Paul Harris award to David Rackett
Long-time Warragul resident David Rackett was recently awarded a Paul Harris Fellow Warragul Rotary Club.
Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary and clubs award a Paul Harris Fellow to recognise a community member for their long, continuous and outstanding community service.
David was joined at the surprise presentation by his son and daughter in-law from Bannockburn, Antony and Donna Rackett and his grandson David Watt, David has recently become a member of Trafalgar Rotary Club.
David Rackett served with the Royal Australian Air Force in the south-west Pacific in World War II. On returning to Australia he immediately joined the RSL and so commenced a lifetime of service to the organisation.
At the Warragul RSL branch he has held many positions including 16 years as secretary as well as a past treasurer.
David was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at the RSL’s annual state conference in 2012. This award is given to those already holding life memberships who have had 30 years continuous membership and who have given 25 years outstanding service.
Many in the community would know David Rackett for his commitment to RSL appeals. He is regularly seen in the lead-up to Anzac Day and Remembrance Day selling badges and poppies, and has represented the RSL at a large number of Anzac Day services.
David was also a member of Warragul Rotary for 13 years where he was involved in the development of Rotary Park, and was treasurer of the art show committee for several years.
In accepting the award, David said his 13 years as a member of the club was particularly fulfilling as it was an opportunity to work in the community without a lot of nonsense.