On Saturday, 12 July 2025, Rotary District 9815 held its annual Changeover event, marking the conclusion of District Governor Colin Byron’s term and celebrating the beginning of District Governor Peter Behm’s leadership.
Held at the Pakenham Racecourse in Tynong, the venue was chosen for its central location and excellent facilities—an ideal setting for a district as expansive as 9815. Nearly 200 Rotarians, dignitaries, and community partners gathered for an evening that blended ceremony with camaraderie, reflection with forward thinking.
The atmosphere was charged with both gratitude and anticipation. Attendees came together to honour the achievements of the past year and to embrace the promise of what lies ahead. The night featured heartfelt speeches, well-deserved awards, and spirited toasts—all underscoring the enduring spirit of unity and progress that defines District 9815.
The highlight of the evening was the symbolic passing of the Governor’s chain—a powerful gesture marking not just the handover of leadership, but the ongoing journey of growth, service, and collaboration.
Throughout the evening, laughter mingled with moments of deep appreciation, as stories were shared that reflected the resilience and character of the district. A thoughtfully prepared dinner provided the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with old friends, celebrating outstanding service, and welcoming new energy into the district’s leadership.
A Year of Transformation – DG Colin Byron
Outgoing District Governor Colin Byron spoke about the profound transformation that has shaped District 9815 since its formation. He praised the many clubs that have found creative ways to bring Rotary into the spotlight, making it more visible, relevant, and impactful.
Colin highlighted the district’s strong commitment to the Zone 8 Regionalisation Pilot, which has introduced a forward-thinking Rotary model centred on growth, partnerships, and community relevance. This shift has not only strengthened Rotary’s public presence but also reinvigorated leadership across the district—clearly reflected in the strength of our Governor Train (G-Train): Peter Behm, Emma Clarke, and Murray Wilson.
As Colin reminded us, real change isn’t driven by individuals alone—it’s the result of collective vision and shared effort.
A Vision for the Future – DG Peter Behm
As he stepped into the role, District Governor Peter Behm brought a fresh perspective and a new set of tools to the table, grounded in his professional background in marketing and communications.
Where Colin and his team focused on uniting two strong Rotary districts—D9810 and D9820—into a cohesive whole, Peter now embraces the opportunity to promote and grow Rotary’s presence in a world where service organisations must stand out to survive. His mission is to help the broader community recognise what many Rotarians already know: that Rotary offers deep personal meaning, community impact, and lifelong connection.
The Takeaway
While every detail of the evening could fill pages, the heart of the story is this: Rotary District 9815 has made a successful transition, not just in leadership, but in energy, direction, and purpose.
With Past District Governor Colin having laid a strong foundation, and District Governor Peter now poised to amplify Rotary’s message and mission, the district is in excellent hands—and ready for a bold, connected, and inspiring year ahead.
View the photos of the night CLICK HERE by expert photographer PDG Ian Ballentine