Isabel gets gong for work with St John

Isabel Bradbury has become Katanning's second non- Rotarian community member to be recognised with Rotary's highest award, when she was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow last week.

A volunteer of 43 years with St John Ambulance, Ms Bradbury has worked extensively in the vans, on call for emergencies and promoting throughout the community.

"I have always been attached and still am; I love helping people and helping in the community and I have had a wonderful time with them," she said.

"It has been interesting to see the changes with everything - Katanning has one paramedic which we never had, and we only started off with one van, then two and now we use three or four and they are all Mercs.

"I can't even climb up into one now."

Ms Bradbury said she was surprised to find out her cousin Mabel Prosser - who she was very close to - was the first non-Rotarian in Katanning to be awarded the Paul Harris Fellow.

"I guess it has remained in the family, and although I was surprised, I am truly honoured," she said.

"It is a very high award and I was quite taken back.

"I (had) never even heard of it."

Katanning Rotary president Brent Ladyman said Paul Harris was the founder, so it was a huge honour in the Rotary world.

"We don't give them out lightly, and it is rare for us to give one to the member of the community, but we felt that Isabel was well worthy of that," he said.

Ms Bradbury was awarded at the Rotary Volunteers dinner at Katanning Country Club.

Volunteers in attendance from the bush fire brigades, Katanning Fire Service, St John Ambulance, Royal Flying Doctors Service and State Emergency Service were also presented with certificates of appreciation.