Sir John Reid Community Service Award – 2012/2013

The Sir John Reid Community Service Award honours the contribution to the Club of Sir John Reid, a Past President, Paul Harris Fellow, recipient of the Vocational Service Award and member of the Club from 1936 to 1984, and recognises a person in the Victorian community whose voluntary service is judged to be worthy of special notice.

Rotarians who attended the 21st November 2012 presentation of the 2012-13 Sir John Reid Community Service Award to Robert “Mac” Adam were given a rare and inspiring insight into the world of the deaf and how they may rise above their impairment and contribute to the welfare of the world around them. 

Not a word was spoken by Mac, who is deaf, as he “signed” his entire presentation; nor did he need to in order to convey his perspectives and achievements. 

It was also poignant for members to learn that Sir John’s wife was also deaf and yet lived her life fully. 

Mac’s contribution has centered on the Victorian School for the Deaf where he has been a Board member and President over long periods between 1966 and the present, and he described some of the supportive community services provided to the deaf community over that time. 

More recently his efforts have focused on the special needs of deaf migrants, many of whom have very limited education. 

I’m sure all attendees left feeling Mac Adam was a very worthy recipient of the award.