UsherKids Australia  co-founder and Director Emily Shepard has been recognised by Rotary Melbourne by being named the winner of the Club’s Sir John Reid Community Service Award for 2021. The Award is given each year to honour an individual in the community whose volunteer service is judged to be worthy of special notice.

“May I congratulate Emily Shepard on a long and impressive history of service to the community. Your commitment to volunteerism is an exemplar of the values of Rotary,” said President of Rotary Melbourne Reg Smith OAM.

The award presentation took place online and we were honoured to have family of the esteemed past President Sir John Reid in attendance including: Daughter Margaret Ross, Grand-daughter and Chairman of the John T Reid Charitable Trusts; Belinda Lawson, incoming Chairman and Grandson of Sir John, Andrew McKenzie and Trustee – Philip Endersbee.  Also, present was past Awardee, Libby Clarke.

Chairperson Helen Moylan gave a brief background on Sir John Reid and the Community Service Award. Chair of the Community Welfare Committee Mary Barry then presented this year’s award to Emily. Mary noted that in speaking about her work with UsherKids Australia, it was obvious from the outset that Emily is a passionate and committed advocate to making the lives of people and in particular children with a disability and their families better.

More information can be found here:
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The video of the award presentation can be viewed by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/Z-h2MenvPFc