Read here how PDG and Darwin South Rotarian Joanne Schilling was honoured for her leadership and commitment to local and international causes.

Past District Governor Joanne Schilling has been honoured by the Board of Trustees of the Rotary Foundation with the Distinguished Service Award for her exemplary service to Rotary's goals and her commitment to global good.

Nominated by the district's Foundation Chair Larry Slattery, Jo was presented with the award by outgoing DG John Hall, on behalf of the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation, at the district changeover in Darwin this month.

The award is presented to no more than 50 of the world's 1.4 million Rotarians and Rotaractors annually.

Among Jo's achievements are her service as District Rotary Foundation Chair, Polio Plus Chair, Endowment Chair, and Annual Fund Chair.

She was also Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator from 2013 to 2016 conducting training at nine conferences and organising and presenting training for the Zone workshops for Assistant Rotary Foundation Coordinators.

Larry said Jo had also served as a scholar counsellor and host, and provided significant leadership in district and multi-district scholar and vocational team orientation.

"Jo was involved in one of the first Future Vision VTT global grants projects and actively supported the establishment of the World's Greatest Meal, providing organisational and financial support and advice," he said.

"She is the consummate Rotarian and there is no one more deserving of this honour than Jo."

PDG John said Jo was one of the most inspirational Rotarians in the district with a record of achievement, not only in Foundation but in all aspects of Rotary at District, Zone and International levels.

"It was my pleasure and privilege to present Jo with this prestigious award as one of my final acts as District Governor," he said. 

Congratulations, Jo, from all of us in D9560!