Service org to reestablish roots

A VOLUNTEER community service organisation once active in Golden Plains Shire is set to be revived in the region, with members looking to develop a club early next year.

With the nearest clubs based in Ballarat and Beaufort, Apex Australia’s regional communicator for Western Victoria, Tim Glenton, said it’s been his mission for the past six months to bring the organisation back to the Shire.

“There hasn’t been a club there for about 30 years ago,” he said. “There would have been 10 clubs in Geelong and I’m pretty sure Bannockburn had one and maybe Rokewood.

“My goal is to bring it back and give people an option to get involved in their community either through social or service or both.”

Apex, like Lions and Rotary, is aimed at helping the community through fundraising and other support initiatives.

The organisation has its roots near Golden Plains Shire, having been established in Geelong in 1931.

The two nearest operating clubs, Ballarat/Eureka, and Beaufort have about 25 to 30 members in total.

With 10 members needed to re-establish, the new club will likely be called Golden Plains Central and based between Rokewood and Cape Clear and surrounds.

Apex members held a stall at a car boot sale at Cape Clear on Saturday to garner interest, which Mr Glenton said saw some success.

“We had quite a few come and register interest so they’ll be invited to the next event,” he said. “It looks like it’ll get off the ground.

“We’re looking to hold a community barbecue in Rokewood likely in January. Towards the end of that month into early February, we’ll hold a public meeting to get the club formally started.”

Mr Glenton, who’s been with Apex for seven years, said it’s important to keep the organisation alive.

“My key driver is to promote that volunteerism and community service and the benefits you can get out of it,” he said.

“Community centres and things like that have limitations on what they can do. Having an Apex club as part of that broader umbrella gives you better access to projects and resources and assurance.

“It’s getting out there and doing that hands-on stuff like cutting firewood for someone that’s struggling, helping people out with that direct assistance. It’s also a real social community.”

To sign up for the new Apex club, email Mr Glenton at [email protected].