The Rotary Club of Port Fairy awarded long-standing volunteer, Peter Gleeson, with a Paul Harris Fellowship at the Club's 2025 Changeover Dinner.
The awarding of a Paul Harris Fellowship to Peter in recognition of his long-standing service to the Club over many years.
Although Peter was never a full member of the Rotary Club, he is a prominent member of the "Friends of Rotary" and has provided great support to his wife, Rotarian Jill Gleeson, at many Rotary functions.
Peter has been a great back-up to Jill, providing untiring support by volunteering on numerous Club events. The Club relied on Peter over many years to transport - in his trusty ute - our gazebos, BBQs and other event equipment to our raffles, Open Gardens, catering and community events in Port Fairy. Despite his developing onset of Parkinson's Disease, Peter still remains active.
Peter's Paul Harris Fellowship award was bestowed on him at the Club's Changeover Dinner at the Victoria Hotel on 2nd July. Before receiving the award, MC John Ellard, gave a brief resume of Peter's history and activities in the region from being a farmer in Toolong, volunteering for the local fire brigade, his footballing career for Tower Hill and Port Fairy, and his many other sporting achievements.
A Paul Harris Fellowship is one of the highest awards handed out by Rotary and although it is mainly used to recognise the efforts of club members, it is sometimes awarded for outstanding service by other community members.
At the Changeover Dinner, Graeme Cox, was inducted as the incoming President for 2025/26 taking over the role from outgoing, joint presidents, Andrew Long and Jed Macartney. At the dinner, a Certificate of Appreciation was also given to Jeff McLean to mark his 9 years of service as Treasurer of the Club.
The dinner was attended by 36 persons including Moyne Shire Mayor, Cr. Karen Foster, Port Fairy Show Society President, Evaline Jackway, members of the Port Fairy Probus Club, representatives from the Bandari Project, friends from the Rotary Club of Warrnambool Daybreak, current and past members.
