There were fears Col Lee might not live to see it.

But on Saturday, Ballina on Richmond Rotary Club’s only surviving continuous-serving charter member stood before a packed changeover lunch to help celebrate the club’s 40th anniversary.

Mr Lee, who had suffered kidney failure, was back smiling, healthy and telling stories after receiving a kidney donated earlier this year by his wife, Julie.

The anniversary coincided with the club’s annual changeover luncheon, with outgoing president Rob “Chilly” Chilman handing the presidential chain to incoming president Phil Maguire.

Throughout the afternoon, members proudly described Ballina on Richmond as “the best Rotary club in the world” — a reflection of the affection felt for one of Australasia’s largest Rotary clubs.

Mr Lee was presented with a commemorative plate recognising his 40 years of service as the club’s only continuous surviving charter member.

A club built on community

Mr Chilman paid tribute to Mr Lee’s contribution, saying words alone could not adequately describe what he had meant to the club.

“You are our only remaining charter member, and for 40 years you have lived the Rotary motto of service above self,” he said.

Mr Lee said the club had been a huge part of his life.

“I’ve been so privileged,” he said.

“It’s a way of life, and it’s a way of a good life. We’ve done some great things, we’ve met some great people.

“But no greater person than the lady beside me.”

Mr Lee thanked Julie for donating a kidney, saying he looked forward to many more years with Ballina on Richmond Rotary.

In a wide-ranging speech, Mr Lee reflected on the club’s early years, fundraising ventures and community projects, often keeping the room entertained with stories that involved scrub clearing, fires, alcohol and methods he admitted would probably not get past today’s rules.

He said what had always made the club stand out was its commitment to raising money to support the community.

Above: the cutting of the 40th anniversary cake with (L to R) incoming club president Phil Maguire, outdoing president Rob Chilman, the club’s first president Alex Arrighi (1986-87) and fellow foundation club member Col Lee.

Main image: Col and Julie Lee with the special plaque presented in honour of his long Rotary service, including multiple Paul Harris Fellow honours

From local fundraising to disaster recovery, youth programs, domestic violence prevention and international aid, the club has played a major role in Ballina community life for four decades.

That work has included sending drugs, equipment and other supplies to developing countries, supporting local charities and helping families through some of the region’s toughest moments.

Awards recognise service

The celebration also included the presentation of prestigious Paul Harris Fellow awards, named in honour of Rotary International’s founder.

Ballina Coast High School teacher Matthew Harmon was recognised for his work with the club’s domestic violence prevention initiatives, including helping pioneer the Love Bites respectful relationships program and take it into schools nationally.

Mr Harmon is the son of club members Dave and Robbii Harmon, who have been central to the club’s nationally recognised domestic and family violence prevention work.

Long-serving Rotarian Jodie Shelley, one of the club’s best-known faces, was also presented with a Paul Harris Fellow award.

She was recognised for her extensive behind-the-scenes work across communications, fundraising, domestic violence awareness campaigns, social media, club publications and major community projects.

Ballina on Richmond Rotary Club’s executive team for the year ahead.

Matthew Harmon (far right) is presented with the Paul Harris Fellow award, with outgoing club president Rob Chilman and Rotary district governor John Oomen.

The presentation of Rotary’s distinguished international award to high-profile club member Jodie Shelley drew wide applause.

Col Lee honoured with a lifetime membership of Paradise FM community radio, with General Manager Jenny Ellenbroek.

In another surprise presentation, outgoing Paradise FM general manager Jenny Ellenbroek awarded Mr Lee life membership of Paradise FM.

Ms Ellenbroek said the honour recognised the key role Mr Lee and Ballina on Richmond Rotary had played in the formation and continued success of the community radio station.

She said Rotary had contributed about $60,000 to Paradise FM over the years, including a recent $10,000 donation that helped the station begin replacing vital equipment during a difficult period.

Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader told the gathering the club had helped shape the community for four decades.

“The measure of a community is not simply the buildings we construct or the roads we pave, it’s measured by how we care for one another,” she said.

“By that measure, Ballina is incredibly fortunate to have had this club serving our community for the past 40 years.”