Each year, the Rotary Club of New Farm proudly recognises individuals who embody the Rotary value of Service Above Self through the Pride of Workmanship Awards. This year’s celebration was a wonderful evening of recognition and inspiration, bringing together local professionals, community leaders, and members to honour excellence in everyday work.
About the Awards
The Pride of Workmanship program encourages pride in personal performance and publicly recognises those who display outstanding qualities in their role, consistently going above and beyond expectations. It’s about acknowledging excellence in attitude, commitment, and contribution, whether on the front line, behind the scenes, or in leadership.
2025 Recipients
We were honoured to recognise four outstanding individuals this year who embody the true spirit of dedication and professionalism.
Vanessa Jones, Via Vai
Recognised for her warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence.
Ansh Puri, SureInsure Insurance
Acknowledged for his integrity, customer care, and dedication to helping clients protect what matters most.
Zorica Stankov, Staffing Options
Celebrated for her compassion, professionalism, and tireless service supporting people with disabilities and their families.
Paige Johnson, Wombat Real Estate
Commended for her exceptional attitude, commitment to clients, and eagerness to learn, representing the next generation of professionals who bring care, consistency, and pride to every task.
These recipients exemplify what the Pride of Workmanship Award stands for, doing ordinary work extraordinarily well.
Recognition and Presentation
Each recipient was presented with an official Pride of Workmanship plaque and certificate, recognising their outstanding contribution to their profession and the community.
The awards evening was a wonderful celebration of values, commitment, and connection, held at Stratton Bar & Kitchen, surrounded by friends, family, Rotarians, and community leaders.
(Include photographs of the recipients here, for example in a four-column grid with captions beneath each photo.)
Guest Speaker: Amy Parikka, RYLA Participant
We were also fortunate to hear from Amy Parikka, our RYLA-sponsored participant for 2025.
Amy shared her personal journey of growth through the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, having attended for the past three years and serving as a leader this year. She spoke about how RYLA has shaped her understanding of leadership — from learning to lead herself, to inspiring others, and now mentoring the next generation of young leaders.
Her message reflected how the lessons learned through RYLA extend far beyond the program, creating a ripple effect of confidence, empathy, and community-minded action.
Amy expressed her heartfelt thanks to Rotary New Farm for the generous sponsorship that allowed her to attend this year’s event, helping her continue to develop and share the spirit of leadership that truly flows out into the world.
Our Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to our event sponsors and supporters who helped make this evening possible.
Stratton Bar & Kitchen
Cr Vicki Howard
The Hon. Grace Grace MP
Village Voice
XDesigns Advertising
Wombat Real Estate
Your ongoing support helps us celebrate individuals who make a real difference through their work and actions.
About the Program
The Pride of Workmanship Awards are part of a Rotary initiative that has been running for over four decades across Australia and beyond.
Rotary Clubs invite local businesses, organisations, and community groups to nominate employees or colleagues who demonstrate:
- Consistent dedication to their role
- Excellence in workmanship and service
- A positive attitude and teamwork
- Contribution to their organisation and the wider community
Recipients are not necessarily managers or business owners. They are individuals who take genuine pride in what they do, inspiring others through their commitment and example.