Australia Day Honours recognises Rotary volunteer John Given

Cherrybrook Rotary’s John Given has achieved the highest honour — the Scottish native has been recognised in the Australia Day Honours list for his efforts in his community.

John Given was recognised in the Australia Day Honours List. Picture: Troy Snook

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For Rotary volunteer John Given, life has shown him the very best in everyone — that is what inspires him to give back to his community.

John Given worked with former NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione to thank police officers for community service. Picture: Troy Snook

The Cherrybrook resident and Rotary Club of Sydney director is being recognised for his service to the community as part of the Australia Day Honours.

“Life has been very good to me, so I am always looking for different ways to give back and recognise those that give it their all,” Mr Given said.

“No matter how bad someone is, there is always good within them, you just have to be patient enough to see it.”

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Mr Given, who was introduced to the charitable organisation by late friend Douglas Markell, founded Rotary’s New South Wales Police Officer of the Year Award with the support of former NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione.

“I couldn’t give back to the community without the unwavering support of my wife,” he said.

“And I think my mother, who has taught me to be a fighter, will be shocked when I head home to Scotland to tell her.”

The Cherrybrook resident also volunteers with the West Pennant Hills/Cherrybrook Soccer Club — thanks to his childhood love of the sport.

“There is nothing better or more important than teaching the fundamentals of sport and the right way to play,” he said.

“I want to help raise a well rounded Australian sport star — not like Kyrgios or Tomic — and that is why I coach at a grassroots level.”