THE Rotary Club of Wendouree officially closed this month after sixty-four years of service to the Ballarat community.<\/p>\n
Concluding with a meeting at the Ballarat Golf Club, the 13-member-group made their last donations; $7500 to Yuille Park Community College\u2019s junior school, and the same amount to Ballarat Hospice Care.<\/p>\n
Having formally handed back their charter, a few tears were shed.<\/p>\n
President of three-and-a-half years Valerie Sheil said \u201cin its heyday\u201d the organisation had over 70 members representing diverse professions.<\/p>\n
Involved for the last five years, being a part of the group has been a \u201clovely\u201d experience for her.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been great friends. I\u2019ve loved the giving to the community, the friendships, meeting everyone, and the inclusivity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Club putting confidence in me as president is a huge compliment I will never forget.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we sat down… and had the silent vote to close, it was a very big, difficult and sad decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some of the Club\u2019s highlights include supporting a school in Vanuatu, launching the Ballarat Careers Expo with Ballarat Grammar\u2019s Parents and Friends, and the Ballarat Swap Meet combined Rotary fundraiser.<\/p>\n
Daryl Chester joined Wendouree Rotary 43 years ago, following in the footsteps of his late father who was a charter member in 1958.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s always been a Chester as a member, and I\u2019ve been president, treasurer and held lots of positions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Chester has enjoyed his service to the community, doing \u201call manner of things\u201d to benefit many causes, locally and internationally.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I first started, we were cutting wood for pensioners, and we built a cubby house for the children\u2019s home.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Ballarat Careers Expo… has grown, and grown, and shows young people that they have options,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve enjoyed working at the swap meet with all the other Rotary clubs, and the fellowship which we\u2019ve got over the years in our Club has been the major thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
An active member for 53 years, Doug McKnight said joining up was the \u201cbest thing I\u2019ve ever done.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe friendships created, the people I\u2019ve met, and the involvement has been really good,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s junior school, and the same amount to Ballarat Hospice Care. Having formally handed back their charter, […]<\/p>\n