Community
28 October, 2026
Graeme's big Day as Rotary honours decades of service
Well-known Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven identity Graeme Day has been recognised for decades of service to Ulladulla's famous Blessing of the Fleet Parade, receiving a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Milton-Ulladulla.
Well-known Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven identity Graeme Day has been recognised for decades of service to Ulladulla's famous Blessing of the Fleet Parade, receiving a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Milton-Ulladulla.
Graeme has been the familiar voice announcing the annual parade for many decades, working alongside the late Rotary Past President Rob Powell.
In a fitting tribute, Rob's family was represented at the recent presentation, with Kim Powell presenting Graeme with his award and Tim Powell also attending.
The Paul Harris Fellowship is one of Rotary's most significant forms of recognition, acknowledging contributions to community service and humanitarian causes.
Established in 1957 and named after Rotary founder Paul Harris, the fellowship recognises contributions to The Rotary Foundation, including donations made in someone's honour.
Day received a commemorative certificate and lapel pin.
Remarkably, this is the third time Day has received a Paul Harris Fellowship.
In accepting the honour, Day described the moment as "a high point in my life".
The Rotary Club of Milton-Ulladulla described Graeme's recognition as thoroughly deserved, congratulating him on his longstanding contribution to the community.
The presentation also provided an opportunity to highlight the work of Rotary, which has been serving the Milton-Ulladulla community for more than 66 years.
Chartered in April 1960, the club has supported numerous community projects while contributing to Rotary's international humanitarian programs.
Among Rotary's best-known international efforts is its campaign to eradicate polio.
Since 1988, Rotary and its partners have helped immunise more than three billion children worldwide, contributing to a 99.9 per cent reduction in wild polio cases.
Despite its long history, the Milton-Ulladulla club is keen to dispel the misconception that Rotary is simply an organisation for older men.
Club president Tim Trescowthick said attracting younger members was becoming increasingly difficult for service organisations.
"Like many other service organisations, we are finding it hard to attract younger members," he said.
Tim said Rotary's activities and community projects deserved greater recognition, particularly among younger people who might not realise what the organisation offers.
Club secretary Issa Shalhoub said Rotary membership was about much more than community fundraising and volunteer work.
The club places considerable emphasis on friendship, fellowship, networking, leadership and social activities, alongside its commitment to serving the community.
He said around a dozen current members had joined the club while in their 20s and 30s and remained involved many years later.
Membership is open to men and women of all ages, with members encouraged to contribute according to their interests, abilities and circumstances.
The club hopes more people will consider joining, helping ensure its work continues for another generation.
For anyone interested in becoming involved, further information about the Rotary Club of Milton-Ulladulla and its community projects is available at rotaryclubofmiltonulladulla.org.au.
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