Daylesford Rotarian Jenny Hopkins has been awarded as a Paul Harris Fellow by her Club and the Rotary District Governor. Jenny has been a tireless member of Daylesford Rotary for six years and is currently managing the Daylesford Art Show for the third year.

On Thursday 20th May locals and Rotarians gathered to celebrate Jenny’s award as well as the induction of Hal Swerissen as a new member with Mark Rak also being inducted as a returning member.

Rotary District Governor Michael Lapina presented the award to Jenny and inducted Hal and Mark. Paul Harris was a founding member of Rotary International more than 100 years ago and did so much to promote the key principles of Rotary of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership. The Paul Harris Fellow Award was established to recognise Rotarians and others who contribute exceptionally through Rotary to promote these principles. Rotary Clubs donate $1,000US to the Rotary International Foundation to support community programs world-wide and in return are able to make the Award.

Jenny’s six-year, wide-ranging contributions to Rotary and the wider community reflect Rotary’s core values of service, peace, education and mental health. Highlights have included:

  • Initiating the Stone and Meditation Garden at the Dharma School creating a peaceful sanctuary.
  • Securing a BBQ trailer for Daylesford Rotary and community use.
  • Supporting youth mental health through Daylesford Secondary College’s Live4Life program and involving students as Art Show volunteers.
  • Preparing and delivering meals locally through the Good Grub Club, 5000 Club and Food for Children.
  • Working through Safe Place Homes and the Daylesford Foundation supporting many Women and families;
  • Helping establish a Nursing School in Nepal including designing their curriculum and travelling there to assist.

Jenny has a deep respect for human dignity and the quiet strength of community.

Hal Swerissen is a Professor of Public Health and has been actively involved in the Daylesford community for many years including roles with the Wombat Post, the Swiss Italian Festa and the Daylesford Neighourhood Centre.

Mark Rak was a founding member involved in establishing the Daylesford Men’s Shed, was founding Chair of the Daylesford District Community Bank for a decade and has numerous other community roles.