MICK Doyle’s dedication to the restoration of the Emmaville Cottage has led to him being named as a Paul Harris Fellow at the Rotary Club of Orange changeover dinner recently.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
When Mr Doyle was president of the Rotary Club of Orange in 2012-2013, he took on the role of co-ordinating the restoration and relocation of Emmaville Cottage, thought to be the birthplace of Banjo Paterson.
It is also one of the last remaining links to the historic Narrambla property, the first wheat-growing property in the central west, and Mr Doyle is passionate about this slice of Orange’s past.
“The Narrambla history is a wonderful history, and Banjo was one of the stories, but not the only story,” Mr Doyle said.
“It’s a wonderful mystery to where Banjo was born, and Emmaville Cottage is one of a few possible locations.”
After volunteers donated 2000 hours of their time and hundreds of thousands of dollars were donated in the way of materials and services, the homestead was officially handed over to the Orange City Council members in February this year.
A Paul Harris Fellow can be named by a Rotary club in recognition of a person’s dedication to community and service, and Mr Doyle said he had never expected to received the award.
“You feel quite humble, and to be recognised alongside some of Rotary’s most outstanding members is an honour.”
alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au
