The Club Names a new Paul Harris Fellow - Past President Graeme Kinraid

At our Annual Club Changeover on 03 July 2006, the Rotary Club of Canberra South Inc. named its newest Paul Harris Fellow - Past President Graeme Kinraid.

The citation was read by our newly installed President John Laslett. The Award and Pin were presented by 2005-06 District Governor Noel Trevaskis.

Graeme was taken completely by surprise!

This is the text of the citation:

Paul Harris Fellow – Past President Graeme Kinraid

Graeme Kinraid joined Rotary in 2000 – being a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Mana Sundown in New Zealand. His move to Canberra to pursue career opportunities foiled his opportunity to be Club President. On his arrival in Canberra he visited several clubs before joining us at Canberra South.

From his earliest involvement with our Club Graeme has given remarkable ‘Service Above Self’ and has donated valuable time, effort and ideas above and beyond the commitments expected of a Rotarian. He and his family are enthusiastic and reliable contributors to Club projects, particularly helping to keep us inspired on those cold Easter mornings at the Folk Festival.

Graeme accepted Board membership almost immediately and has served continuously since then, taking on the vital but often hard to fill roles of Secretary and Treasurer. He has brought renewed commitment to the sensible application of due process and efficacy to all Board activities. He was President during the Rotary Centennial year, 2004-05, and his leadership ensured our Club was actively involved in and supported the celebrations. He continues to take a lead role in this Club’s active support for and contribution to key Rotary activities with other clubs or at District level.

Graeme Kinraid also demonstrates and promotes the ideals of Rotary in his vocation. He leads a unit within a specialised technical field – working in often traumatic situations under the added pressures of close scrutiny and tight deadlines. He is committed to supporting professional and personal development opportunities for his colleagues, including encouraging and supporting their applications for relevant Rotary programmes and awards. Graeme has also accepted executive roles on national professional bodies, contributing to the ongoing developments within his field and the introduction of certified quality standards. These roles require levels of voluntary commitment on par with his active involvement in Rotary. He still finds time to support and participate in his family’s active involvement in sporting and other community activities. This member lives by the edict and spirit of Rotary. He is a fine example of Service Above Self and Leads the Way in so many situations.

It is with great pleasure and pride that the members of the Rotary Club of Canberra South award a Paul Harris Fellowship to our valued member, a great role model, contributor and friend, Graeme Kinraid.

03 July 2006