Recognition of Excellence

At this year’s District Changeover, we paused to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of individuals and clubs whose service exemplifies the heart of Rotary. Their efforts continue to inspire and shape a stronger, more connected community through innovation, dedication, and compassion.

Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions

For their leadership in Rotary’s emergency relief efforts:

  • PDG Ross Butterworth – Western Emergency Relief Network

  • Susie Cole – Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network

  • Colleen D’Offay – Donations in Kind

These individuals have led powerful, collaborative efforts that provide essential support to vulnerable communities.

 

Royce Abbey Awards

Champion of Change Award

  • Dorothy Gilmour – Rotary Club of Hawthorn
    For international leadership of the Rotary SAFE Families program, addressing domestic abuse and safeguarding vulnerable families.

Royce Abbey Awardees

  • Stephen Rando – RC Melbourne – Enthusiasm and leadership

  • Alex Lapina – RC Activate – Governor’s Aide and membership growth leadership

  • Heather Watson – RC Rochester – Community mobilisation and impact

  • Marjorie Gerlinger – RC Central Melbourne – Professionalism and commitment as District Secretary (surprise award)

   

 

District Recognition Awards

The following clubs received awards across seven key categories, aligned with Rotary’s Avenues of Service and Action Plan:

1. Club Service & Membership

Recognition for innovation in recruitment, retention, and club culture
(No specific club recipients listed)

2. Community Service

  • RC Brighton – Bayside Christmas Event

  • RC Caroline Springs – Peace Poles Installation

  • RC Central Melbourne – 2004 Silk Miller Scholarship

  • RC Chadstone East Malvern – Sleepout Rough for the Homeless

  • RC E-Club of Melbourne – E-Meals

  • RC Malvern – Pomonal Project

  • RC Rochester – Songs at the Silos

  • RC Werribee – Volunteer Reflexology Program

3. Environmental Sustainability

  • RC Brighton – Making Change for the Good

  • RC Wyndham Harbour – Photography Competition on Sustainability

4. International Service

  • RC Flemington Kensington – Stroke Units in Sri Lanka

  • RC Glenferrie – Water and Sanitation Project in Sierra Leone

  • RC Melbourne – PNG Snakebite Program

  • RC Melbourne Passport – WASH in Siem Reap, Cambodia

  • RC Werribee – Ibona Elementary WASH, Philippines

  • RC Wyndham – Hats for Phil Initiative

  • RC Wyndham Harbour – Education and Literacy in Nigeria

5. Vocational Service

  • RC Albert Park, RC Balwyn, RC Keilor East – Vocational Exchange Program

  • RC Brighton – Science and Engineering Challenge 2024

6. Youth Service

  • RC Brighton – Bayspeak 2024

  • RC Flemington Kensington – Youth Driver Awareness Program

7. Public Image

  • RC Altona City – Hobsons Bay Millennium Time Capsule

  • RC Flemington Kensington – Club Communications Excellence

These recognitions reflect not only the passion of individual Rotarians but also the collective spirit of clubs actively shaping a better world. The calibre of service represented here offers a model for what’s possible when we align Rotary’s values with purposeful action.