2024 - 2025 Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
The Rotary Foundation helps fund our humanitarian activities, from local service projects to global initiatives. During the 1950's the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation were trying to encourage Rotarians to donate to the Foundation. They decided to honour those, who had donated US$1000 in one gift, by giving them a special form of public recognition and calling them 'Paul Harris Fellows'. This is still the original intention. The Rotary Foundation and those donations are what enables Rotarians to carry on a world-wide program of educational and humanitarian programs.
Many clubs, including RC Karrinyup, contribute significant amounts from fund raising activities to The Rotary Foundation. For each US$1000 contributed the club earns credits. The club may decide to use these credits to honour an individual, whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives and mission of The Rotary Foundation - to build world understanding and peace. The honour is not given lightly.
Eddy Giacomel joined the Rotary Club of Karrinyup in 2018. With his background in Electrical Engineering and knowledge in this area he has become the club’s ‘go to’ person for support in this area. From the outset Eddy has been keen to volunteer and is among the first to put his hand up whenever there is a call. His enthusiasm in selling raffle tickets at the Stirling Farmers Market has seen a huge increase in the raffle profits. He is happy to be involved in all activities across any sector and continues to contribute and make an impact at our Club. This Rotary year, Eddy took on the very busy role of Youth Service Director. Karrinyup Rotary has always been very strong in the area of Youth Service and there were big shoes to fill but Eddy embraced this challenge with his usual intense enthusiasm. He has made a huge contribution to youth service, not only at Karrinyup Rotary but also within Rotary Western Australia. His dedication and hard work has earned him Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
A member of Karrinyup Rotary since 2005, Carolyn Prunster has served in a variety of areas over the years. She first worked on the Board as a Director for Youth and then Club Service. In 2014-2015 she took on a ground breaking role, as the first lady to serve as President our club. During that year, she instigated the club’s website, which she maintains to this day. In combination with this, she manages our Public Image and is also responsible for the newsletter. For the past seven years, Carolyn has served, as our very busy club secretary. In this position, she has maintained meticulous documentation of the club’s records and activities and, most importantly, provided whatever support has been required to each serving club president. Carolyn received another sapphire for her Paul Harris fellow pin.
Newly inducted 2025-2026 Co-Presidents Mick and Peter surprised immediate past president and Past District Governor Phil Ledger with another sapphire for his Paul Harris Fellow.
A Rotarian for over fifty-six years, Phil has had a long and distinguished career, including District Governor (1991-1992) and three times Representative to the Rotary International Council of Legislation. Phil served as club president first in Kellerberrin (1970-1971) and twice at Karrinyup Rotary (1987-1988) and (2017-2028). Coming in to the 2024-2025 Rotary Year, our club did not have a President Elect. At a time in his Rotary career when most people are looking to take a lesser role, Phil stepped up to serve a fourth term as a club president leading us through yet another successful year.
The generous sacrifice and ‘service above self' contribution to the Club by these members is testament to their shared purpose with the objectives and mission of Rotary. Each is most worthy of Paul Harris Fellow recognition.