Australia Day Merit Award 2016

 
RAY DEARLOVE, RHINO MAN
  • News reprinted from 'The Monthly Chronicle' February 11, 2016
     
    Ray Dearlove and Ian Chappel at the Rotary Club of Pennant Hills presentation dinner, Pennant Hills Golf Club Photo: Anthony Brewster
    By Anthony Brewster
    The Rotary Club of Pennant Hills recently held its Australia Day Meeting at Pennant Hills Golf Club. Highlight of the program was the presentation of their Australia Day Merit Award to Ray Dearlove.
    Dearlove, who also gave a presentation on the night, was awarded for his work as both founder and patron of the Australian Rhino Project. Ian Chappel, club president, highlighted not only the project’s day to day work but also the importance of educating the community on wildlife preservation.
    “This is a very well deserved award for the work you are doing and the education you are providing to many people about this important issue,” he said.
    The Australian Rhino Project primary objective is to establish a breeding herd of rhinoceros in Australia. The indigenous herds in Africa are currently under threat predominantly from poaching and the Australian herd is designed to act as an insurance population in the event of extinction.
    The project’s plan is to import 80 rhinos into Australia over the next three to four years. The project has been operational and preparing for the past three years.
    The Rotary Club of Pennant Hills Australia Day Awards, from 1986 onwards, are on display at the Pennant Hills Library.