By Derek Schlennstedt
The Belgrave Rotary Club exists to serve its community and neighbours, and on 21 June celebrated 65 years of service.
The group celebrated its 65th anniversary with a night of fun, fellowship and nostalgia.
Charter President, Kathie Thomas told The Mail about the club’s formation.
“The Rotary Club of Belgrave was chartered in June 1954 by the Rotary Club of Dandenong,” Ms Thomas said.
“We’re the oldest club in the district chartered 4 other clubs. That is Bayswater, Emerald, Ferntree Gully and Monbulk … It’s been good to see offshoot growing from what we started all those years ago.”
The celebrations held at Marybrook Manor recounted the events of the past 65 years, including the inception of the Upwey Meals on Wheel.
“The Belgrave Club founded Meals on Wheels in Upwey 50 years ago,” Ms Thomas said.
“We also support the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Services (DRERS), Soupees in Upwey and have given awards to local schools.”
“We’ve also provided support to individuals with needs – wheelchairs for example – and recently we supported the Eastern Ranges School in Ferntree Gully and raised funds for a portable collapsible stage for them to use indoors and outdoors, because the kids are very much into music.”
“It’s very much about giving back to community.”
Ms Thomas said the Rotary Club was open to any and everyone who had an interest in serving the community.
Those interested in joining are welcome to make an enquiry on their website or can come along to a meeting held every Wednesday night at Belgrave Library.
