Rotarians celebrate successes as Club closes

THE Rotary Club of Wendouree officially closed this month after sixty-four years of service to the Ballarat community.

Concluding with a meeting at the Ballarat Golf Club, the 13-member-group made their last donations; $7500 to Yuille Park Community College’s junior school, and the same amount to Ballarat Hospice Care.

Having formally handed back their charter, a few tears were shed.

President of three-and-a-half years Valerie Sheil said “in its heyday” the organisation had over 70 members representing diverse professions.

Involved for the last five years, being a part of the group has been a “lovely” experience for her.

“We’ve been great friends. I’ve loved the giving to the community, the friendships, meeting everyone, and the inclusivity,” she said.

“The Club putting confidence in me as president is a huge compliment I will never forget.

“When we sat down… and had the silent vote to close, it was a very big, difficult and sad decision.”

Some of the Club’s highlights include supporting a school in Vanuatu, launching the Ballarat Careers Expo with Ballarat Grammar’s Parents and Friends, and the Ballarat Swap Meet combined Rotary fundraiser.

Daryl Chester joined Wendouree Rotary 43 years ago, following in the footsteps of his late father who was a charter member in 1958.

“There’s always been a Chester as a member, and I’ve been president, treasurer and held lots of positions,” he said.

Mr Chester has enjoyed his service to the community, doing “all manner of things” to benefit many causes, locally and internationally.

“When I first started, we were cutting wood for pensioners, and we built a cubby house for the children’s home.

“The Ballarat Careers Expo… has grown, and grown, and shows young people that they have options,” he said.

“We’ve enjoyed working at the swap meet with all the other Rotary clubs, and the fellowship which we’ve got over the years in our Club has been the major thing.”

An active member for 53 years, Doug McKnight said joining up was the “best thing I’ve ever done.”

“The friendships created, the people I’ve met, and the involvement has been really good,” he said.