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A History of the Sunshine Rotary Club
The idea of a Rotary Club in Sunshine was originally conceived by the Rotary Club of Footscray in May, 1947. Finally after annual attempts a new club was provisionally formed on 7th June, 1956, and the Charter granted by Rotary International on 15th June, 1955 the Rotary Club of Footscray ceded the territory covered by the City of Sunshine and District Governor Frank Ayre appointed P.P. Fred Tucker of the Footscray Club to make the necessary arrangements.
Over 200 Rotarians and guests were present at the Charter Night on 21st September, 1956 in the Sunshine Town Hall; included in the guests were Past R.I. President Sir Angus Mitchell (R.C. of Melbourne), the Mayor and Town Clerk of the City of Sunshine and members of Rotary Clubs in District 28. The address was given by D.G. Bill Birch, R.C. of Kurumburra; and the presentation of Charter by I.P.D.G. Frank Ayre, R.C. of Melbourne.
The original office-bearers were: President: Ern Muller; Vice-President: Bill Moeser; Secretary: Geoff Venn-Brown; Treasurer: Charles Burrows; Directors. Ray Boyce, Ted Barraclough, Des Wilson; Sergeant at-Arms: Ray Carlton.
The other Charter members were: Charles Antich, Peter Boorer, Harold Drayton, Alan Ereaut, Brian Feery, Peter Gardiner, Mark Graham, Clem Gross, Fred Grundy, George Hallett, Edgar Hargreaves, Fred Heaviside, Joe Parsons, Henry Robinson, Vic Shelton, Charles Wilson, Keith Wilson.
The annual fee was six guineas and the weekly luncheon held at Blair Athol, Hampshire Road, cost 7/-. The club bulletin was commenced during the first year and a roster of duties for members was added in October, 1957. Weekly fines by the Sergeant were 2/-.
The first project of the club was the collection of wood from the Bullengarook State Forest and distribution to needy people in Sunshine and Braybrook. This initiative led to the annual distribution of wood by the local council on a larger scale.
In 1958, through the work of Ray Boyce, the club was instrumental in the formation of the Sheltered Workshop Advisory Association of Victoria and this led to the club's long-term involvement in the area of mental health.
During the 1970's the membership reached 51, but over recent years has maintained an average of 30. Nearly 300 people have held membership within the club.
Last Updated: 6 August 2006