Dr Larry Fingleton and Dr Roger Hargraves were inaugurated as Paul Harris Fellows by the Rotary Club of Bathurst East on Wednesday evening.

The award, named after Rotary International founder Paul Harris, recognises Rotarians who have significantly contributed to “making our world a better place to live”.

Rotary Club of Bathurst East president Terry Mahony said both doctors were nominated for their substantial support of Rotary.

“The Rotary Club of Bathurst East have chosen doctors Fingleton and Hargraves because they possess and clearly demonstrate those values and attitudes that are at the core of Rotary,” Mr Mahony said. “In a nutshell, they are committed to service beyond self.”

Mr Mahony said both doctors had “an outstanding reputation for patient care”.

“Dr Fingleton and Dr Hargraves have both provided outstanding commitment to the community and excellence in the field of medicine,” he said. “They don’t only treat the medical problem, they treat the whole person in an empathetic and genuinely supportive, caring manner. Seeing patients lead richer lives motivates them.”

Doctors Fingleton and Hargraves have also volunteered and worked in developing countries. They were part of a Rotary medical team that provided disaster aid in northern Sri Lanka after a tsunami in 2005.

“Bathurst was very fortunate in 1987 to attract both these outstanding surgeons to our city,” Mr Mahony said.

“They have not only demonstrated – but also excelled in – that core human value of service beyond self.”