Taree on Manning Rotarian Matt Zarb named Paul Harris Fellow

The presentation was made at the Rotary District 9650 changeover in Port Macquarie by District Governor Debbie Loveday. Matt's nomination for the award was support by a letter from Don Spencer of the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF).

Matt is a professional musician which led him to be selected by Don Spencer to lead the Manning music program of the ACMF into six local schools - a project of the Rotary clubs of the Manning Valley.

"For over five years Matt threw his tremendous energy and enthusiasm into encouraging disadvantaged children and showing them how to express themselves in music - as well as giving them a much more positive view of school," Don said. "Matt has sought no thanks - seeing it as his way of giving back.

"A fond memory of his wife Lesley was when he organised the ACMF kids to perform for the first time on the Manning Entertainment Centre stage. Most of the kids had never stepped foot in that building, they didn't even know what was in there or what they were about to experience.

"When Matt is out and about, the children of Taree are excited to see him and talk about their experiences playing music with him, their eyes light up and it is clear that their lives have been changed for the better," Don said.

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Matt's capacity to change people's lives for the better has been demonstrated in many ways, those attending the district changeover dinner heard.

Matt is the man behind the Rainbow Warriors Soccer Club, which he established as a result of the greatest love of his life, being a dad.

"Matt is extremely proud of all of his children and their achievements," the dinner was told.

"Marli, the youngest of Matt's children, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Marli has given Matt an understanding of parenting a child with a super power.

"Marli and Matt have a special bond, they are always together doing things that Marli loves to do like playing basketball and watching trains.

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"Due to Matt's desire to ensure Marli is building his capacity in our community, Matt started the Rainbow Warriors Soccer Club for children with specials needs. Marli wanted some friends to kick a soccer ball with so Matt put out a call.

"Rainbow Warriors now has around 70 registered players and 15 volunteers who meet at Omaru Park in Taree every Sunday morning.

"The players form relationships and build their capacity. For some this might mean kicking a ball, for others it's about making a new friend.

"For parents it has been a safe space to meet other parents in similar circumstances and talk about things like accessing therapy, different diagnosis and just gaining support from each other.

"What it actually has become is a community of like-minded people supporting and encouraging each other.

"Matt is very passionate about what is happening on the ground and very humbled by the amount of people who offer support to make each Sunday happen. Marli no longer plays soccer, but Matt continues to be the driving force of this club as its making a difference to people's lives.

"The Rainbow Warriors was awarded Community Club of the Year by Mid North Coast Football in 2019.

"In October 2019, during the bushfires, Matt was humbled to be named Citizen of the Year in the Myall Lakes Community Awards.

"Due to COVID-19, Matt's music work dropped off and he secured work with Dundaloo Support Services as the families and community liaison. Matt shows his usual enthusiasm working within the disability sector, engaging with participants and their families, helping participants access the most appropriate services for their needs.

"Matt loves his work with the Rotary, he is always thinking of ways he can help others and Rotary is a great way of being able to do just that. Having someone with Matt's energy in the club is a regular inspiration to others."

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