Page 8 - Rotary Matters - October 2020

Rotary Club of Waikerie
On Saturday 26th May 1962 a meeting of 23 prospective members was held in the Waikerie Hotel where
a decision was made to form the Rotary Club of Waikerie. The club was admitted to membership on
10th August 1962 with 27 members and on Saturday 10th November 1962 the Charter was presented
by the District Governor, Mr H H Cartledge in the presence of 350 guests and visitors.

The Sponsor Club was the Rotary Club of Loxton and still today both Clubs have strong membership and
ongoing Community Projects.

Rotary in Waikerie enjoys respect and status in our community because of the strength of its membership
and the quality of the many projects undertaken by the members.

There also is a long history of support to The Rotary Foundation, Australian Rotary Health Research
Foundation, Polio, Shelter Box, Indigenous Health Scholarships and many Australian and International
projects. The Club also has been involved in District and International Grants.

The decision in 1964 to open an Opportunity Shop to receive, sort and sell second-hand clothing to those in
need from the wider community has proven to be the most strategic decision made by past Rotary members.

Operated as a project by members and partners the turnover has grown from the modest early days (10
years to total $7,000) to now over $65,000 per year. This project has also given the “Friends of Rotary”
the opportunity for Community Service, Fellowship and Community Support and has provided a stable
funding base for the Club to undertake its local and wider projects.

Alan Hillier The Rotary Foundation

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