Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges

Posted by Tony Shields 
 

On Saturday 26 February I joined 152 other Rotarians attending the Charter Night of the newest club in our district - The Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges. It was a great turnout and the new club was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Eltham, which also sponsored Diamond Creek some years ago. I was not aware until then that our club sponsored Eltham and I reflected on how our organisation grows if we can regularly start new clubs. That was useful ammunition when I joined Eltham's bus which was driven by one of their members on the hour long drive to Toolangi Tavern where the function was held. It was an enjoyable trip and probably the longest period of fellowship without any business that I have ever had in Rotary. Over 20 Rotary Clubs were present for the dinner plus attendees from Lions, Murrundindi Council, local Members of Parliament, and various other service groups which had been involved with the bushfires. PDG Rob Lloyd was the MC and District Governor Alan Anderson presented the new club with all their paraphenalia. There were several other Past District Governors and their wives in attendance also.

Their Charter President is Brett Quilliam and he was one of many who had lost their homes on Black Saturday. He, like many of the other new members, had seen what a contribution Rotary had made to their community in those terrible days and it was this that inspired him to join us. As he said "We were no longer just friends of Rotary, but now part of the family". Their secretary is Jenny Beale, who is the wife of the Mayor of Murrundindi.

The new club has 29 members and 3 more about to join, which will make them one of the larger clubs in our district. Welcome gifts were given by many clubs although unfortunately not ours. A number of clubs gave banners but I had no idea that this was done. Perhaps one of members can visit them soon and present then with our banner. I warn you however that they were given 3 fine boxes and a coin pot, so take your wallet when you visit!