Partners Program
October 15

The club visits are now finished and what a wonderful time Gary and I have experienced. We thank every club for the welcome and warmth you have shown us. We have seen many successful projects taken on by Rotary and know that the communities are benefiting by having Rotary in their community.

Most of you will have heard my passionate plea for the women in Africa and around the world who suffer and die while trying to create life. Your support of this program in this area of focus has been very encouraging and together we can make a difference to these families. We are all so lucky to enjoy our families and nurture our children and watch them grow into wonderful contributing adults and then watch them become parents and see them nurture their own families. Let’s help Rotary Foundation give this opportunity to others around the world.

Gary and I have had the pleasure of bestowing the following PHF awards.

Elizabeth and Bob Russ awarded by Blayney Rotary Club

Bob Russ a member of Blayney Rotary Club, is well respected for his endeavours and commitment to Rotary over many years and his wife Elizabeth has been a wonderful support to Bob and to Blayney Rotary Club. Her work behind the scenes is exemplary and the award was well deserved. These two awardees are truly “quiet achievers”. Russ received a sapphire pin and Elizabeth a PHF.

Jan Copeland awarded by Bathurst East Rotary Club

Jan Copeland is the widow of PDG Ray Copeland who served Rotary District 9700 in 1993-94. I was particularly thrilled to award Jan her PHF pin as Jan was secretary for her husband in his DG year and Jan was recognised for her service to Rotary at that time as well as the many years that have followed. A beautiful lady who understands the value of Rotary in the community.

Helen Pitt awarded by Forbes Rotary Club

Unfortunately. I don’t have a photo of Helen receiving her award. Helen Pitt is a member of Forbes Ipomea Rotary Club and has contributed greatly to her community. Helen works for the Education Department and is passionate about Education in rural and remote areas. Another quiet

achiever who was overwhelmed with her PHF.

Dr Vaughan awarded by Rotary Club of Orange Calare

Dr Vaughan is a Gynaecologist and Obstetrician for the Central West Region. He commenced practice in Orange 1991 with Dr Knox travelling the region to towns such as Young, Cowra, Boorowa, Mudgee, Lithgow, Bathurst, Wellington, Dubbo, Forbes, Parkes and many more. Dr Vaughan has worked an estimated average of over 14 hrs a day, has been treasurer of the Orange Medical Association for 23 years, Chaired the Dudley Private Hospital Management Committee, attempted to set up a Karitane Cottage service in Orange, is currently head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Orange Health Services. His award as a PHF fits so well with one of the primary areas of Rotary being Maternal and Child Health and my partners program for 2016-17. Well-deserved R Vaughan

Carolyn Rice OAM awarded by Rotary Club of Parkes

Exert from Parkes Newspaper

Carolyn is not a Rotarian but this award can be presented by Rotary to any citizen considered to be of outstanding merit. Carolyn’s achievements are manifold; Quota District Governor1998-2000, Quota International President 2005 -06,Community Human Rights Award 2005, Order of Australia Medal 2005, Member Rural Health Council 15 years, Rural Women’s Association – State Level and many other activities.

To say that she was shocked is an understatement, and she was still shaking her head when the District Governor and Marilyn jointly presented the award. Nevertheless, she composed herself in time to thank Rotary and to explain that she does what she does because she loves it.

A Paul Harris Fellowship is given by Rotary Clubs and for each one, the club gives $1000US to the Rotary Foundation to continue its great humanitarian work around the world.

Gayle Murphy awarded by Rotary Club of Narrandera

Gayle Murphy became a Paul Harris Fellow for her major contribution in the area of health.
Lorraine Gawne who just celebrated her 80th birthday was awarded a community service award.

Thank you to all the clubs who have presented cheques to me and to those clubs who have promised to support my partners program. I will be following up with you during the year and will be report my progress through this newsletter. I have been notified of a number of awards in the coming months. All the above stories were reported in the local press which is great PR of Rotary.

Best wishes and keep up the good work for Rotary.

Marilyn Roberts