From supporting bushfire victims and building a swimming pool at Blue Gum Lodge to growing successful Australia Day and Gnome Convention celebrations and conducting popular village market days, Lower Mountains Rotary had done it all.
The club has supported an orphanage in Kenya and a school in Papua New Guinea and provided clean water for a Fijian village whilst supporting the world wide call to “End Polio Now”.
The club celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Penrith Regatta Centre on November 6 where 120 Rotarians, partners and friends – past and present – came together to reminisce and inspect an impressive line-up of memorabilia.
Veteran Rotarian Bob Aitken AM was master of ceremonies and current president Michelle Fisher welcomed all to the glittering celebration.
Rotary International Immediate Past Director Noel Trevaskis OAM from the NSW South Coast was special guest – along with District Governor Susan Wakefield OAM and a host of other senior past officers.
Noel Trevaskis proposed a toast to Rotary International and Lower Blue Mountains Rotary, praising the club and members for an outstanding record of service crammed into 50 years.
He highlighted the club’s outstanding leadership pointing to no less than nine past, present and future district governors and lavished praise on members for the amazing value they have added to the local community and quality of life.
Current Governor Susan responded to the toast and provided two surprise presentations – recognition of the club’s 50 years by Rotary International President Barry Rassin of the Bahamas and a special presentation from Rotary International to the club’s sole remaining charter member Bill Peard.
Australia’s premier bush poet Greg North provided delightful entertainment with his recitation of a poem written for the occasion – “Fifty Years and it’s Fun!”.
Mr North remained until late in the evening to sign copies of the 50th anniversary poetry classic.
A delicious anniversary cake baked and iced by Rotarian Irene Morrison complemented the superb Regatta Centre meal. Fittingly, the cake was cut by charter member Bill Peard (87) and the club’s second longest serving member Paul Henningham OAM (97).
Resident Rotarian artist Michael Harriden sketched 16 caricatures of members and the ensuing sale created plenty of fun and excitement – as did the drawing of major anniversary raffle prizes: a night out for two (hotel accommodation and two tickets to Jersey Boys) sponsored by Jim Aitken and Partners; a dinner cruise for two on the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler sponsored by Nepean Belle owners Chris and Carol Bennett; a dozen bottles of fine wine sponsored by club past presidents; and a dinner for two voucher sponsored by the Regatta Centre.
President Michelle wrapped up the evening with a warm vote of thanks to co-chairs of the planning committee Sue Parnell and Joan Dennis - and all members who worked tirelessly to ensure its success.
