On Monday 5 August it was with great pleasure that President Ruth, together with PP Blair awarded fellow Rotarian Richard, a PHF for his outstanding contribution to Rotary.
Richard was International Service Director from 2018 to 2021 and served as President in the 2020- 21 Rotary year.
Highlights of his term as International Director which spanned the difficult years of Covid lockdowns included arranging wheelchair ‘Wheelathons’ at Tumbi Umbi Secondary College and Hebersham Primary School to fund 36 Wheelchair for Kids, ongoing support for the Club’s Hand Surgery project in Vietnam, initial planning for a teacher learning centre in Timor Leste and supporting both Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) in Timor-Leste.
The Covid pandemic hit during Richard’s year as President and his calm leadership ensured the Club adapted to a new world of Zoom and occasional face to face meetings. Despite the challenges of limited fund-raising opportunities, the Club still had an outstanding year of service. Highlights included ‘Books in Homes’ project at Plunkett Street school, development of the Mosman jigsaw puzzle, introduction of ‘Living for Climate Awards’, implementation of the Mosman Jigsaw project, bush fire recovery projects and continuing support of RYPEN in Timor-Leste.
Following his term as President, Richard has served as the clubs’ Rotary Foundation Chairman and in the role has been a key member of the committee assisting the alumni of RYLA Timor Leste to build and establish a preschool in the village of Hera. Due to open later this year, the preschool will be one of the largest and most successful projects in the history of our club.