Three awards just all in the family for the Blackleys of Leopold

Andrew Mathieson
A THIRD member of a Leopold family to be honoured with an international service award has paid tribute to her sick mum and dad who have dedicated 50 years to community organisation Rotary.
But the Paul Harris Fellow for humanitarian achievements is the last thing on Jenny Blackley’s mind.
Dad Bill, who suffers pulmonary fibrosis, is hooked up to an oxygen tank every minute of the day.
Mum Peggy has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, forcing Jenny to move back into their Leopold home to care for both parents and a disabled brother.
“It’s about keeping the family together, which is important because that lets them to go off to be able to do these Rotary things that I want them to be able to do,” she said.
Drysdale Rotarians believe the Blackleys are the first Australian family to be awarded the prestigious fellowship three times.
A former secretary, Bill wrote computer programs for the club’s annual art show, which had Peggy as a driving force.
“It’s nice recognition because, with dad being as sick as he is, he may not be able to do much more with Rotary,” Jenny said.
“But he hasn’t finished, as far as he sees it. He’s still a Rotarian and always will be but, as for what he can do, I don’t know.”
A talented musician and a paid teacher, Jenny’s talents first lured her into the service organisation two decades ago. She has since helped with the art show and Rotary car rallies at Eastern Beach.
“The family had a music business and we would take an organ or a piano each (Rotary) changeover night and play music for the members and that’s how I got involved with my dad,” Jenny said.