I cannot believe this Apex year has finally drawn to a close, previous Apexians and past presidents informed me that my year as president would pass so quickly that I wouldn’t even know it (how right they were).
This year was extra special to Mooroopna Apex as we celebrated 30 years of Apex in Mooroopna. The night was a great success with 120 past and present Apexians and partners in attendance. My thanks go out to the committee (Jim, Bill Parsons and Clive) for organising such a great night. Feedback is of great importance to any organisation, and the general comment on the evening was "our club should hold one of these evenings every 5 years, so that past and present Apexians have the opportunity to socially interact with one another" ( I hope I get an invitation).
One low point of the year, was that of the fire which destroyed our paper shed (again) but it showed how resourceful our members can be in the face of adversity, special thanks must go out to Bill Parsons and EDP Engineering for without the use of their facilities our paper collection days would be just that more difficult.
The agenda this year seemed to be filled with social events, firstly it was our turn to organise the Combined Service Clubs dinner – great night had by all. Possibly the biggest event for the year was being involved with the Mooroopna Back To celebrations where our club organised and hosted the combined Service Sportsman’s and Community Organisation Dinner with MERV HUGHES as guest speaker. Within excess of 270 people in attendance we raised over $2,000 on the night on behalf of the Mooroopna Historical Society. I must extend my thanks to the organising committee (Perry, Terry and Ricky) for a job well done and also to Bill for organising Merv to speak.
The other event we hosted was the District Board meeting at Mooroopna Golf Club, this event should (if we play our cards right) become an annual event thanks to all who helped on the night. As a service club we are committed as a club for the betterment of our community, whereas our club might not be involved with meals on wheels, wood drives or helping old ladies we do have a serious commitment to recycling of unwanted paper which not only is beneficial to the environment and ecology of our world, but the proceeds allow us as a club to pass on money to individuals or organisations as we see fit (eg. junior sporting clubs, salvation army etc.) if that is not to the betterment of our community I don’t know what is.
Our talent in cooking was brought to the fore as was shown when our club catered for 4,000 girl guides, congratulations to Jim and Chris in having the confidence and ability to successfully organise this huge event. It brought a smile to my face when we were asked to cook a BBQ for 150 people for Ian Parsons at one of their promotional nights; I said "is that all."
I must thank my board members on the past years effort, for it is not an individual that runs the club, it is a combined team effort that makes a successful club (which it is). Special thanks to Secretary Bill for the guidance throughout the year. Also to Treasurer Tony, a job well done on the extra work load encountered this year.
In closing I would like to thank and congratulate Ricky Hall on his contribution and commitment to Apex over the past eight years. Ricky, as you have reached the ripe old age of 40 we as a club welcome and hope to see you at our regular dinner meetings.
Finally I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mick H. all the best for his coming year as President.
YIA
ROB ROSAIA
