Service rewarded

Rotary district assistant governor Martin Wilmshurst said the naming of a Paul Harris Fellow is a tribute to a person who has ‘‘demonstrated a support for Rotary’s commitment to benefit local and international communities’’.

‘‘The award is made by Rotary to an individual or group, not necessarily a Rotarian, who has made significant contributions to the local community in whatever capacity they were able to.

‘‘Recipients have done so for no expectation of reward, but for the love of the community — service above self.

‘‘The presentation is an acknowledgment that a donation of $1000, in US dollars, has been made to the Rotary Foundation in the name of the recipient. It funds humanitarian programs globally.

‘‘The recognition is named after Rotary’s founder, the late Paul Harris.

‘‘In becoming Paul Harris fellows Geoff and the late Sonia Rapley join a remarkable company of persons not only in Deniliquin but throughout the world — all recognised for their devotion to the ideal of goodwill, peace, understanding and service above service.’’

Neither Mrs Rapley or Mr Riley are members of Rotary, but each has made a significant contribution to the community through various other service groups and community groups.

‘‘Sonia exemplified high standards and dedication within the community over many years — her contribution to Deniliquin is legendary,’’ Mr Wilmshurst said.

‘‘To list just a few highlights, Sonia’s a life member of the Deniliquin Swim Club, Edward School P&C and Probus, and she was a foundation member of Deniliquin Soroptimists, the Deniliquin Heated Pool Committee and the The Cressy Street Kiosk committee.

‘‘She was committee member, fundraiser and volunteer of so many organisations, including but not limited to the Sun Festival, Australia Day committee, Deniliquin Hospital board, Four Post Youth Camp, Friends of the Street Kids, Kids with Cancer, Learn To Swim, Deni Ute Muster and the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

‘‘Her previous awards have included the NSW Volunteer Award, Australia Day Citizen of the Year and Senior Citizen of the Year.’’

Mr Wilmshurst said Rotary could not honour Mrs Rapley without also recognising Mr Riley, describing the pair as being a ‘‘a great team with only the betterment of the community at heart’’.

‘‘Sonia was one of the first people that Geoff met when he first opened his shop near the post office,’’ Mr Wilmshurst said.

‘‘Geoff too is legendary in Deniliquin for what he has achieved, and still is achieving.

‘‘On a personal note, I have fond memories of Sonia and Geoff making my sister Gill McKenna and I most welcome when we arrived in Deniliquin 48 years ago. Later Geoff became a great friend and confidant of our mother Peggy.’’

Mr Riley, who said he almost ‘‘fell through my chair’’ because of the surprise, has also played a key community role in a number of organisations.

He has been a member of the Lions Club since 1956 (first in Echuca, then Deniliquin from 1957), and has also been involved with St Michael’s Catholic Church, Yallambee (now Kurrajong Waratah), the Deniliquin Multi Arts Hall committee, Sun Festival committee and, along with Anita Nolan, started the Biggest Morning Tea in Deniliquin.

Mr Riley has also been a member of the Navorina Nursing Home board since its establishment, and before that served on its fundraising committee.

‘‘They don’t often give the Paul Harris Fellow to someone outside the club, so I must thank Deniliquin Rotary for such an honour,’’ Mr Riley said.

‘‘It was a complete surprise and beautiful gesture to receive it at the same time as Sonia.’’

Mrs Rapley’s award was accepted by her daughters Felicity McCalman and Karen Bond.

‘‘She would have been fairly humbled by the award, but we were very excited,’’ Mrs McCalman said.

‘‘It was emotional but very nice, and we thank Rotary for acknowledging her and her 70 years of community service.’’