DAVID WITTNER MENTORING AWARD – CYNTHIA EDGELL
The Rotary Melbourne Mentoring Award recognises a Rotarian who has excelled as a mentor and advocate for Rotary. The award was inaugurated last year honouring the memory of our esteemed Past President David Wittner AM.
The Board recognised David’s extraordinary commitment to Rotary which spanned 54 years until his sudden passing in 2018 and his willingness to mentor many members, and indeed beyond in the community at large. The perpetual trophy of multi-faceted design is a reminder of the breadth of character that was David Wittner.
At the Changeover meeting President Kevin announced Cynthia Edgell as the 2020 Mentoring Awardee.
Since her induction on the 5th May 2004 as sponsored by Robin Syme, Cynthia has been a most active Rotarian and is currently our Vice President Club Management and Communications and delivered an outstanding report at last Wednesday’s first ever, virtual VP Reporting Day meeting.
Over the years, her involvement included our Public Relations Committee, Membership Development Committee, Community Welfare Committee, Reception Committee, Second Bite volunteer, a regular On-To-Conference participant, and an active member of the Malvern Group. In 2005-06 Cynthia joined the Vocational Service Committee, where she remains today, having chaired the committee for a number of years.
Cynthia was part of our 2008 team who visited East Timor and that year she received the Axle Award for her passionate and enthusiastic service to our Club and the community.
Eight years ago her mentoring role began as an outcome of our partnership with the Brotherhood of St. Lawrence’s ‘Stepping Stone’ project and since then, Cynthia has mentored migrant women through a small business training program, women who could not get a job but had great skills which has led to numerous lasting relationships. In everything she does, which has included mentoring new members as part of our Club’s mentoring program, Cynthia exemplifies warmth and friendly understanding and true ‘Service Above Self’.
Cynthia’s enthusiasm is reflected in the various roles she has pursued, in the same passionate way she embraces life. Tonight, we recognise a gracious lady who has demonstrated great commitment to Rotary Melbourne. Please join me in congratulating our 2020 Mentoring Awardee, Cynthia Edgell.
