By John Granger
Hearing the name ‘Caulfield’ resonates in different ways. There’s the Jewish community who have, for a number of generations, made Caulfield and surrounding suburbs significant areas of worship and havens for wonderful Jewish cuisine. As well, the architecture of the area’s houses – particularly the retained and restored California bungalows – celebrates the rapid development from the 1900’s through to the 1920’s. Caulfield has also been a significant area for all levels of education with Caulfield Technical School (founded 1922) after a series of amalgamations, becoming Monash University (Caulfield campus) in 1990.
And, of course, there’s the famous racecourse and the Caulfield Cup. Generally regarded as Australia’s toughest flat race, it’s where, since 1879, the hopes of owners, trainers and punters have been either wildly celebrated or rudely dashed. The area that incorporated the old Caulfield council (now Glen Eira) boundaries is huge and includes parts of Kooyong, Glenhuntly, Hawthorn, Orrong, Glenferrie and North Roads. Also within the bounds is the Brighton General Cemetery, the resting place of Sir John Monash.
The Rotary Club of Caulfield was chartered on 23rd February 1962 and, as a compact unit, the Caulfield Rotarians have tended to steer their endeavours towards hands-on local projects. Significant amongst these is the ‘Bee Aware’ project that involves educating the community on the role and critical importance of bees in environmental sustainability. Two beehives have been established and a continuing partnership with Rotary Canterbury aims at furthering the program.
In May this year, the Club, with local artist Anthony Breslin, will reveal a 75 panel ‘Mural for Murrumbeena’ to celebrate the 100 years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand. Rotary Caulfield was also involved in a city presentation and a walk around Albert Park to publicise Rotary’s continuing crusade to end polio worldwide and with other Rotary clubs, has been prominent in assisting with drought relief.
Engagement with the community has continued with the recent provision of a free Australia Day Brunch and the financing and refurbishment of a garden water reticulation system at Caulfield South Community House.
President Ian Kirkwood advises that club meetings are still in ‘COVID-mode’, but a return to weekly Thursday gatherings at The Meeting Hub (Thursdays at 12.45) 438 Neerim Road, Murrumbeena is imminent. Rotary Caulfield is small, but unstoppable, and its achievements reflect a close-knit band of friends who ‘just roll up their sleeves and get stuck in’.