A club spokesperson said both Lois and Neil had committed countless hours of community service during a great number of years.
“The Rotary Club of Benalla made (awarded) a Paul Harris Fellow to Lois at (our) end of year function in December,” the spokesperson said.
“Lois has been the instigator and supplier of care packages (including) food packs to many locals ... and to Rotarians which have been well-received.
“During (the COVID-19 pandemic) Lois produced many (of these) for people confined to home due to the pandemic.
“These were greatly appreciated by all who received them, for both the food provided and the compassion shown.”
On top of that Lois is also an expert baker and has created many beautiful and well-presented cakes for birthdays, farewells and the club’s Living Legends presentations where a member has turned 80.
She has also been heavily involved in catering for Rotary Club social nights, and other Rotary get-togethers, whether at her home, at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre (BPACC) or the Rotary Shed.
“Lois has been actively involved in the wider community in many organisations,” the spokesperson said.
“Over many years Lois has been involved in a wide range of community organisations.
“She was a member of the Warrenbayne CFA for 20 years and the Warrenbayne Ladies Catering Committee for 12 years.
“(She was) a member of the Benalla Light Opera Company from 1974 until 1985, serving as president in 1978 and secretary until its amalgamation with the Drama Club in 1985.
“She was principal of costume making and was also on the stage.”
Later she became a member of the Benalla Theatre Company, which was formed in 1985, serving as secretary for 10 years.
As well as performing on stage she was the principal costume maker. She is also a committee member of BPACC, serving as secretary and head of catering since its launch in 2005.
The spokesperson said Neil was awarded a second Paul Harris Sapphire for his continuing community service.
“A good example of this has been the renovations carried out at Tomorrow Today’s premises in Nunn St,” the spokesperson said.
“Whilst other Rotarians also leant a hand, Neil was the planner and supervisor of the work that was carried out.
“At Rotary working bees Neil has the ability to work with people with varied building talents to achieve good results.
“He is well-organised and willing to listen to the ideas of others, and ultimately the end result is always one to be proud of.
“In his work as a builder his ability to impart knowledge has given his four apprentices the skills to move on to successful careers.
“Also young people who have worked with him during school holidays have learnt skills that have proven valuable to them when they left school.
“Both Lois and Neil are very worthy recipients of the Paul Harris awards which have been bestowed on them.”
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