A former Yass Valley mayor says everyone should do at least one thing for their community.
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Alfred McCarthy and Peter Gibbs of Yass have taken that motto a step further, having done many things for many years for their community.
They were both recently recognised at special ceremonies as members of the Rotary Club of Yass for 81 combined years.
Mr McCarthy joined the club on August 1, 1979, and was awarded for 41 years of service on September 24.
Mr Gibbs joined the club on September 1, 1978, and was awarded for 40 years of service on August 27.
Alfred McCarthy
Mr McCarthy was a key player in establishing Yass Apex Village for elderly residents and the Rotary street stall by Miller's Pharmacy.
He also helped run the local Meals on Wheels service for 47 years, club member John Brassil said in a speech.
Mr McCarthy has also strongly supported youth initiatives, helped at Rotary's barbecues and markets, and was club president from '95-96, district treasurer from 2005-06 and secretary several times, Mr Brassil said.
Many things I couldn't have done by myself.
- Alfred McCarthy
"Alfred is a strong advocate of the Rotary motto of 'service before self,'" Mr Brassil said. "He has also acted as a mentor to new members of the club and always used his financial skills to assist Rotary."
Mr McCarthy is a partner in Gregory and McCarthy Chartered Accountants, Yass.
Mr Brassil recalled the time when Mr McCarthy made sure players at the club's '88 charity golf day paid their dues.
"Alfred stationed himself at the 15th hole. He was taking bets from players," he said.
"The odds were decided by Alfred: Rotary got the money if the player didn't reach the green in one shot, but even if they did make it, he'd put pressure on the player to donate!"
Mr McCarthy was recognised by the club as a Paul Harris Fellow for his humanitarian work and service to education and received three sapphires on two pins.
Mr McCarthy said he never lost his enthusiasm for helping the community, "because there is always something to do in Rotary."
"Many things I couldn't have done by myself," he said.
"Rotary Club members were very significant in their contributions to the Yass Nursing Home Committee. It was members who were involved in building Horton House.
"I was so proud of the contribution by Rotary Club."
Peter GIbbs
Mr Gibbs is the second longest-serving, current member of Yass Rotary after Mr McCarthy.
He was club president in '86-87 and more recently again in 2017-18.
He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient, recognising the significant contributions he's made to the welfare of the local community and goodwill further afield, Mr Brassil said in a speech.
It's been about fun, friendship and service
- Peter Gibbs
He led a study exchange to Texas several years ago, coordinated the Life Education program (a drug education initiative) visits to Yass primary schools, established a literary education program for socially disadvantaged adults in the region and coordinated the Yass Rotary Telephone Book several times, Mr Brassil said.
"Having fun has also been a key part of Peter's Rotary life," Mr Brassil said.
Mr Brassil recalled taking part in a mobile bed race fundraiser at the Warrambalulah Festival with Mr Gibbs. They and two other Rotarians pushed the bed and won!
"On behalf of the club, I commend you Peter on 40 years of very significant Rotary service, which you should be very proud of. You are an excellent role model for others aspiring to undertake community service," Mr Brassil said.
Mr Gibbs said two of his highlights in the 40 years were being recognised by the club and presenting his brother and club member, Mark Gibbs, with a Peter Harris Fellow.
Mr Gibbs has been recognised three times by the club for his service. One of the times was for creating the Yass Rotary Telephone Book, which members didn't think was possible.
He joined the club when he first moved to the area and has been a member ever since.
He said it's been about fun, friendship and service, naming the Billy Cart Derby at Classic Yass; providing Yass High with a new shed after the 2012 fire and school bus recently; and appearing in a naked calendar for breast cancer as other fond memories.
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