Noel’s enthusiasm and dedication as a Rotarian was celebrated at a special presentation dinner held by the Yarrawonga Mulwala Rotary Club last Monday evening at Burkes Hotel.
A three-time recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award Noel paid tribute to the many Rotarians past and present for their camaraderie, friendship, and fellowship. Noel also paid tribute to his wife Pat, family and mentor Don Forbes.
“If I had a wish that wish would be that Don Forbes who sponsored me into Rotary could be here to share the joy of my 50 years in Rotary celebrations,” Noel said.
In his speech Noel made particular mention to the great joy of being asked to cut the 75th Anniversary cake in February 2022 which marked a significant milestone in the Rotary club’s history.
“The year marked a significant milestone for the Rotary Club of Yarrawonga-Mulwala when it celebrated 75 years in the twin towns, during which this vibrant club has established a record of incredible community service of which it can feel proud,” Noel said.
“A time to remember the achievements of the past, to focus on the beginning and to look forward to the future and the things we can do.
“Our Rotary club pays tribute to the Rotary Club of Corowa our sponsor club for bringing Rotary to Yarrawonga-Mulwala. It was a very happy day for Corowa Rotarians when Yarrawonga-Mulwala received its charter on June 13, 1946, the year after World War II. A vibrant, enthusiastic Rotary Club with 18 charter members was on its way in Yarrawonga-Mulwala.
“I wish to take this opportunity to deliver a personal tribute to Rotarian Don Forbes who sponsored me into Rotary. I remember vividly the day 50 years ago that I was invited to join Rotary.
“A charter member of the Yarrawonga Apex Club I had served in Apex approaching 20 years, having reached the compulsory retiring age for Apex of 40.
“Don Forbes was my mentor, the shining light that steered me through my Rotary journey.
“Over the past 75 years Rotary in Yarrawonga Mulwala has had many giants and champions of Community Service. Don Forbes was one of them. Little wonder that he was awarded Yarrawonga’s first (and only) British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year Honour List on January 1, 1973, for his Community Service.”
Noel mentioned that Don Forbes had also approached him to take on the voluntary driver’s role for the Yarrawonga Ambulance Service.
In the 1940s and 50s volunteer drivers and first aid attendants were required due to the demand in ambulance services and assisted as part of The Yarrawonga Hospital Transport Association. The local service was taken over by the North-Eastern Regional Service in 1954.
Several long time Rotarians also took to the lectern to pay tribute to Noel including Jack Sterkenberg, Ross Lloyd and Bernie Bott. They made particular reference to Noel’s continued support in promoting the club through the Yarrawonga Chronicle and more recently his work on the recollection series of articles for the club’s 75 year celebrations.
Noel thanked Rotary International and District 9790 for his framed certificate of recognition and the honour that has been bestowed on him.
Rotary International President Gordan R. McInally recognised Noel’s continued devotion to Rotary as an inspiration in the signed certificate.
“I hope your enthusiasm will inspire fellow members to care for each other as they would care for the people we serve.
“Active and engaged members like you make it possible to create hope in the World.
“Thank you for your dedication to the Rotary family and your commitment to service,” Mr McInally stated.
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