The Club Presents its Second Sapphire Pin

At our Annual Club Changeover on 03 July 2006, the Rotary Club of Canberra South Inc. presented its second Paul Harris Sapphire Pin.

The pin was presented to Past President Ross Ellis.

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

Just as we like it, Ross was taken completely by surprise!

This is the text of the citation:

Paul Harris Fellowship (Sapphire Pin) – Past President Ross Ellis

Ross has been a member of the Rotary Club of Canberra South for over 15 years. His membership of and involvement with Rotary have been constant during a period of several changes in his profession and life. For this Rotary is the richer. Ross has supported his Club by serving on the Board in most capacities, including as President in 1993-94 and 2000-01. Ross is always there at Club activities and projects, giving generously of his time, enthusiasm, experience and moral support. He is one of the stalwarts - particularly at any activity which involves early mornings.

District 9710 has also been the recipient of Ross’s skills and his commitment to Rotary, with several District Governors utlising his dedication and expertise in a variety of roles over many years. Indeed he was named the Key Rotarian by DG Anne Loutitt in 2003-04.

It is his role as co-ordinator for RYPEN for the past two years we particularly want to highlight. Attracting and supervising up to 60 15-17 year olds for a weekend must be one of the District’s most challenging responsibilities. To consistently provide them with a stimulating, engaging and rewarding programme is a real achievement.  To do so 4 times over 2 years is an amazing effort!  It is just one demonstration of Ross’s commitment to the development of Australian youth and the positive influence that Rotary can have on people.

Rotary is not the only beneficiary of Ross’s innate commitment to supporting others. He has served as a community representative on the Board of Crimestoppers ACT for over 10 years. Through his wish to support a colleague and mate Ross introduced the Club to the work of Hartley Lifecare and our involvement in the annual family Christmas Party at Hartley House is one of our most enjoyable and rewarding Community Service events. Of course Ross provides ongoing personal support to Hartley Lifecare at the monthly Hall Markets. His commitment to and pleasure in ongoing engagement with his service colleagues, their projects and their welfare is another demonstration of his living by the Rotary motto of ‘Service Above Self’.

It is with great pleasure and pride that the members of the Rotary Club of Canberra South award the addition of a Sapphire Pin to his Paul Harris Fellowship to our valued member, a great role model, contributor and friend, Ross Ellis.

03 July 2006