In practising ‘service above self’ in their daily lives, many Burdekin residents complete selfless community work every day without seeking any recognition or feedback.
Thanks to Rotary Club of Ayr, two of these people have recently been recognised with a Paul Harris Fellowship, with small ceremonies last week acknowledging the work of Gerald Henaway and Gillian Stanbrook.
“We realised we needed to recognise special people, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, exemplifying service above self and going the extra distance,” said Rotary Club of Ayr President Amanda Norton.
“We only give a couple away each year, and it’s always to different people, because we know there are a lot of people out in the community who do great work, show that service above self, and they keep on doing it.
“They’re often quiet achievers, they’re very humble people, they just get on and do it.”
Mr Henaway, a local Juru man, has always lived in the Burdekin where he met his wife Olive and had two children and many grandchildren.
His work in the community is focused on giving young people the very best chance at life, most notably through his work as a Police Liaison Officer and the Burdekin Area Youth Watch (BAY-Watch), a program which aims to mentor and guide First Nations youth through childhood and adolescence.
A role model to all young people, Mr Henaway works tirelessly to support First Nations young people through youth and school holiday programs, providing transportation to Sunday School and local sport, as well as driving local youth to Townsville to watch the Cowboys play.
He was named as the 2023 Burdekin Shire Council Citizen of the Year and was recognised with the Paul Harris Fellowship last Thursday, May 30.
After a long career in nursing and midwifery, Ms Stanbrook’s caring personality continued as she served for many years on the Cancer Council and assisted with initiatives including the Terry Fox Fun Run (now known as Relay for Life), Biggest Morning Tea, Daffodil Day and Nurse of the Year.
She leads cohorts of nurses in the Anzac Day Dawn Service each year and collaborates with many other passionate locals, including Shirley Gilmore, in local fundraising events and initiatives benefiting cancer victims and survivors.
She is often found volunteering at the hospital or with Meals on Wheels and is always willing to assist people in need, being surprised with the Paul Harris Fellowship at a morning tea on Friday, May 31.
L-R Rotary Club of Ayr President Amanda Norton, Senior Member Frank Nucifora and Paul Harris Fellowship recipient Gerald Henaway
L-R Rotary Club of Ayr Secretary Bruce Edwards, Committee Member John Oar, Paul Harris Fellowship recipient Gillian Stanbrook and President Amanda Norton
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