Vocational Service

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Vocational Service

Vocational Service is arguably the most important part of Rotary. It is about maintaining business standards and ethics and promoting vocational excellence.

The introductory statement and three of the four objectives of Rotary relate to Vocational Service, underlining its importance to the philosophy and culture of Rotary. Those objectives are:

• To encourage and foster high ethical standards in business and professions, to recognise the worthiness of all useful occupations, to dignify the Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society.

• To apply the ideal of service in personal, business and community life.

• To advance international understanding and goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of businessmen and professional men and women united in the ideal of service.

Pride of Workmanship Awards

These awards were introduced in February 1980, coinciding with the seventy-fifth anniversary of Rotary International. They have been made each year since to a selection of local business employees, chosen by their employers for their outstanding contribution to the business through 'a job well done'. The awards are greatly appreciated, partly because they go to people whose achievements are generally unrecognized.

In 2009 Five local people received a Pride of Workmanship Award.

Ben Riley from St Ives Village Concierge

Adelina Arancibia from Travel Scene in St Ives

Michelle Lotzof from Blooms the Chemist in St Ives

Cheryl Webster from Contours Hair in Gordon

Svetlana Jovanovic from RDCA Financial Services Planning in Epping

Photos of the awardees are on the photos page.

Pride of Workmanship Plaque

Dr Brendan Nelson the Federal MP for Bradfield receives St Ives Community Award. Jonathan O'Dea State MP for Davidson presents the award to Dr Nelson.

On April 29th 2009

Dr Nelson was recognised for his ongoing support of the community. Dr Nelson organised a youth drug awareness seminar at Abbotsleigh, has ongoing involvement with Ku-ring-gai Youth Developement Service (KYDS) a support group for young people with problems.

He also supports The Trish MS Foundation, as well as the Shepherd Centre and Studio Artes Northside. We believe his support for the community goes beyond the call of duty of a Federal MP.

Pride of Workmanship Awards

Four other members of the community were also recognised on the 29th April with a Pride of Workmanship award.

Cheryl Webster from Contours of Hair in Gordon. Ben Riley from Village Concierge in St Ives Shopping Village. Michelle Lotzof from Blooms the Chemist in St Ives Shopping Village, and Svetlana Jovanovic from RDCA Financial Services in Epping.

(l to r) Dr Brendan Nelson, Jonathon O'Dea (State MP for Davidson), Cheryl Webster, Ben Riley, Michelle Lotzof, Vicki Waters - Principal of Pymble Ladies' College.

Three distinguished people receive Pride of Workmanship Awards in 2008

They are :-

Dr Michael Eaton

Mark Anderson

Dr Victor Parker

Left to Right is President Elect Greg Rappo, Tem Elliot, Vocational Director, Dr Michael Eaton Veterinary Surgeon, President Margaret Dean, Mark Paterson Head Professional at Avondale Golf Club, Dr Victor Parker Dental Surgeon and Assistant Governor George Papallo.

Vocational Excellence Awards

Each year District 9680 recognizes two or three people, whose contribution to society through their vocational excellence is outstanding. Winners receive a special medal and citation, presented at the district conference. St Ives has twice nominated successful candidates for this coveted award - Mark Killingback (1985), a surgeon based in Hornsby and specializing in diseases of the colon and rectum, and Alan Coates (1988), former chief executive of the AMP Society.

Other activities

Australian Business Week

Rotarians like to give to the community. One way we can do this is by acting as mentors for students in year 11 during Business Week. Usually held in November in secondary schools. Find out if your school supports this program.

Vocational matters are also promoted by frequent job talks given by members at club meetings.