Rotary Castlemaine welcomed four new Paul Harris Fellows on Sunday 21 June at a luncheon attended by seventy people.
Foundation Director, John Clue reminded guests that the Paul Harris Fellow recognition is one of the highest honors bestowed by Rotary International. It acknowledges individuals who have contributed, or in whose name a contribution of US $1,000 or more has been made, to The Rotary Foundation that supports humanitarian causes at a global level.
Each year Rotary Castlemaine donates to The Rotary Foundation in recognition of nominated Club members including community leaders who have demonstrated exceptional attributes relating to community service.
2026 Paul Harris Fellow recipients
ABOVE: Rotary Castlemaine’s Foundation Director John Clue with Paul Harris Fellows; Terry Murphy, Brendan Blake, Tania Butterworth and Jane Anderson.
Terry Murphy has served Rotary Castlemaine as President, Secretary and Youth Director as well as overseeing the website. Most recently he has been a busy member of the Art Show Committee. In the new financial year, he is stepping into another challenging role as Treasurer. In addition to his active service as a Rotarian, he has been heavily involved with U3A in key roles since moving to Castlemaine.
Jane Anderson has held the busy portfolio of Community Services over the past three years, forging strong relationships with community groups and welfare providers. Prior to that she was Director of Membership. She is also an active volunteer for Legacy Castlemaine. Prior to retirement Jane was Executive Officer of the Otis Foundation as well as Director of Bendigo Health’s Foundation. As a parent of four boys who grew up in this community, she has coached and supported many junior sporting teams.
Brendan Blake was recognised for his generous community contributions as a business owner over the past twenty-seven years. During this time he has sponsored and supported countless sporting and community groups and events. He has also raised thousands of dollars for the Royal Children’s Hospital appeal. The list read out by his nominator was an extensive one. In particular, he was thanked for his generous provision of food and items that were distributed by Rotary and other organisations as part of the fire relief in January.
Tania Butterworth coordinated the Donation and Distribution Centre for the Harcourt Progress Association following the January fires and was recognised for her compassion and leadership to assist those impacted. She was also recognised for her prior volunteering during the Charlton floods and support to the Mount Alexander Animal Welfare Shelter.
President Trevor Bray congratulated and thanked each of the recipients for their service to community.
A list of past recipients can be found at https://rotarycastlemaine.org.au/sitepage/honour-roll