TLynne and Ralph Fegan responding to their awards at the Rotary Club of Wanaka dinner
The Rotary Club of Wanaka recognised two outstanding contributors to the Wanaka community last night (Saturday 22 June) when it awarded Paul Harris Fellowship awards to Lynne and Ralph Fegan.
At a dinner at Cardrona Hotel to celebrate the annual change-over to a new club president, out going president George Scott recalled the services of the husband and wife team.
“It was a great honour to present the award to two people who have made and continue to make such a selfless contribution to others,” said George.
Lynne and Ralph came to Wanaka in 1996 after 30 years in Franz Josef Glacier where they owned a supermarket and souvenir shop. They set up bus company Wanaka ConneXions and Lynne set up the Alpine Community Development Trust (Community Networks) becoming its inaugural chairperson.She was also chairperson of Women’s Probus & Travel Club, held treasury positions with RSA, U3A, Presbyterian Church and Concert Society and she found speakers for Grandview Probus and worked with the QLDC on the Wanaka Town Centre Strategy Committee.
Ralph is a well know Wanaka identity, known for his community work. He has worked with victim support, been chairman of Lake Wanaka Tourism, is active on the RSA committee, civil defence and fire brigade as well as a justice of the peace and wedding and funeral celebrant.
Ralph is passionate about Wanaka Airport & the Wanaka community. Other people are foremost in his mind and often his prioritising of the needs of others, is to his own personal detriment, not that you would ever hear that from him.
“The members of the Rotary Club of Wanaka acknowledge the wonderful dedication, work ethic and enthusiasm that Ralph and Lynne have brought to the local Wanaka community,” said George Scott.
A Paul Harris Fellowship Award is recognition for outstanding work and contribution both to Rotary and to the community.
It was in 1905 that an American, Paul Harris, founded the Rotary Organisation. An award in his name, the Paul Harris Fellowship, is held in the highest regard throughout the Rotary world.