James, representing not only The Rotary Club of Beenleigh but also our community and our country, will embark on a transformative 12-month journey in Japan. This program has proven to be invaluable in shaping the lives and growth of our young people. As a past exchange student myself, I am thrilled to see the program revitalized in our district during my presidency.

In addition to our ongoing projects, we have submitted an application for a District Rotary Foundation Grant. If successful, we will have the opportunity to create Affirmation Cards for Teens in local high schools, promoting positive mental health practices among students in the grade 9-12 age group. These cards will serve as a reminder of their worth, resilience, and the support available to them. Together, we can empower and uplift the younger generation.

While I have an ambitious agenda ahead, my primary goal as President is to lead, inspire, and empower each and every one of our members. Rotary is a collective effort, and member and community involvement is key to our club's success. I am encouraging everyone to actively participate in the planning and execution of our events and projects. Let us grow together, nurturing our club from the ground up.

Recognizing the demands on our members' time, we will introduce monthly "Project Meetings" where each portfolio including Youth, Effective Services, Membership, Foundation & Community, can come together and work on projects during regular meeting nights. By fostering engagement across various portfolios, we can maximize our impact and create a stronger sense of camaraderie amongst our members.

As we work to create hope in the world, let us not overlook the importance of self-care and mental well-being within our own ranks. I am excited that we’ll be embarking on a member escape later in the year. This weekend getaway will provide an opportunity for relaxation, unwinding, and connecting on a social level. Let us forge stronger bonds and get to know each other beyond our roles within the Rotary Club of Beenleigh.

While member engagement is vital, member recognition is equally important. In recognition of the quiet achievers who make a significant difference in our community, I am delighted to introduce a new initiative called the "Cup of Gratitude." Supported by Nick & Kelly at Zarraffa's Coffee Eagleby, this monthly award will acknowledge a club member's outstanding contributions and provide them with a free coffee voucher to take a moment to enjoy a cup of gratitude on us. We are grateful for Zarraffa's Coffee's support in helping to recognize the efforts of our amazing volunteers.

Fellow Rotary Members, and friends of Rotary, as we embark on this journey together, let us remember that our collective power lies in our ability to create hope, foster positive change, and uplift those around us. With unwavering enthusiasm and a shared vision, I am confident that we will make this year one of the most memorable and impactful years in the history of the Rotary Club of Beenleigh.

Thank you all for your trust, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service above self. Together, let us create hope in the world and leave a legacy of positive change.

Yours in Rotary Service,