Dear President Mark and members of the Rotary Club of Crows Nest,

Thank you so much for having me at your Giving Night last evening. It was a pleasure to be part of such a special night that so clearly reflected the heart and generosity of your club.

I am deeply grateful for the very generous donation to the Australian Rotary Health partner project. Thank you for your continued commitment to mental health research and support — it truly makes a meaningful difference. 

It was also wonderful to see so many worthy organisations supported on the night, including CareFlight, The Rotary Foundation, and many others. Your club’s generosity and the way you actively engage with and support projects throughout the year are something to be proud of and to celebrate.

Thank you again for your hospitality, your kindness, and for the positive impact you continue to have in your community and beyond.

Warm regards,

Michele Ellery

It’s an honour and pleasure to be able to present this award to celebrate the dedication and excellence of a person who has helped shape the heartbeat of our organisation – Rotary.

Among all the awards we present Pride of Workmanship holds a special place. It recognises something that isn’t always easy to measure, but is impossible to ignore – the deep, personal commitment to doing one’s job not just well, but exceptionally, it’s about showing up with consistency,care and quiet confidence. I’s about setting a standard not because someone asked but because it’s the only way he knows how to work.

This year we recognise a Rotarian who has given as of next week 50 years of continuing service to our community through his membership of the Rotary Club of Crows Nest, Bill Lee.

Over the years Bill has served on the board many, many times as a director. Bill wasn’t always easy to work with, as every time he was tapped on the shoulder to be president his stock answer was “I am not ready yet”. However to our surprise in 1997 he announced he was ready. 

And what a year we had. He hit the road running having organised funding through Rotary grants, Ausaid and other clubs here and Overseas, to begin what became our China projects, over $700,000 in funds. Over the coming years under Bill’s stewardship 23 high schools were built in Binxian county, China. Over 3000 teachers attended training conferences and we oversaw numerous water projects for other clubs.

Bill has been involved in all avenues of service through his 50 years of service. He regularly attends our district conferences and been to many world conventions. He was involved in our four goodwill trips to SE Asia and China.

Bill was one of the first to welcome me when I asked to join over 40 years ago as he still does now with new members. That friendship has continued as Bill is a great believer in fellowship s the cornerstone of a great club. Bill and Lidia for many years when they lived in Bancroft Avenue hosted our annual club get togethers. 

Over the years our club has recognised Bill with 8+ Paul Harris Fellows

The maximum one can receive. In 2004 Bill received the Rotary International Service Above Self Award the highest award in Rotary. Only 150 maximum are given out each year. 

We thank you for the example you set, for the work you do, for the pride you take in doing it. It may not always make the headlines but it absolutely makes a difference.

Bill it gives me much pleasure to present you with your POW award. 

Also I have a personal congratulatory letter from our world president Stehanie Urchick.

Please join me in congratulating Bill on his many achievements.

It goes to without saying that Bill’s commitment to Rotary would not have been possible without the support of Lydia. Lydia has always been beside Bill at all our functions, conferences, conventions and fundraisers as a Rotarian, a spouse and a partner. So we would like to recognise Lydia for her support with a second Paul Harris Award for her years of support to both Bill & Rotary.