Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton names mechanic Rhett Forsyth 51st winner of its annual apprentice of the year

Geraldton heavy duty road transport mechanic Rhett Forsyth has been named the 51st winner of the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton’s Apprentice of the Year. Mr Forsyth won the 2024 title on Sunday night at the Geraldton Golf Club ahead of seven other finalists in the annual award, which was first won by plumber Ron O’Malley in 1964. “When my name was read out my face went white and I was just trying to hold it together,” said Mr Forsyth, who works for Road Runner Mechanical Services. Mr Forsyth said he celebrated the end of his four-year apprenticeship “with a big party two weeks ago”. “It was big achievement. Things at work won’t change. It’s just a case of having the paperwork at the end of my name,” he said. On what he likes most about his job, Mr Forsyth said: “It’s not just about being a mechanic — you’re a plumber and a sparkie; you’re a jack of all trades, so it’s like a broad array of different skills, which is a good thing. “It’s a long haul, but in the long run, it’s well worth it.” Mr Forsyth recommended other apprentices put their hand up for the Rotary award. “It’s an honour and at the end of the day I get my name on that board. It will be there for its history. I also get more money to go toward tools,” he said. Other finalists included Mr Forsyth’s workmate Josh Ahearn, hairdresser Emma Fawcett (Shampers @ Three), electrician Jarrod Tonkin-Sloan (Midwest Ports Authority), painter and decorator Jaxen Meharry (City in Colour), data and voice communicator Isaac Larsen (ATC Work Smart Mitchell & Brown Communications), electrician Hamish Black (ATC Work Smart Iluka Resources — Geraldton) and jeweller Xavier Barker (Leon Baker Jewellers). Award co-ordinator and Rotarian Robert Mosel said the judges were impressed with the “competitive and very high calibre of applications”. Mr Mosel said he welcomed inquiries from applicants for the 2025 award, which were normally sought from October to May each year. The awards night also included the annual changeover which sees the club president and new committee installed. President Hugh Lavery, who stood for a second term, championed the club’s fundraising efforts, which has seen tens of thousands of dollars donated to worthy causes in the past year. He praised the work of all members, calling for more people to step up to the plate and join the worldwide organisation helping people at the grassroots. Bob Urquhart and Mr Mosel were named Rotarians of the year, while the incoming committee and officers included Mr Lavery, Jim Dillon, Robert Hall, Grant Woodhams, Mr Mosel, Barry Dring, Kevin Green, Mr Urquhart, Di Gilleland, Peter Sukiennik, Peter Moore, Kelly Young and Ian Taylor.