Presentation of Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions
Each year, the Perth Rotary Club has the privilege of awarding a Paul Harris Fellow to an individual who embodies our core values. Established in 1957, this recognition expresses our deepest appreciation for those who contribute significantly to the mission of the Rotary Foundation.
It was my great honour to announce two recipients at the recent Perth Rotary Christmas Breakfast.
Recipient 1: Irwin Palmer
Our first recipient is a gentleman who is certainly no stranger to this club; he has been a friend to Perth Rotary for over twenty years—and perhaps much longer.
He is a man who brings joy and hope wherever he goes. He is never flustered, immensely talented, and has a unique gift for connecting people through the universal language of music.
Irwin’s journey with music began early. His mother often shared that even at 18 months old, he was already 'playing' imaginary instruments. Born into a Salvation Army family in 1936, he officially joined the Perth Fortress Band at just 15 years old—and he remains an active, playing member to this very day.
His dedication has always been extraordinary. In his younger years, while selling insurance in the Wheatbelt, he would travel back to Perth every single weekend just to ensure he didn't miss playing with the Band. In 1974, his spirit of service took him even further—he was one of the first civilians to respond to the devastation of Cyclone Tracy, flying into Darwin in a tiny four-seater plane to provide much-needed aid.
For decades, Irwin has been the soundtrack to our community’s most sacred moments, playing at ANZAC Day, Remembrance Services, and our own Christmas breakfasts. Of course, Irwin’s life of service was a partnership. We remember and thank his late wife of 63 years, Margaret, whose loving support allowed Irwin to give so much of himself to others.
Even as he approaches his 90th birthday next year, Irwin continues to serve faithfully through the Salvation Army. His character and leadership have left an indelible mark on Perth Rotary.
Irwin Palmer, we present this Paul Harris Fellow to you as a token of our immense appreciation for the time, talent, and spirit you have shared with us all."
Recipient 2: Manu Gupta
"Our second recipient hasn't been with us quite as long as Irwin, but his impact on this club has been nothing short of monumental. He is determined, he is funny, he is compassionate—and he is also famously ‘optimistic’ with his timing, often arriving and/or booking his ticket to an event exactly one minute before the clock strikes!
In the past twelve months, this man was the driving force behind our club raising an incredible $40,000 to support PROST and the vital work being done by our fellow member Jeff Leach.
I am, of course, speaking of our Immediate Past President, Manu Gupta. Now, what some members might not know is exactly how a portion of that $40,000 was raised. Manu spent his presidential year visiting restaurants, shops, and sporting clubs, personally collecting bags of cans and bottles for 'Containers for Change.'
For most of the year, Manu’s car was packed floor-to-ceiling with recyclables—which, as you can imagine, didn't always provide the most 'festive' aroma! There were times he had to unload bags of cans just to fit his family, Harsha and Mansha, into the car. His garage, his driveway, and even his front door became a transit station for bottles.
He never gave up. While leading this club as President, he remained humble enough to collect cans one by one to reach his goal which is something I greatly admire. He reached it, he surpassed it, and he inspired us all.
As a community of leaders, we thank Irwin Palmer and Manu Gupta for their extraordinary contributions to our community and the world of Rotary.
Acknowledgement: 40 Years of Service to Rotary International
In a club with a history as rich as ours, it is incredible to look around this room and tally up the years of service. This year, we celebrate a truly extraordinary milestone. Three of our members have clocked up a combined 120 years of service—40 years each.
While only one of these 'thoroughbred' Rotarians could be with us at the Christmas Breakfast, I would like to acknowledge all three of these men for their lifetime of dedication.
1. Bill Hicks (Joined 15 March 1985)
Although health challenges have kept him from our weekly meetings recently, Bill remains a Rotarian at heart, staying connected through our newsletter and catching up with old friends over lunch.
Bill was a driving force in establishing the Passages Race Days, a legacy that continues to impact our community. His generosity has never wavered, most recently supporting our international projects in Bali under the guidance of Ray Della-Polina and Wes Sim. We thank Bill for four decades of quiet, steadfast service.
2. Kim Hurley (Joined 28 September 1985)
Kim Hurley, who has remained an active member of this club for 40 years. Kim’s name is synonymous with the Four-Way Test Speaking Competition.
From his early work with Mercedes College to his recent mentorship of students at St George’s Anglican Grammar and Ashdale Secondary College, Kim has been the architect of our success. The fact that Perth Rotary has produced so many State Winners is a direct result of Kim’s meticulous organization and his ability to inspire young people to perform at their absolute best. We thank Kim for 40 years of being a champion for our youth."
3. Jeffrey Leach (Joined 1 August 1985)
Finally, we come to a man who joined us on the 1st of August 1985—which, as we’ve established, is the official birthday for all thoroughbred horses... and, evidently, all thoroughbred Rotarians!
Jeff Leach is a powerhouse of service. To list his contributions is to list the history of our club’s impact:
- 25 years and counting on the Passages Board.
- A tireless advocate for health, serving on the Prostate Cancer Foundation WA Board for 13 years and now leading as Chairman of PROST.
- A record-breaking fundraiser, raising over $163,000 across 14 years of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout—and yes, he’s already signed up for next year, so consider this your first warning to have your wallets ready!
- A Past President (2008/09), an IYFR Commodore, a veteran of ten Variety 4WD Adventures, and the co-founder of the Blessing of the Fleet.
And of course, we can’t forget the legendary annual bonfire! Jeff, your energy and compassion have shaped this club.
The recipients were presented with a small token of our appreciation—not just for the 40 years behind them, but for the incredible spirit they all continue to bring to Perth Rotary every single day.
Sincerely,
Jill Dawson OAM
President Perth Rotary 2025/27
