The Axle Award 2022-23 Citation
Marg Leser
21 June 2023
The Axle Award Trophy is designed to embody the Hub of the Rotary Wheel. It was inaugurated in 2004 by Past President Bob Glindemann. The Award is made to a Rotarian who, during the Rotary year just past has given a little extra in Service Above Self.
This award is voted upon by the Board and is presented as the Vice Presidents’ encouragement award.
Rotary Melbourne is honoured to present the 2023 Axle Award to a selfless Rotarian for their accomplished service as Director across a broad range of club activities. They won’t want the limelight and receiving this award as everything this Rotarian does in Rotary is for service, not for self.
This year’s Axle Award is presented to Marg Leser.
Professionally Marg is a Leadership and Mentoring Consultant. She was inducted into the Club in 2019, sponsored by Stephanie Woollard who she mentored and travelled on cultural immersion with Seven Women in Nepal.
As a member of the Rotary Melbourne Board since July 2021 Marg has been custodian of the Governance and Sustainability Directorate. The Club’s Environment and Sustainability initiatives blossomed over this time, including tree planting, connecting with the City of Melbourne for its new Greenline Project, and our Environment Day Luncheon. Marg is on the Rotary Park committee, impacting the Peace Bells, fundraising, and actively preparing the park for the Rotary International Convention.
Her Governance roles include engagement with the club’s Audit & Risk Committee and participation in helping to establish the new Rotary Melbourne PBI. At the same time Marg has chaired the Vocational Service Committee, facilitating a range of vocational service events and programs, including the Young Achiever Award.
Marg is an active volunteer in the club’s Make A House A Home project, building household kits to help rehouse those experiencing homelessness. She regularly assists at reception at club meetings, always available to be hands-on.
Marg’s commitment to serving in Rotary epitomises the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self.
As a thoughtful sounding board, she provides advice and diplomacy, and mentors our younger members with care and understanding. She is passionate and big-hearted.
By her commitment to Service Above Self, Marg is well and truly a worthy recipient of the Award.
Adrian Nelson, President, 21 June 2023
