Rotary club celebrates 60 years

With an extra six months, member Tony Mason has had time to reflect on all the club has achieved in its long innings — and what is to come.

“A heck of a lot has changed over my 20 years in Rotary, not just over 60 years,” Tony said.

One of the rules from the club’s early years was that membership was restricted to one person from each vocation in order to prevent the club from being dominated by one particular group.

Another early ruling, that has since been overturned, banned women from becoming members.

The club has always played a pivotal role in the development of Tatura, providing funds for many facilities in the town.

These have included the Gatehouse Gardens, Stuart Mock Place in Francis St, toilet facilities in Cussen Park, Tatura Hospital, netball courts and many more.

The most recent project comprised the installation of an outdoor gym fitness station.

Funds from the club have also helped create other community groups, including the historical society which today is considered by many as one of the top historical centres in Victoria.

Other funds from Tatura Rotary have allowed residents to experience things they might have never been able to, perhaps the most notable of these have been through the Rotary Exchange program.

Since its inception, the exchange program has allowed many young Tatura residents the opportunity of spending a year overseas to broaden their outlook on life, while also allowing international youths the chance to experience life in regional Victoria.

Looking past its belated 60th celebrations, Tony is hoping that new blood will reinvigorate the club and ensure its future growth in the years to come.

“We would love more members and especially young people who can pitch in, even for a half-an-hour — our groups are vital to the community,” he said.