These awards were introduced in February 1980, coinciding with the seventy-fifth anniversary of Rotary International. They have been made each year since to a selection of local business employees, chosen by their employers for their outstanding contribution to the business through 'a job well done'. The awards are greatly appreciated, partly because they go to people whose achievements are generally unrecognized.

 

Each year District 9680 recognizes two or three people, whose contribution to society through their vocational excellence is outstanding. Winners receive a special medal and citation, presented at the district conference. St Ives has twice nominated successful candidates for this coveted award - Mark Killingback (1985), a surgeon based in Hornsby and specializing in diseases of the colon and rectum, and Alan Coates (1988), former chief executive of the AMP Society.

 

The first careers night was held in 1968 at St Ives High School. Since then there have been several activities aimed at improving the job prospects for school leavers, including work experience and job winning skills. A job winning skills seminar was developed in 1987 and held each year until 1993 at Masada College. Fifty or so year ten students were given pointers on how to complete job applications and develop interview techniques, followed by a mock interview with a Rotarian. This seminar is being upgraded to improve its effectiveness and appeal.

 

Although not a Rotary programme, Rotarians have lent their business skills to the Young Achievement Australia programme, through which a group of high school students develop, manufacture and market a product and manage it as a business for six months. Five groups have been supervised, ranging from a group selling 'baskets of theme goodies' in 1987 to the latest in 1994, which sold bath blends. Apart from the benefit to the youngsters participating - they learn about business skills and about working as a team - Rotarians also learn a lot about the problems teachers face!

 

Amongst the other programmes tackled over the years were a public speaking competition (1972), a retirement planning seminar (1984-85) and a remedial reading programme (1993-94). Vocational matters are also promoted by frequent job talks given by members at club meetings.