"Pleased to Meet You, We've Meat to Please You!"
Posted by Michael Milston on Jan 27, 2017
I recently had the pleasure to visit a renewal dinner with Oberon Rotary and to recognise the contribution of two citizens for their Vocational Excellence and service to the community.
This was a Club initiative to showcase Rotary's promotion of this Avenue of Service. I particularly wanted to report on awardee Wayne Barker, a master Butcher (his motto is the title of this post!) of well over 30 years. Not only has Wayne taken on many apprentices, he has also provided support for schools, Rotary and many local fundraising events.The story told by visiting ex-Oberon High principal, Ken Barwick, left the dinner guests without a dry eye. Ken told the story of how Wayne, selflessly and thinking of his community, asked Ken, over many years, to give him the youth who are least likely to succeed at school, who are struggling, who are least likely to get a job or do further training. Wayne would give them work experience! And most of these students discovered the realities of work, the discipline needed and the effort required. Wayne's lessons were fair and 'slackers' were cut loose. Ken said there wouldn't be many young people who didn't benefit from Wayne's support and encouragement. Wayne turned around many young lives.
Well done Wayne, your service above self is inspirational! And congratulations Oberon Rotary for using January to recognise your inspirational community members.