Kwinana Rotarians awarded prestigious Paul Harris Fellow

One of Rotary’s most prestigious community awards, the Paul Harris Fellow, has been handed to three Kwinana residents for their lifetime commitment to serving their community.

Rotary Club of Kwinana members Tony Ball and Michael Metcalf, alongside Kwinana MLA Roger Cook, received the Paul Harris pins at a special ceremony recently.

Paul Harris Fellow recognition is both an award for exemplary work in community service or helping those in need, or a way of recognising a substantial donation to The Rotary Foundation.

Rotary Club of Kwinana president Mike Nella said the trio had gone above and beyond for the community and the organisation.

“Since being elected as the local Member of Parliament for Kwinana, MP Roger Cook has had a high profile within the community, and has actively supported community events and organisations,” Mr Nella said.

“A keen swimmer, he has participated in four of our five swim marathons held at the Kwinana Recquatic Centre, and was one of the official witnesses for our Guinness World Record attempt in 2012.

“For approximately 40 years Tony Ball has been a stalwart member of the Kwinana Swimming Club, training and encouraging both children and adults in swimming for recreational and competitive purposes. All of this has been done as a volunteer.”

Past Rotary district governor Linda McLerie delivered the commemorative certificate and lapel pin, which have been awarded to more than 40,000 people in Australia, and more than 1.3 million worldwide.

Rotary was founded by Paul Harris, a lawyer, and three business associates in Chicago on February 23, 1905.

Since 1957, Paul Harris Fellows have been recognised to express appreciation for contributions to the humanitarian and educational programs of the Rotary Foundation.