Long-standing Rotarian named Local Legend

A DEDICATION to the Surf Coast spanning more than 20 years has been acknowledged by the region with the announcement of the Surf Coast Shire’s newest Local Legend.

Long-serving Rotary Club of Torquay member Amanda Hough has contributed to initiatives ranging from the grassroots level to the international level over the past two decades.

She has played a crucial part in a variety of events that have become staples on the Surf Coast calendar, such as forming part of the first committees to hold the annual Torquay Motor Show and Torquay Book Fair.

Ms Hough said the concept of Rotary was something that appealed to her since the beginning.

“I like the fact that we only raise money to give it away.

“We don’t hoard it, and often – often and ideally – you may never meet the people who benefit from Rotary’s support.

“To give without the need for thanks, that’s true giving.”

Among her local contributions, Ms Hough, alongside her fellow Rotary members have provided an ambulance for a slum in India, witnessed Rotary’s contribution to plastic and burns surgery on children in Borneo, and has been “part of causes bigger than the individuals”.

Ms Hough also considers her inspiration and work in helping establish the new $1.8-million Winchelsea Medical Clinic as a particular highlight in her “good ideas” portfolio.

“I’m a nurse at Winchelsea Medical Clinic and we saw that we needed to have a larger clinic to meet the needs of the growing community, so we built our own,” she said.

“Quite a few of us put in our own funds and we designed a purpose-built clinic.

“Doctors and nurses put a lot of hard work into it, and we used mostly local trades. We received a government grant which supported the building of a clinic to meet what we thought would be needed in 10 years’ time.

“As it turned out, the regional population unexpectedly grew during COVID, and we are thankfully now well placed to meet the community health and medical needs.

“Now we’ve got a fabulous clinic with outstanding doctors, nurses and allied health clinicians, all working in a purpose-built clinic.”

Ms Hough recommended other Surf Coast residents consider volunteering.

“Volunteering is a ticket to meet local people and the collective effort of each individual accumulates to make a difference,” she said.

“And you make friends. I’ve made friends in Rotary who have become really, really good friends, and it would be likewise for people with Lions, sporting groups, Rubbish Rangers, food bank, the SES or whatever.”

Surf Coast Local Legends is a shire-run recognition program to celebrate people and groups, nominated by residents, in the region that help the community and environment to thrive.