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Alan Grady
way of life . When his wife passed away two years ago , he found solace in keeping busy with his Rotary commitments and other community projects .
One of Alan ’ s favourite parts about being in Rotary is the opportunity to meet people and work together to create positive change . Over the years , he has travelled overseas nine times to participate in Rotary projects , each trip bringing its own set of challenges and rewards .
His most memorable experiences include visiting Nepal four times and working on projects in Samoa . In Samoa , he helped build a workshop for a disabled school , while in other locations , he contributed to essential infrastructure projects such as constructing water tanks at hospitals and schools and improving community halls . Working alongside fellow Rotarians , Alan enjoyed the friendship and sense of accomplishment that came with each successful project . Alan has enjoyed another passion for almost as long as he has been in the Rotary Club , a long and fulfilling pastime as a pilot , spanning 35 years . Growing up in Lithgow , he was fascinated by the planes that frequently flew overhead and dreamt of becoming a pilot . It took him a few years to obtain his license , but he eventually spent weekends flying and later purchased his own aircraft after retiring .
Alan flew across Australia , with some
of his longest flights including Sydney to Broken Hill and Sydney to Longreach , where he benefited from a favourable tailwind . Although he stopped flying in 2013 , his love for it remains a cherished part of his life ’ s journey .
As well as his volunteering in Rotary , Alan and his late wife were involved in the Castle Hill Day Club , sponsored by the local RSL sub-branch . The club provided elderly men and women with a place to socialise , play games , and enjoy meals together . Alan served as a bus driver , picking up attendees and taking them home . He did this for five years , while his wife had been involved for 15 years . Unfortunately , the program ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic , but Alan cherishes the memories of helping others in this meaningful way .
Recognising the importance of social connections for retired men , Alan is also a charter member of the Hills Older Men ’ s Network . The group meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at the Senior Citizen Club in Castle Hill . It provides a welcoming space where men can gather for coffee , engage in discussions , and simply enjoy each other ’ s company .
“ Like Rotary , it has kept me sane since I retired ,” Alan says . “ Once you retire , you need something to do and a reason to get out .”
The network is a valuable community initiative , fostering friendships and
mental well-being among older men who might otherwise feel isolated . Through these gatherings , Alan and his peers continue to support one another while sharing experiences and ideas .
Alan ’ s decades of service were officially recognized when he was awarded Hills Shire Council ’ s Senior Citizen of the Year on Australia Day . However , he nearly dismissed the honour , initially believing the nomination email was a scam . It wasn ’ t until he learned that journalist Bev Jordan had nominated him for his work with Rotary that he realised the significance of the recognition .
“ I wasn ’ t that keen about making a fuss about anything ,” Alan admits .
But after reflecting on his 50 years of contributions to Rotary and the broader community , he felt proud of the achievement .
Bev decided to nominate Alan after she saw him give a talk about some of his most impactful Rotary projects . His son and daughter also attended the presentation and were impressed to see their father ’ s dedication .
For Alan , service has never been about recognition or accolades — it has been about making a difference . From his early days in Rotary to his ongoing efforts
Alan ’ s well deserved Australia Day Award .
in sending medical supplies overseas , building schools , and supporting local community programs , Alan embodies the spirit of giving back . His contributions have left a lasting impact on countless lives , both in Australia and across the world .
As he continues to stay active in Rotary and community initiatives , Alan remains an inspiring example of how one person ’ s dedication and generosity can create meaningful change . Whether through organising fundraisers , packing medical supplies , or simply sharing a coffee with fellow retirees , Alan Grady ’ s legacy is one of kindness , perseverance , and an unwavering commitment to serving others .
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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 117 // MARCH 2025 7