The Paul Harris Fellow is named for Paul Harris, who founded Rotary with three business associates in Chicago in 1905.
The Paul Harris Fellow was established in his honour on 1957, to express appreciation for a contribution of US$1000, to the humanitarian and educational programs of the Rotary Foundation.
These programs include an array of projects that save and invigorate the lives of people around the world and enhance international friendship and understanding.
The Foundation programs provide educational opportunities, food, potable water, healthcare, immunizations and shelter for millions of persons These activities are funded, implemented and managed by Rotarians and Rotary clubs around the globe.
Rotarians also designate a Paul Harris Fellow to recognise another person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objective and mission of the Rotary Foundation to build world peace and understanding.
In honouring Joan Hartley, we are also honouring the Home and Community Care (HACC)program and its role in the Council and Maryborough District Health Service.
The specific recipient is also recognised for her work within the wider community generally.
Joan arrived in Maryborough with her family form Wangaratta in 1962. She has four girls, Jenny, Wendy, Lynette and Susan.
Joan soon became involved in the Community activities. Her initial involvement was with netball, where Joan has served for more than 50 years. She has coached Methodist, Exies and founded the United clubs and spent many years umpiring too.
Joan has been president of the Association and is a life member. She also managed the complex canteen for 30 years, providing healthy food and much needed funds for the Association.
Joan is also Treasurer for the North Central Netball region.
Joan served as treasurer of Cal Gully kindergarten and is just on of two Life members.
Tome passed and Joan became an employee of the local council and is still employed at age 78 with Meals on Wheels, because she enjoys it.
Joan also worked diligently for Guiding in Maryborough and is currently the Treasurer of the Girrahween Trefoil Guild
Joan has been supporting her beloved Bombers for many years as fundraiser and president of the Bendigo Bombers, which is part of the Essendon Football Club.
Joan is not afraid to get her hands dirty and has worked hard for many organizations, thus exemplifying her Community spirit. She is well respected iin her lcal community.
It should be stated that a Paul Harris recognition is NOT an award, but an acknowledgement of the payment of $US 1000 for each recipient.
A world of peace and goodwill comes closer to reality today as Joan becomes a Paul Harris Fellow. It has because of gifts like the one made in her honour, that The Rotary Foundation can carry out an array of programs that achieve beneficial changes in our world; improved living conditions, increased food production, better education, wider availability of treatment and rehabilitation for the sick and disabled, new channels for the flow of international understanding and bright hopes for peace.
A contribution to the Rotary Foundation is an investment in an ideal held high by Rotarians the world over and one that Joan clearly shares. Working with such individuals of goodwill, we believe the ideals can and will become closer.
Joan, it gives Rotary great pleasure to present you with the emblems of appreciation given to a Paul Harris Fellow – a certificate and pin.
Our congratulations and sincere thanks for your commitment to our common goals of world understanding and peace.
