These Awards are a Vocational Service initiative OF THE Rotary Districts. Currently NSW, ACT and Victoria participate but are looking that next year Tasmania and Queensland will participate. In keeping with Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” , the Awards acknowledge and celebrate selfless Community Service of Emergency Services personnel while supporting an important Rotary initiative: Australian Rotary Health PhD Research Scholarship into mental health in Emergency Service Personnel. Whole in dividual services have specific internal Awards, The emergency Services Community Awards, is the only platform in which emergency Services personnel are recognised by their community. The Awards are open to all Emergency services personnel, both paid and volunteer capacity. | |||
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In Canberra yesterday the winners of each state and territory came together for the announcement of the National Winners. The winners were: | |||
Gary Luxford – Fire Rescue Victoria. Gary is recognised as an esteemed volunteer with 56 years of service at the Tooradin Country Fire Authority (CFA). | |||
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Beginning his journey at 18 years he has held pivotal roles including Captain of the Warneet Fire Brigade for a decade and Group Captain of the Cranbourne Fire Brigade for another 10 yeas His commitment extended to rebuilding communities post disaster, notably after the Bunyip/Garfield fires, where he assisted with debris clearance and reconstruction efforts. Beyond firefighting, Gary’s impact spans diverse community roles – he is a Justice of the Peace, overseeing the Cranbourne Signing Centre, and has been a devoted Rotarian for 26 years serving as Club President twice. His initiatives include innovative fund raising projects like a scrap metal program benefiting local causes. | |||
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A group of Rotarians and community members from Wagga Wagga are making a difference to people's lives in Cambodia. In Phnom Penh members of the group are sponsoring students to enable them to get an education, in Siem Reap the group are helping to construct a house for a struggling family. The group have recently returned from Cambodia.
Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd. (RAWCS) was formed to enable Australian Rotarians, Rotary Districts and Rotary Clubs to assist communities and individuals through humanitarian aid projects. In our Community Group we have three RAWCS projects currently operating. One of these is the Eyes for Africa project established by the Rotary Club of Milton-Ulladulla.
