Doug Smith was recently inducted as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Benalla for his long-term service to the club and community.
Doug joined the Rotary Club of Benalla on August 30, 2001, and in his time in the club has held many positions including secretary in 2014-15 and president in 2015-16.
A Rotary spokesperson said Doug had been responsible for the instigation of two new awards given by the club.
“The first is the Benalla Rotary Police Person of the Year award, which begun in 2014,” the spokesperson said.
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“This award is part of Rotary’s community service program and aims to recognise outstanding service to the community showed by a police officer located at the Benalla Police Station.
“The second is the Living Treasures award, which also begun in 2014.
“It is awarded to Rotary members over 80 who are still active within the club and celebrates their contributions, usually over many years.”
In conjunction with the Benalla Lions club, the Rotary club is responsible for the running and administration of the monthly Lakeside Community Market.
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“Doug shares the responsibility for Rotary’s involvement in the market,” the spokesperson said.
As well as his many contributions to the Rotary Club, Doug is active within the broader community.
For many years he served on the Benalla High School Council.
From 1992 to 2004 he served on the board of the Benalla Hospital and was chair of the board from 2001 to 2004.
He joined the board of Cooinda in 2011 and has been chair since 2019.
Doug is a most worthy recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow.
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