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As I write my final and 52nd Gab as President – and admit to being quite happy to hand this weekly task over to the incoming President - I find myself reflecting less on what we have done this year and more on why we do it.
This Thursday's meeting was a fitting one on which to finish. Our annual Community Awards are one of the highlights of the club calendar because they remind us that service comes in many forms and is often carried out behind the scenes, without expectation of recognition.
We were delighted to present our Pride of Workmanship Award to Eugenie Corbett, Director of Nursing at Toowoomba Hospice. Through more than 16 years of dedicated service, Eugenie has helped provide compassionate care and support to patients and their families at some of life's most difficult moments.
The Ron Martin Award was presented to George Cossart, recognising a lifetime of service through Lions, volunteer firefighting, junior development programs and community sport. Fifty-two years of community involvement is an extraordinary contribution and one that deserves our admiration.
Our Pat Broderick Award was presented to Charleigh King, a Flexi School student who is pursuing a school-based apprenticeship in tiling. Charleigh has demonstrated determination, resilience and a strong work ethic as she builds her future through vocational education and training.
Listening to the stories of Eugenie and George, I was reminded that strong communities are built by people who simply get on with the job of helping others. I believe Rotarians do much the same.
As my year as President draws to a close at the end of the week, I would like to thank every member who has contributed to our club during the past twelve months. Whether you have been on the Board, ran important fund-raisers, volunteered at events or working bees, cooked sausages or simply attended meetings, you have helped make this a good year.
I will leave the fuller reflections for Changeover, but for now I want to say thank you. It has been a privilege to serve as your President and to be part of a club that continues to make a positive difference in our community while enjoying each other's company along the way.
