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ELSIE CUMMINS:
Mother of three children and grandmother to six, including one step child.
Foster mother to one boy for ten years and another at week-ends for
eighteen months. Helped with extra curricular activities, fund raising,
etc at schools. Owned and operated nine Child Care Centres in NSW and
Queensland over a period of 17
years,
with six
of these in NSW being operated at the same time. Currently own one,
Crestmead, licensed for 75 aged 15 months to 12 years with staff of 15,
Has been involved with the Child Care Industry at State level and wrote
handbook to assist centres to get accreditation. For 30 years was Office
Manager of shopfitting/cabinet making business in Sydney operated with
husband, Gary, and employing 10 to 14 permanent staff.
Director of three companies. Served on Board of Directors of the
VIEW Club at Lugarno, NSW for three years. Secretary of St. Vincent de
Paul Society at Nerang for one year and Vice-president for last three
years. Member of the Parkwood Rotary Club for the past 7 years with
service as Director of Youth Service for three years, Vice-President
1996/97 and President 1999/2000. In addition to maintenance of RYTS, RYLA,
RYPEN AND MUNA, organised District
New Generations Conference, introduction of Youth Encouragement Awards and
initiation of the Peer Support Foundation in south east Queensland - now
operating in approximately 43 schools. Served as member of the District
Youth Exchange Committee.
Enjoys
decorating and design and commenced business, Pots and Decor, with
daughter, Nerine in 1998 - now operating at Harbour Town. (2001)
The Club
remembers with deep affection Past President Elsie Cummins, Paul
Harris Fellow and Honorary Member who died on 31 October 2010.
Invitation to Memorial Service
on 28 November 2010 as
designed by daughter, Nerine.
There was a big response from family, friends and
Rotary members with a large gathering at the home of Elsie and Gary, 388
San Fernando Drive, Worongary on the afternoon of 28 November 2010.
Members of the family present with Gary and Nerine were daughter,
Sharelle and husband Mal Hurley; and son, Geoff and wife Lisa Cummins
with their daughters Amy, Emily and Elise.
Past Presidents of the Club
present were Ken Nelson 1995/96; Peter Richards 1996/97 and again for
2000/01; Lyn Nelson 1998/99; David Rolle 2001/02; Margaret Grummitt
2002/03; Mark Kent 2006/07; John Tunnicliff 2009/10 and current
President Paul O'Neill. Also present was Ken Alderton who was Secretary
for 1998/99 and again for 1999/2000 when Elsie was President.
Margaret Grummitt presided and explained that a family funeral service
had been held in Sydney but it was the desire of the family and members
of the Parkwood Rotary Club that a gathering be arranged on the Gold
Coast as a Memorial Service. Respect for the enterprise of Elsie
over many years and her lifelong service to others was apparent from
the large gathering present.
Sharelle gave an excellent outline of Elsie's life from the time of her birth at
Dubbo NSW in humble circumstances to a life of achievements. Past
District Governor Ken Smith spoke of the leadership Elsie had provided
for Rotary at Club and District levels and quoted several instances of
the generous support that Gary and Elsie had provided during the period
of their membership. In addition others present spoke of Elsie's
work with St Vincent de Paul and additional aspects of her Rotary
service.
In a brief closing remark and prayer Noel Grummitt reflected on the achievements of Elsie and Gary
and their service of
significance in the community.
It was an emotional but inspiring afternoon in recognition of a fellow
Rotarian, who lived life to the full; was a devoted wife, mother,
grandmother and foster mother; displayed exceptional leadership and
business skills; was tenacious in face of adversity; always
concerned with the welfare of youth and throughout her life ever
mindful of the needs of others both locally and internationally.
Slideshow of photos taken by Nerine on 28 November 2010 as a record
of a memorable day for Gary and his family.
Photos Click each photo to enlarge
Honour Board of Presidents and
Secretaries
GARY CUMMINS:
Details of the life and work of Gary may be found
here.
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