PRIDE OF WORKMANSHIP AWARDS NIGHT

On 8 April 2025, President Russell welcomed members and guests to one of the special Club meetings in our Rotary year when we acknowledge citizens in our community and say thank you for their service and community spirit, the Pride of Workmanship Awards night.

The Pride of Workmanship program is one of Rotary’s most successful Vocational Service initiatives in Australia. Originally introduced by the Rotary Club of Pennant Hills, NSW, it was launched as a Rotary project at a District Assembly in 1975. The initiative was born from concerns raised by Vocational Service Directors about a perceived decline in the general appreciation of craftsmanship and dedication across various walks of life. Since its inception, the program has grown and expanded throughout the Rotary world, touching countless lives and inspiring excellence.

To promote this important theme within communities, the awards are presented during a dedicated ceremony.

On the Pride of Workmanship Awards night, we honoured two remarkable Australian Air League officers with the Pride of Workmanship Award for their outstanding dedication, commitment, and voluntary service to the City of Blacktown Squadron, which has been proudly operating since 1938. Wing Captain Megan Rollinson of the Nancy Bird Wing joined the League at the age of 10 in 2006, while Squadron Lieutenant Joshua Barnes, Commanding Officer of the Blacktown Squadron, began his journey at the age of 9, also in 2006. Starting as junior cadets, both have steadily risen through the ranks to become responsible young leaders managing a squadron of approximately 40 cadets. Their dedication and understanding of the immense effort required to run a squadron is deeply admirable. They truly embody the theme, ‘Do it once, do it well. Build a better Australia.’

The Pride of Workmanship Awardees, Wing Captain Megan Rollinson and Squadron Lieutenant Joshua Barnes were introduced by Rotarian Keith Waller and the Awards were presented by President Russell Ashley.