The Rotary Club of Port Douglas Inc. awarded the Paul Harris Fellow, the highest award in Rotary, to local resident James Watson for his services to the community on Tuesday evening Feb 2nd at their meeting held at the Barrier Reef Tavern.

President of the Rotary Club, Tony Dickinson said, "Whilst James is an active member and Treasurer of our club it is his tireless services to the community that are being recognised".

The double strength audience listened intently to James Watsons touching acceptance speech and Division 10, Cairns regional Councillor Julia Leu presented him with his medal and leather bound certificate folder.

This meeting was a combined meeting of both the Port Douglas and Mossman branches of the Rotary Club because a little later in the evening a presentation was given by Past District Governor, Phil Dempster about a Rotary water project in Dili, East Timor which gave members a glimpse of the fantastic work done by Rotary the world over.

Editors Comments: I'd like to add our congratulations from Newsport to James Watson. He is a tireless worker for and supporter of the Douglas community.  His gardening prowess has shone through with his amazing work along the centre of Nautilus Street much to the delight of the residents.

His work with the Rotary Club, the Seniors Club, the Toastmasters, Tangaroa Ocean Care on the beach clean-ups, the list is endless but it seems his energy is not.  Keep up the great work but keep your well deserved Paul Harris fellow medal safe on display at home, it will only get dirty if you wear it round your neck when you're gardening !