Alex Rotarian is Senior Citizen of the Year
We are delighted to let you know that our very own David Woodrow's work in the community over many years and in various fields of National Service, Education, Emergency Services and Helicopter rescue has been acknowledged by Sunshine Coast Council.
David (also the club's sound engineer) has been awarded the "Senior Citizen of 2019" title at the recent Sunshine Coast Council Australia Day ceremonies. We all know of the tireless work David has been doing in recent years for the Helicopter rescue service, under various sponsorships going back over 20 years and raising several hundred thousand dollars for this essential service. Interesting to note that the helicopter service itself was started by Rotary at the Maroochydore club.
Below is a summary of the submission made on Dave's behalf. Congratulations David, well deserved, and on behalf of the many people you have helped over the years.... take a bow.
Summary
David has been an exemplary citizen over the years, with in national and community service. He's raised over $300,000 for the Emergency Helicopter service, been an SES commander, been involved in almost every aspect of community life including the armed forces, and a headmaster.
During his most active part of his community work David spend about 8- hours a week on setting up the SES, and being controller during the Daniel Morcombe search efforts which involved hos contribution of 3,000 man hours.
This application has the full support of the local Rotary organisation, where David continues to play an active part in the Youth development and community support work.
Length of service to community
David’s voluntary work on the Sunshine Coast commenced in 1995 when he moved to Buderim and became welfare coordinator of the Counter Disaster Committee before accepting the position of local controller of the SES in 1997.
His service though started well before that. He was awarded Member of the Order of Australia in 1987 for his pioneering work in education and community service, and he served in the Army Reserve for 31 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Officer training, and Honorary Colonel of the Cadets in Queensland.
David is also a distinguished Rotarian (Past President) and Knight of the Sovereign Order of St John.
David’s contribution was also recognised by several community awards:
- Commonwealth Senior Award in 2000
- National Volunteer Award in 2001
- Community Australia Day award in 2001
- Maroochy Shire Council Citizen of the Year in 2002
Contribution to Emergency Services
David is probably best known for his voluntary work in Emergency Services, and in 2005 was awarded Regional Achievers award he started a project to support the Sunshine Coast Energex Helicopter Rescue Service.
David’s support for the community through voluntary work includes 30 years in the SES, 7 of those years as Controller. He continues to attend various clubs and communities from Gympie to Caboolture to raise founds for the helicopter service – so far around $300,000 has been raised on en entirely voluntary basis. (article included)
Other Community Involvement through Community Voluntary Work
David was also a on the Olympic torch volunteer committee, where he was principal coordinator for the Maroochy Shore volunteers for the Olympic torch relay.
David has also been and has been a great supporter of the Buderim Anzac Day celebrations for over 20 years. (Article included). Where he has served as Marshal and chaired many committees that served the Buderim communities.
Davis has also been a Justice of the Peace for the community and advisor to many Rotary projects on the Sunshine Coast, many involving youth education and today he is Youth Director for the Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland where he coordinates the various Rotary Youth programs, such as Rotary International Exchange, Rotary National Science programs, sponsorship of local students etc.