VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS NIGHT
Peter Hovey hosted the awards ceremony which commenced with each Rotary sponsor to tell us why their nominated awardee deserved to be recognised, followed by each employer saying why the awardee was so valuable for the employer’s business success.
President David Wallis presented each awardee with an engraved plaque and a framed certificate recognising their achievement. Peter invited awardees to speak, and all did so with aplomb and a good sprinkling of humour.
Eve McCorkell nominated Cameron Brown from DV SafePhone, a charity with which our Rotary club has been associated for some years.
Cameron Brown, the Phone Whisperer and the night’s youngest awardee, happily commutes from Cooroy to DV SafePhone’s HQ at Mooloolaba daily and received a glowing testimonial from employer Ashton Wood for his expertise and work ethic.
Tony Long nominated Kerry Kite from Coast & Hinterland Glass and Aluminium.
Riley White, the firm’s Operations Manager, described Kerry as “the glue who holds the business together,” an excellent endorsement.
Avi Singh nominated Renal Dialysis nurse, Dee Lawrance, from Caloundra Hospital.
A lifesaver for many years, Dee’s quiet professionalism and empathy in a difficult but essential field led to her well-deserved nomination and award.
Ross Harrison nominated Janelle Sorbello from Chill Cafe 89. Boss David Deambrogio praised all his employees, many of whom attended the awards, while describing Janelle as the “backbone” of his popular Golden Beach cafe.
After a final round of applause from all of the members and guests, Peter Asher conducted a brief but productive Sergeant’s Session. The national debt is now slightly smaller!
Graeme Bowden and Les Pontin conducted the raffle, with most (all?) of the prizes going to our guests, a fitting end to the formalities of another significant Rotary event.
Membership Director Will Waterford voiced a plea for our visitors to consider Rotary membership before Sergeant Peter Asher concluded the meeting with an invitation to awardees and supporters for photos, followed by drinks and socialising in the bar area for those who wanted to do so.
