21/08/2026
🌟 Meet Our Newest Rotarians: Dave & Sharon!
Last night we welcomed Dave and Sharon into Griffith Avanti Rotary — two people with big hearts, big stories, and an even bigger passion for helping young people and families in our community.
👮♂️ Dave’s Story: From Caravan Kid to Community Cop.
Dave’s life reads like a country adventure. Born in Wagga, he spent his first five years in Eden and even started school at age 4 just to help keep the tiny school open. After two years travelling Australia in a caravan, the family settled back in Wagga — thanks to his mum, an Irish Ten Pound Pom. School days included a memorable height chart where Dave somehow went from 142cm to 140cm (we’re still investigating).
After leaving school, he worked as a carpenter across NSW, including army and navy bases, before heading to Sydney’s Woolloomooloo. Back in Wagga, Dave spent three weeks in his parents’ courier business before getting his truck licence and joining a national company. But at 36, life changed direction — Dave received the call to join the NSW Police Force. Since then he’s served in: Wagga, Jindabyne (including two hectic snow seasons)Junee, West Wyalong…then back to Junee…then back to West Wyalong. As Dave says, “We don’t work in Disneyland.”
But he does work with heart.💙
Dave’s Passion: Helping Young People Thrive. Dave has led and supported countless youth programs, including:
*Visiting preschools
*School presentations on bullying, harassment & cyber safety
*Fit for Life (Coleambally) — early morning physical activity & breakfast
*RYDA presentations
*Fit for Change — hands‑on learning with Boys to the Bush
* Mentoring, school visits and barrier‑breaking community engagement“You Should Be a Cop” days. And now, metro areas are trialling Street Cadets for young people meeting specific criteria.
Dave's met Vicki at RYDA in Leeton, learned about Rotary’s long history with youth programs like PCYC, and knew Avanti was the right place to connect and contribute.
Dave’s project idea is still forming, but he hopes to focus on children with disabilities — and we can’t wait to support him.
🧵 Sharon’s Story: Sewing, Stations & a Heart for Helping.
Sharon was born in Broken Hill and left school to work as a governess on outback stations. She later married, raised two children, and lived all over Australia — Karratha, Broome, Alice Springs — before returning to Griffith. Her career has included: Aged & disability support work and Residential property management.
She met Margo through Ten Pin Bowling, moved to Wagga for work, and met Dominic during COVID. Health challenges meant stepping back from employment, and she and Dominic returned to Griffith to be closer to family. Dominic is now establishing his music school, and Sharon enjoys sewing children’s clothing, machine embroidery and creating clever wet‑weather harness tops.
🎒 Sharon’s Project: Backpacks for Kids in Crisis.
Sharon joined Rotary because “the things Rotary does make me feel like we can make a difference — and I feel very much part of the Club.” Her project idea is thoughtful and practical:
School backpacks for children entering the women’s refuge, including: Pencil case & pencils, lunch box, drink bottle, library bag and a small comfort toy — maybe even a handmade bear. A beautiful project we’re excited to see come to life.
💛 Welcome to Griffith Avanti Rotary!
Dave and Sharon bring lived experience, compassion, humour and a genuine desire to serve. It is great to have them in the Club and can’t wait to see their ideas grow.
fans Rotary District 9705 95.1 2MIA FM Griffith
