Highest Rotary International award given to Manjimup locals

Two Manjimup residents have been recognised with the highest Rotary International honour last week at the organisation’s combined Bridgetown and Manjimup dinner.

Neil Halden and Alex Alban were recognised with the Paul Harris Fellow award in honour of their significant service to their community and to the Manjimup Rotary, which is now in its 70th year.

The honour has been awarded since 1957 in remembrance of Rotary International founder Paul Harris.

Rotary southern districts governor Ric McDonald presented the two deserving recipients with a certificate and medallion.

Mr McDonald said it was significant for two Manjimup Rotarians to have been recognised with the honour as it acknowledged the individuals’ commitment to the Manjimup community.

“The Paul Harris Fellowship is presented to people who have excelled in their club and in their community,” he said.

“It’s a really big deal,” he said. “It’s a great badge to have and is recognised as a very important part of Rotary.

“If someone has achieved the Paul Harris Fellowship that means they’ve done a great lot of work for their community.”

The last Paul Harris Fellow award was presented to locals Doug Moyle, Irene Bowden, and Phil Gravett in 2016. Twenty-five Manjimup Rotarians have now been recognised with the honour since 1984.

Manjimup Rotary is also set to release its 2023 community calendar in the coming months, while Bridgetown Rotary will host their annual Blackwood Marathon on October 29.