THE APEX CLUB OF MOOROOPNA

The 2007-08 Apex year has seen many changes in Apex Victoria.  Organizational and Cultural changes have been the focal point which has resulted in, I believe, the first of many years of positive membership growth.  More members have joined Apex Clubs throughout the Victorian Zone than have resigned or retired!

Positive change is sometimes difficult and it was with this in mind that I was given the honour of leading the State for another term at this year’s State Convention.  Some continuity in leadership has allowed the State Board to begin to implement change that would normally be improbable with a one year term of office.  I am proud that the vast majority of the State Board executive team has decided to stay “on board” as we ride the waves of change into the next year. 

Communication has also been paramount within the State this year. Every Club has been contacted by myself or another board member over  the past year and some interesting results have come from this.  The most positive result being that, unlike the last few years, every District in Victoria will be represented on State Board next year and that is definitely something that my team and I are very proud of.

The launch of an all new Apex Victoria website, www.apexvic.org.au, has seen nothing but positive comment from our members.  This resource has been designed to act in conjunction with the National website and provides the state leadership team with an avenue from which to communicate with our members in a timely and cost-effective manner.  An all new email address system has also been created in order to provide effective communication throughout the State with static email address provision for every State Executive, District Governor and Apex Club now having an address.

Changes have also been made to Convention and State Training formats with new Nationally Accredited Training being undertaken and a very positive relationship is being forged with the State Government in regards to training, compliance and, hopefully, funding issues.  State Training initiatives have proven successful and increased numbers of Apexians have attended this years Seminar.  The number of new Apexians attending was both somewhat surprising and gratifying.

The team has also begun a comprehensive review of the State’s operations, particularly in regards to recruitment, which has began to pay dividends in regard to new members and current member retention.

Our relationship with Guide Dogs Victoria has been re-kindled via the operation of the 2007-8 State Service scheme, which has seen Apex Victoria involved in raising around $30000 for Guide Dogs and this has been somewhat complemented by the operation of the National Service Scheme which has promoted Guide Dog’s Children’s Mobility Services.  It has been quite gratifying to be involved in renewing a great friendship.  From a beginning over 50 years ago the relationship between Apex and Guide Dogs Victoria is one that will only grow into the future as our two organisations serve the community for many years to come.

As a team, the State Board would like to thank all Apexians, past and present, for the great work that they have done over the past year and encourage them to strive forward in their efforts to better themselves and their communities in the years ahead.  We can only offer our encouragement in this endeavour whilst we attempt to provide them with the training, tools and organizational back-up that they require. We all look forward to the next Apex year and the opportunities that this will bring to honour the Ideals of the Association of Apex Clubs.

On behalf of the Apex Victorian Zone Board I thank all Apexians and wish them well into the future.

Dean Freeman

Immediate Past State President – Victoria. 2007-2008