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We are an eclectic mix of ages, genders, occupations, backgrounds and interests. We are all passionate about making our community and the world a better place for children so they can thrive. We are devoted to serving the children in our local community and also children all across the country and worldwide through unique and innovative service projects and fundraising initiatives.

Governor 2024-2025
David McNabb

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CONVENTION August 2026 SYDNEY View Promo

The 2024-25 Kiwanis year countdown continues. A lot has happened since my last website message – including two overseas trips on Kiwanis business.

A really successful (and for me, eye-opening) March ASPAC Convention in Taiwan was centred in that nation’s second largest city of Kaohsiung, and this fiftieth anniversary of ASPAC Kiwanis reinforced why KI remains most enthusiastic about continuing to foster our great organisation in that region. All the “top brass” from Kiwanis International were again present including CEO Paul Palozzolo. The planning of this important Kiwanis gathering included a day for Training & Information where Kerry and I and several others from Australia were joined by incoming District Secretary Kavitha who jetted in specially for this session.

More recently, I have returned from attending International Convention which was held in Pittsburgh for the first time. A decade ago Kerry & I were able to attend the Centennial KI Conv. in Indianapolis, meaning Kiwanis is now 110 years ‘young’. There was an encouraging large contingent representing Australia, bolstered by half a dozen from Sydney (terrific to see). At last year’s traditional Signature Project Breakfast we brought back a trophy for the District making the Top Ten (onya Glenelg) Finalists but for 2025 Australia went one better. Sydney Club gained Runnerup (Tier 1) for their thoughtful Comfort Care Cases that Sydney Hospital distributes. This award is an impressive cheque for US$1500 so, well done Sydney Club.

At Convention there was the unusual situation of not one but two keynote speakers demurring on their commitment at late notice. The replacement was an entertaining former American football player who spoke well, but anyone from outside USA had doubtful heard of Terry Bradshaw, so it was a bit of a letdown after looking forward to hearing from a real Hollywood legend.

At House of Delegates, the four -way vote for International Vice-President went the way of Pennsylvania’s Cathy Szykmanski – she will become the fifth female to hold that highest office – great to see. Another take away from House of Delegates was the narrow defeat of a vote to allow proxy or absentee voting at future Conventions. This has been debated before but overall it was considered that allowing remote voting would have a hugely negative impact on in-person attendances, given the costs, travel for those who front up in person.

Next year’s KI Convention will be one of those rare two-for-one events, where ASPAC 2026 will be combined in the host city of Manila, Philippines. Do keep that one in mind. Along with an advert for NZSP Convention (the publicity for this just missed last AK deadline) in Rotorua on August 15-16.

On the home front I’m about to review my Governor goals, set a year ago, as we gear up for hopefully a successful District Convention in Moama late August. Entries are still being received but please don’t leave it too late – more details would be in your Australian Kiwanian, or further on in our website. This will be a brilliant chance to experience Kiwanis fellowship, entertainment and workshops, being the first time in two years that we’ve had a face-to-face Convention. Lt Governor Tim and past Governor Bob Sitters are putting the finishing touches on an excellent programme, so “don’t miss out”.. . .

Some great news on the membership front, with Athelstone Club being very busy and set to welcome a whole bunch of new members.

I look forward to seeing as many as possible visiting Echuca Moama in a month’s time. Meantime, keep up the great work you are all doing, for the children of the world.

Best regards
David

Do remember: KIWANIS – we put the FUN into Fundraising. . ..