Australian Honour Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Service Above Self” is second nature to Rotarians.  But we all know fellow members who go “above and beyond” in service to their community and indeed our nation. They seek no reward beyond mere satisfaction that they have made a difference in the lives of individuals or society in general. We recognize their commitment by Clubs contributing to our Rotary Foundation or by a District or sometimes a Rotary International Award.

 

But while many Rotarians have been honoured through the Order of Australia, certainly there are others well deserving of recognition who have never been nominated or sometimes nominated unsuccessfully. How often have you searched the Australia Day and Queens Birthday Honours List to identify recognized Rotarians? Even for those Rotarians receiving awards, how often do you see the word 'Rotary' mentioned?

 

That’s why District 9800 has established an Australian Honours Committee to encourage the nomination of worthy Australian men and women for the Order of Australia recognition. This Committee will alert, facilitate and advise on the availability of Order of Australia Honours information. Guidance on how to access nomination criteria and forms, and tips on the importance of selecting the most effective referees in order to assist in maximizing potential success at the appropriate level of award. A District 9800 database of all Rotarians who have received an Australian Honour will be established. Committee members are available to talk to Clubs and a promotional flyer will be shared.

 

The procedure for nominating is, at first glance, daunting but should not be a barrier to acknowledging deserving service. Only a percentage are successful, so wording needs to be succinct and point scoring, and the time from lodging an application to successful announcement can take eighteen months to two years, so planning is critical. Nominations should be kept confidential, and at no stage should the nominee be alerted.

 

Investitures are events where attendees listen in awe to the citations of Australian men and women who give of themselves in voluntary, community service. But there remains many more deserving of such recognition. Here's an opportunity to make that possible. 

 

Any Rotarian or Club that is considering nominating a Rotarian, or a worthy person recognized by Rotary, should first access the website  https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awards and then if assistance is required, contact the D9800 Liaison Person PDG Julie Mason. Mason.Julie.M@edumail.vic.gov.au