ReliefAid’s Anne Bulley has been recognised for a decade of service supporting people affected by conflict around the world.

Bulley recently received Rotary’s prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award from the Rotary Club of Whakatāne, recognising her humanitarian leadership, lasting community impact and commitment to improving the lives of others.

Presenting the award, outgoing Rotary Club of Whakatāne president Brigitte Hoskins-Goodin acknowledged Bulley’s outstanding volunteer work with ReliefAid, particularly her efforts supporting communities affected by conflict in Ukraine, Syria and other countries facing humanitarian crises.

ReliefAid delivers emergency assistance directly to families living in some of the world’s most difficult-to-reach conflict zones. More recently, the organisation has also responded to communities in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes, while continuing its long-term humanitarian programmes elsewhere.

Bulley has played a key role in ReliefAid’s communications for many years. After recently stepping down as volunteer communications director, she has joined the charity’s board while continuing to contribute in a communications leadership role. A new communications advocacy manager has been appointed.

Bulley, from Ōhope, said receiving the honour had come as a surprise.

“It was humbling to be recognised by Whakatāne Rotary for my work with ReliefAid over the past decade,” she said. “And, although I am not a Rotary member, ReliefAid has been fortunate to have the support of Whakatāne Rotary throughout these years.”