WITH high-profile speakers and increased member confidence with the technology, participation in Gawler Rotary’s weekly Zoom meetings has remained high and the club has been able to continue to provide service to the Gawler and district community.

At last Monday’s meeting, Paul Harris Fellow Awards were presented to hard-working long-term members Lance Hatcher and Mark Forgie.

Lance was inducted into the club in July 1962, and has achieved the remarkable feat of maintaining 100 per cent attendance since then.

Mark was inducted in June 1989.  In his quiet and effective way, he has given the club outstanding support and service.

During the course of the meeting, it was announced that Gawler Rotary had won the District Bulletin Award, which is presented to the club judged to have the best weekly bulletin.

The Guest Speaker was Current District 9500 district governor Jane Owens.

Jane was born in Scotland and moved to Whyalla in 1991, with her husband and two sons.

With a background in nursing, Jane worked the domiciliary and aged-care sectors and soon became a Rotary stalwart in Whyalla.

Jane outlined the highlights, challenges, trials and tribulations she has experienced during the past 11 months.

Although the most disappointing aspect was not being able to hold the much anticipated District Conference in Whyalla last month, Jane and her dedicated committee triumphed when the conference went ahead with a series of online sessions, proving the resilience and tenacity of Rotary in South Australia.

In thanking Jane, chairman Brian Burt congratulated her on an outstanding job under difficult circumstances.