Paul Harris Fellow - Past President Michael Pedler

This is the text of the citation:

Citation

ROTARIAN MICHAEL PEDLER on the occasion of the presentation to him of a PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIP by his Club in recognition of his long outstanding service to Rotary.

Michael's association with Rotary goes back to 1976 when he was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Blackwood (in South Australia) to attend a RYLA seminar. He was subsequently invited to join the Blackwood Rotaract Club and became its Charter Treasurer in March 1977. Michael served a distinguished 10 years with Rotaract, holding Club directorships including Club Service, Vice President and 1981/82 Presidency of his club. He also became heavily involved in Rotaract at District level holding the positions of District Treasurer and Zone Representative.

In 1982 Michael attended the first world Rotaract Conference - INTEROTA - in Johannesburg, South Africa. He followed this historical visit by attending the second INTEROTA Conference in Melbourne in January 1984.

On moving to Canberra, Michael was invited to join the Rotary Club of Canberra South and became a member in June 1986. He served his first two years as Rotaract Liaison Officer and was instrumental in establishing the strong and valued bond between the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs. He attended most Rotaract meetings as well as his Rotary Club and also various District Rotaract functions.

Michael has been an integral and most important part of Canberra South over his long membership and has continuously played an essential role in an inconspicuous manner. His extensive knowledge of the Rotary movement and it complex international rules and procedures are an invaluable resource.

He has achieved 100% attendance at Club meetings over at least 6 years an enviable record! His professional qualifications have been an asset in his involvement in the Club's incorporation and as Auditor for both Rotary and Rotaract Clubs.

Michael's record of service to Rotary at Club, District and Rotaract levels is a distinguished one. He has held the positions of Youth Service Director, Treasurer, Secretary and Vice President. In 1989/90 Michael was President of Canberra South.

Michael has served as Club Counsellor for three Rotary Foundation Scholars, providing advice, guidance and friendship during their stay. This service continues and he will be counsellor to another Scholar this year.

At District level Michael has served on the RYLA committee, as Chairman of the District Rotaract Committee and on the Foundation Scholar Committee.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Rotary International President Cliff Dochterman (1992) awarded Michael a R.I. Presidential Citation for services to Rotaract.

The Rotary Club of Canberra South salutes Michael Pedler.

Signed

Charles Hill President

Frank Farrell Secretary

19 February 1996