By Matthew Sims
The Rotary Club of Kooweerup-Lang Lang has looked back on its 50-year history and has looked forward to the future.
On Sunday 5 May, former and current members shared their memories, brought along memorabilia and reflected on the club’s history.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cranbourne, the club was first formed on 21 November 1973, with Lin Patison the District Governor at the time.
The club granted its charter on 21 January, carries the signatures of the former Rotary International president William Carter and former secretary Harry Stewart,
Beginning with 25 members, the charter presentation took place at The Windsor in Dandenong on the 3 May 1974.
Col Utber was the charter president, with other charter members including John McCurdy (vice president), Brian Vanina (secretary), Ken Male (treasurer), Lindsay Black, Bob Campbell, Bob Charlesworth, Rob Cornell, Peter Elliot, Col Fell, Mal Fry, Doug Hamilton, Keith Hardeman, Gordon Jeffers, Max Jepsen, Max Kneebone, John Mills, Bruce Mason, Bruce Nixon, John Ridgway, Don Stanley, Bob Stewart, Brian Tonkin, Noel Uren and George Wilson.
Founding members John McCurdy and George Wilson attended the 50th anniversary celebrations.
Secretary Casey Hamblin said the club has helped the South East community and beyond during its 50-year history.
“The club has achieved a lot in 50 years, including an annual charity golf day that has been running since 1975, the famous Lang Lang Show and Shine, international exchange students between 1979 and 2017, the annual community carols, and many more community events, projects and services,” she said.
“All proceeds from these events are donated to many worthy causes, such as End Polio Now, Disaster Aid Australia, bushfire recovery, local schools, student sponsorships, and more.
“The Rotary Club of Kooweerup-Lang Lang appreciates the privilege they have in contributing to, and building a strong community, and hope to do so for many more years to come.
For more information about the club, meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 6.30pm at the Lang Lang Bowling Club.
