Castlemaine Rotary Club hosted a dinner on 29 May to recognise a Rotarian and community member for their outstanding contributions. President Kerry Anderson and Foundation Director Robert Cordy welcomed sixty guests for the much-anticipated announcement of the 2024 Paul Harris Fellows.
Castlemaine Rotary Club hosted a dinner on 29 May to recognise a Rotarian and community member for their outstanding contributions. President Kerry Anderson and Foundation Director Robert Cordy welcomed sixty guests for the much-anticipated announcement of the 2024 Paul Harris Fellows, being Grant Thomas and Barb Templar.
‘This Rotarian has a big heart,’ said President Kerry Anderson when announcing the first recipient. ‘Grant Thomas has demonstrated outstanding service to his community. He has served as President on three occasions over two clubs — Hallam Valley (District 9820) and Castlemaine (District 9800), and is an honorary member of the Decatur Daybreak Club in Northern Alabama. Outside of Rotary he has volunteered as a Justice of the Peace for 14 years, Castlemaine Golf Club Committee Member for 15 years, and has been involved for 10 years in the Uncle Bob's Good Friday Appeal.’
Still recovering from the surprise, Grant Thomas was then called upon to pay tribute to Barb Templar, widely known in our community through her volunteer work for the RSL over three decades. She has also been actively involved in the RSL Women's Auxiliary, and the Legacy Laurel Club over its 24 years. For ten years she has been involved in the Loddon Prison Christmas Lunch. She was also recognised as the Mount Alexander Shire Senior Citizen of the Year in 2024. ‘Barb is Secretary, Welfare, Appeals, Membership Officer, Confidante and the “face” of Castlemaine RSL,’ Grant said. ‘She makes it happen.’
President Kerry, Barb Templar and Grant Thomas pictured at right.
In recognition of each Paul Harris Fellow, Castlemaine Rotary donates US$1,000 to the Rotary International Foundation to support humanitarian projects worldwide.
To conclude an enjoyable evening of fellowship, Bill Maltby was also recognised for 40 years of service to Rotary, and Gary McClure for his contributions to the Rotary Foundation in memory of his parents, Malcolm and Phyllis McClure.