The Rotary Club of Gunnedah has recognised two of its members for their ongoing contributions.
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President Wendy Marsh and Geoff Swain were awarded Paul Harris Fellows at the club’s recent change-over dinner.
The fellow award is given by The Paul Harris Society to members and friends of the The Rotary Foundation who contribute $1000 or more to the annual fund, PolioPlus Fund or approved foundation grants.
Mrs Marsh said she knew someone was going to receive one because it was on the program but she wasn’t expecting it to be her.
“It was a huge shock,” she said.
“I was humbled and surprised.”
When she received the award, Mrs Marsh found out her husband, Alan, had made a financial contribution.
Mrs Marsh said she first attended a meeting in 2012 with Alan, who was a guest speaker.
“I was very much welcomed. It was just a nice vibe in the room,” she said.
Not long after, Mr Marsh was asked if he would like to join the club but he declined, so Mrs Marsh asked if she could join.
“I joined because of the quality of the people in the room on that first night Alan was there, and the history in the room,” Mrs Marsh said.
She held the role of secretary for three years and is now in her second year as president.
“I love it,” she said.
“I’m very privileged to sit at the top table every week.”
Mrs Marsh said her favourite thing was being able to get out in the community and help.
Geoff Swain was also taken by surprise with a Paul Harris Fellow.
"I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“My wife had even organised a lot of my family to be there.
“I was very chuffed.”
Mr Swain said he joined in 2001 for a number of reasons.
“I joined for social [reasons] but more, I thought I could help make a difference; I could give back a bit to the community,” he said.
Among his Rotary experiences was a trip to India with his wife to give polio vaccines. He has also been involved in many Rotary projects, such as the beautification of the banks of the Namoi River through the Gunnedah Riverine Improvement Project made possible by Shenhua Watermark Community Fund.
“They’re really worthwhile projects,” he said.
Other notable projects include a donation of $30,000 to Mackellar Care Services to help cover the cost of wheelchair-friendly buses.
Mr Swain said he valued the “friendship” of fellow members and said he will continue to do his bit while ever he’s “capable of giving something back to Rotary”.
