The Rotary Club of Benalla has announced its latest Paul Harris Fellow recipient, Ann Kimberley, in recognition of her years of service to the club, and wider community.
A club spokesperson said since joining in 2013 Ann had been an enthusiastic contributor to the club in many areas.
“She was the bulletin editor, which required her to take copious notes at Thursday meetings and other functions to produce a high-quality and interesting edition by the following Sunday,” the spokesperson said.
“When there is a need for volunteers to carry out events that the club is involved in, be they community service or fundraising, she is always one of the first to volunteer.
“Ann has held several board positions since joining the club (including) club administration director and youth director.
“She is currently the club secretary and president-elect for 2022/23.”
As part of her involvement with youth activities, Ms Kimberley, accompanied by Margot Sherwill, chaperoned the Rotary youth exchange outback safari.
“This involved 21 overseas students and an 11,000km trip through outback Australia with mostly 4.30am starts during the three-week safari,” the spokesperson said.
“Combining a love of travel with a commitment to Rotary, Ann and husband Bruce joined the Rotary friendship exchange group.
“She served two years as secretary and is currently the district chair.
“She is actively endeavouring to restart the program post COVID, with the hope of it recommencing later this year.”
Ms Kimberley is also an active member of the wider community and has served on several boards including Wangaratta Centre for continuing Education for two years.
“She has been member of the Benalla Hospital Community Advisory Committee for more than four years,” the spokesperson said
“This committee provides valuable community input to the hospital board.
“Ann was on the Swanpool Cinema Committee and has been regular volunteer for four years.
“She was also on the Moorngag Hall Committee for five years and has been a Red Cross Emergency volunteer for the past six years.”
Ms Kimberley is a also a reading buddy for the Tomorrow Today reading buddy program, which provides valuable help to improve young students literacy skills.
“Along with husband Bruce she has also supported a student at the Awake and Shine School in northern India for many years,” the spokesperson said.
“The school is an international project of Benalla Rotary.”