Royce and Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship and Royce Abbey Award
ROYCE AND JEAN ABBEY VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND ROYCE ABBEY AWARD
The presentation of a Royce Abbey Award will:
- Recognise a Rotarian who has demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment, consistent with Royce Abbey’s Presidential Theme of 1988/89: “Put Life Into Rotary, Your Life”
- Provide AUD$1,000 to support the Royce and Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship
- Acknowledge Royce Abbey’s Contribution to Rotary and to the Local and International community
2020-2021 Awardee: Steve Papas
2024 -2025 Awardee: Chris Lang
Chris Lang Citation:
Born in Ceduna, South Australia, and raised on a Nunjikumpita farm. Chris mastered resilience early – the kind you only get from growing up 40 miles from anywhere. From a one-teacher rural school to backpacking across Europe, he has lived more adventures than most travel bloggers, minus the selfies.
Chris Moved to Melbourne in 2001, built a two-decade career in insurance, survived redundancy, shifted industries, then somehow working at the MCG, the Australian Tennis Open, and the Local BWS. One thing has stayed constant: 30 years in Rotary. – including District 1970 Insurance Representative, District 9790 Assisitant Governor, Group Study Exchange Host, Youth Exchange Student host, walking the Kokoda Track to raise funds for Rotarians gainst
Malaria, RAWCS Volunteer Trip to the Soloman Islands, and Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a Youth Exchange Student.
Behind all the stories is the heart of it: service, purpose and joy. and the love story – 30 years with Rebecca and two accomplished kids, Emma and Jamie. That’s his favourite chapter.
As a new Rotarian, working with Chris has been inspiring, energising, and honestly just fun. He reminds us that Rotary is not just meetings and minutes- its adventure, impact and community rolled into one extraordinary life.
— Jerry Paglinawan — Bulletin Editor
