THE first ever female president of the Rotary Club of Hamilton, Janet Ross OAM, had her contribution to Rotary acknowledged when she was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition last month.

Ms Ross was given her award at a recent Rotary changeover ceremony in Ballarat by outgoing president Gitte Lindgaard, who said she was “delighted” to present her with the certificate and lapel pin.

“This is an award that I felt Jan should have been presented well before 2022,” she said.

“It is Rotary’s highest recognition and expresses its appreciation to a member for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs.”

Ms Ross first joined the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast in 1991 but had to move away from Ballarat for work, with her taking on the local role of Penshurst & District Memorial Hospital’s director of nursing and chief executive from 1995-1999, as well as the role of Casterton Hospital’s director of nursing during her time in the area.

While working at Penshurst, Ms Ross started going to the Rotary Club of Hamilton, as there was a Rotary  membership requirement that states you can’t miss a meeting.

Former Hamilton pharmacist, Pete Milburn, said he would nominate her to become a member of the Rotary Club of Hamilton, and she became a local trailblazer after being elected as the first female president of the club in 1998, a role she stayed in for around 12 months.

Ms Ross said it was “an honour” to be the first female president of such a prestigious club.

After returning to Ballarat, Jan re-joined Wendouree Breakfast, where she has continued as a committed member, almoner and mentor to new members, and has been involved in some creative fundraising methods such as her tripe dinners and Christmas fundraising nights.

Rotary International’s motto is “Service Above Self” and according to members of the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast, Ms Ross exemplifies this in everything she sets out to do.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition will join the other well-deserved awards that Ms Ross has received for her commitment to the community she works so hard for, including her Order of Australia medal which she received during her role as Colac Health chief executive.

Ms Ross is also a Life Governor of Ballarat Health Services for her work on the Foundation.

While she does not seek acknowledgement for her involvement and work in the various communities she has touched, those who have been served by Ms Ross say they are delighted that her hard work has been recognised.

The Paul Harris Fellow Recognition is awarded to Rotarians and community members who support those in need.

It is awarded in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations between peoples of the world as well as selfless service to Rotary.