Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY SHIRLEY MAHON PHF, ROTARY CLEVELAND
Rotary International President’s Personal Representative PDG Raju Subramanian and District 9620 Governor Sue Mulraney recently presented Cleveland Rotarian Albert Benfer with the Service Above Self award at the District 9620 Conference in Toowoomba.
“I can think of no better way to start a conference than to acknowledge the achievements of a wonderful Rotarian, an individual who has devoted their time and energy to helping their neighbours near and far,” said Governor Mulraney.
Each year, District Governors and RI directors worldwide can nominate Rotary members whose service activities have had an impact on humanity. From this pool of exceptional candidates worldwide, just 150 recipients are chosen. Whilst many Rotary members distinguish themselves through service, the award recognises those who make it a way of life.
Among his many contributions to the community, Albert Benfer was instrumental in locating and helping to secure the current Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment site at Alexandra Hills, also travelling to Papua New Guinea to assist with numerous Rotary building projects. Albert also financed the cost of shipping a minimum of two shipping containers per year to support the people of PNG with medical and educational supplies, along with helping to source and purchase additional supplies requested. He also assisted a local man in establishing a vocational training centre in the remote village of Kungim, providing hands-on training for young men with building skills.
Outside of his Rotary commitments, Albert sponsored two students in Tanzania at St Jude’s, assisted the Blue Nursing Service in establishing Nandeebie Seniors home, was an Apexian, and was part of the Queensland egg industry from 1984 to 1994. Albert held the position of Redland Shire Councillor and is a Life Member of Redland Museum, patron of the local community centre and chairman of the local Lutheran Church for 10 years. Albert is a board member at MyHorizon.
