Dave Harmon celebrates international service award for efforts in launching domestic violence programs

ROTARY Club of Ballina on Richmond member Dave Harmon has been recognised for his efforts in tackling domestic violence through community events and school education programs.

Harmon was awarded the Service Above Self award, Rotary International’s highest recognition.

The award was presented at the Ballina RSL Club in front of around 60 guests, including retired Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson, a chair of the Domestic and Family Violence Council, rotary governors and local NSW Police representatives.

Harmon has been instrumental in launching the annual domestic violence march in Ballina and the Purple Shirt campaign.

It helped the rotary club establish vital links with local police officers while rolling out the Love Bites education program into schools across the region.

“I’m very honoured,” Harmon said. “It’s not a common award. It recognises not just what you’ve done in Rotary but also in your broader community.

“The partnerships with police and community agencies are something I’m personally very proud of.”

The domestic violence campaign’s impact has been significant with more than 1,000 people participating in the march last year.

About 50,000 purple shirts have been distributed nationwide while local statistics show major increases in domestic violence reports to the police.

Staff at local pubs clubs and retail stores across Ballina now wear purple shirts on Fridays as part of the initiative.

“It started as a thought bubble, and now it’s grown into an international campaign,” he said.

“It’s something that my family and I are deeply proud of.”

Harmon, has been involved in Rotary for 12 years, previously spent 10 years with Apex.

Together with his wife Robii and fellow rotarian Jodie Shelley, he continues to champion other social causes including mental health and homelessness through the rotary club.

“It’s something I’ll look back on with pride, but for now, it’s just life as usual, continuing the work that matters in our community,” he said.