1
2
President’s Opening Remarks
This book is a tribute to the many every-day, but
extraordinary, men and women who, under the banner of
Epping Rotary, have given of their time, their talents and
their money to change lives and build community over a
period of 50 years.
It portrays the human face of many outstanding projects,
and provides a fascinating insight into the nature of the
Club over the years and how it has changed over each
decade since its charter in 1962.
What’s in it for me?
For former Epping Rotarians, it’s a wonderful and nostalgic trip down memory
lane.
For current Epping Rotarians, it’s a source of ideas, interest and inspiration; also
of pride to appreciate the achievements of the Club over the last 50 years.
For local historians, it’s a unique insight into the activities of a significant
contributor to service within the community.
For the casual reader, it’s an uplifting story of human interest, a story of dreams
of making a difference turned to reality with the help of like-minded people.
Enjoy!
Finally, a word of acknowledgement. This book could not have come into existence
without countless hours of voluntary effort collecting, compiling, writing and editing.
There could not be a more capable or appropriate person to lead the authorship; Graham
Stevens, in addition to twice being President of Epping Rotary and holding several
Rotary District level positions, has been a major ‘mover and shaker’ behind many of the
projects that the Club has undertaken in its more recent history. So my heartfelt thanks
to Graham; and also to Paul Clune and Stan Ledger, without whose dedication to
preserving the Club’s history and Paul’s many direct contributions, this book would not
have been possible.
Chris O’Brien
President 2011-12,
Rotary Club of Epping Inc
Chris O’Brien
President, Rotary Club of Epping Inc
2011-12
3
Rotary International President’s Message
4
Foreword by Andrew Tink If ‘to give – not to receive’ was Paul Harris’s main
motivation for founding Rotary in 1905, no club in
Sydney’s Northern District, renowned for its volunteer
spirit, has demonstrated this better than Epping Rotary.
During the last half century, the club has generously
supported local hospitals, schools, and community
groups. Among other things, it has helped to fund a
Coronary Care Unit at Ryde Hospital, promoted debates
between Epping Boys’ and Cheltenham Girls’ High Schools and constructed the Epping Guides’
hall.
Since the year 2000 alone, over $300,000 has been raised for local and overseas community
projects and charities. But countless initiatives have also been hands on including painting at
Karonga Special School, the rebuilding of a mobile canteen, local graffiti removal, RYDA and the
Terry’s Creek Walk.
As Epping has changed since 1962, so has the club. This sense of changing community is well
captured in the club’s different banners – the first featuring the Channel 7 tower, the second
highlighting Epping Station’s heritage building and the third depicting the eastern water dragon
found on the Terry’s Creek Walk.
It would be a mistake to think that Epping Rotary’s focus has always been local. Disadvantaged
communities in places as far afield as Nepal, the Philippines and Vanuatu have received
generous assistance for dental, cleft palate and eye programs.
The Club has also been at the forefront of leadership within the Rotary movement itself,
providing two District Governors in succession during 2007-09. This provided an unparalleled
opportunity for Epping Rotary’s successful formula to be emphasised in wider forums,
especially the District Conferences held at Bathurst and Newcastle in those years.
But Epping Rotary is not just a place of good works; it is also a place for good fellowship among
other places at the Everglades Restaurant, Araluen, the Epping Club and Boronia Grove.
However the most exotic venue must have been in Siberia where a number of Epping Rotarians
and their partners enjoyed the hospitality of the Irkutsk Eco Rotary Club.
Graham Stevens, Paul Clune and Stan Ledger have collaborated to produce this highly
informative and delightfully readable tribute to fifty years of Rotary in Epping. It is also an
important work of local history which will no doubt be a valuable reference book within the
Hornsby, Ryde and Parramatta Library networks for years to come.
Andrew Tink 28 April 2012.
Andrew Tink was a Member of the NSW State Parliament for 19 years as the Member for Eastwood 1988-99 and the Member for Epping 1999-2007. In that time he held a number of shadow portfolios including 11 years as Shadow Attorney General and he was Leader of the House. He was an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Epping from 2003 to 2007. In 2009 Andrew completed the first biography of William Charles Wentworth. His most recent book is a biography of Lord Sydney
5
Contents
President’s Opening Remarks ........................................................................................................ 2 Rotary International President’s Message ...................................................................................... 3 Foreword by Andrew Tink ............................................................................................................. 3
Preface ............................................................................................................................................ 7 The Spark and fire of it All .................................................................................................... 7 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................ 8 Other Contributors ................................................................................................................. 9
Chapter 1 – The Swinging 60s ..................................................................................................... 10
Epping in 1960s ........................................................................................................................ 10 Charter of Epping Rotary granted June 15th 1962 ................................................................... 11
The Pedigree ......................................................................................................................... 11 The Charter Members .......................................................................................................... 12
.................................................................................................................................................. 12
The Club ................................................................................................................................... 13 The Club Banner .................................................................................................................. 14
The Projects .............................................................................................................................. 15
Epping Guide Hall ................................................................................................................ 15 Carols in Forest Park ............................................................................................................ 16 Youth Exchange 1968 ongoing ............................................................................................ 16 Seniors’ picnics 1963 to 1993 .............................................................................................. 19
Chapter 2 The Contributing Seventies ......................................................................................... 21 The Club ................................................................................................................................... 21
Fellowship ............................................................................................................................ 23 Rotannes 1972-2005 ............................................................................................................. 24 Epping Rotaract Clubs 1970-1984 and 1994-1998 .............................................................. 26
Our First Sister Club Relationship-The Rotary Club of Tokyo Ikebukuro Japan 1971
ongoing ................................................................................................................................. 27 Our Probus Club Success Story ........................................................................................... 29
The Projects .............................................................................................................................. 31
Epping Flea Markets 1973-1982 .......................................................................................... 31 The Epping Rotary Catering Van 1976-2009 ...................................................................... 32
Pride of Workmanship Awards 1979 ongoing ..................................................................... 33 Ryde Hospital Coronary Care & Intensive Care Unit.1979-80 ........................................... 34
Chapter 3 The Golden Eighties .................................................................................................... 36 The Club ................................................................................................................................... 36
Fellowship ............................................................................................................................ 38 The Projects .............................................................................................................................. 42
Microsearch Concerts at the Opera House 1982 and 1992 .................................................. 42
High School Debates 1983 ongoing ..................................................................................... 43
J. W. Langston Memorial Epping Scholarship 1984 ongoing ............................................. 44
Polio Eradication 1985 ongoing ........................................................................................... 45 St John Ambulance Caravan 1986 ....................................................................................... 46 Camp Breakaway –Wyong 1987 ......................................................................................... 47
Chapter 4: The Nineties a Decade of Change .............................................................................. 49 The Club ................................................................................................................................... 49
Fellowship ............................................................................................................................ 50 Rotary Friendship visits ....................................................................................................... 51
Ikebukuro, Japan 1978 ..................................................................................................... 51
China International Goodwill Mission 1993 .................................................................... 52 China 1998 ....................................................................................................................... 52
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South Africa 1999 ............................................................................................................ 53
Great Siberian Railway Adventure 2007 ......................................................................... 53 Women in Epping Rotary ..................................................................................................... 55
A New Sister – the Rotary Club of Monza Ovest 1998-2009 .............................................. 56 The Projects .............................................................................................................................. 57
Eastwood Sunday Markets 1993-1997 ................................................................................. 57 Floods Earthquakes and Bushfires ....................................................................................... 58 RAWCS International Projects 1995-2007 .......................................................................... 59
Nepal ................................................................................................................................ 59 Vanuatu ............................................................................................................................ 60
Meadowbank Mystery Tour 1997 ongoing .......................................................................... 61 Carols in Boronia Park 1997-2009 ....................................................................................... 62 M2 Opening 1997 ................................................................................................................ 63
Primary School Debates (The Roy Sadler Trophy) 1998 ongoing ............................................. 64
Golf Days 1998 to 2002 ....................................................................................................... 64 Chapter 5 The New Millennium .................................................................................................. 66
Epping in the new Millennium ................................................................................................. 66
The Club ................................................................................................................................... 67 Two District Governors ........................................................................................................ 68 2008 District Conference ..................................................................................................... 71 District Conferences engender fellowship ........................................................................... 74
The Rotary Foundation ........................................................................................................ 75 Australian Rotary Health ...................................................................................................... 76
The Projects .............................................................................................................................. 77 The Terrys Creek Environment Project 2001 ...................................................................... 77 The RYDA Program ............................................................................................................ 79
Epping Street Fair 2005 ongoing ......................................................................................... 81
Graffiti removal .................................................................................................................... 82 Youth Programs ................................................................................................................... 83
RYLA ............................................................................................................................... 83
RYPEN ............................................................................................................................. 84 NYSF ................................................................................................................................ 84
Chapter 6 Rotary Today and the Future ....................................................................................... 85
Epping Today ........................................................................................................................... 85 The Club Today ........................................................................................................................ 85
The Meetings ........................................................................................................................ 85 The Members ....................................................................................................................... 86 Fellowship ............................................................................................................................ 87
The Projects .......................................................................................................................... 88 Fundraising ........................................................................................................................... 88
The Future ................................................................................................................................ 89 Appendix 1 – Past Presidents ....................................................................................................... 91
Appendix 2 – Membership Today .............................................................................................. 103 Current Members ................................................................................................................... 103 Honorary Members ................................................................................................................ 113
Appendix 3 Epping Treasures .................................................................................................... 117 Appendix 4 The Walker Family – a 50 year continuous link .................................................... 122
Appendix 5 History in photos .................................................................................................... 125 Appendix 6 Epping Members 1962 to 2012 .............................................................................. 135
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Preface
“During the summer of 1900, Paul Harris was invited to dine with a
lawyer friend and after dinner he and his friend took a walk, during the
course of which they called on several neighborhood stores and shops of
various kinds and at each visit his friend introduced him to the proprietor.
Paul was deeply impressed with the events of the evening walk. His host
had evidently found a good many friends among the business men in his
neighborhood.
Paul’s clients were business friends but they were not social friends, and he
wondered if there were any reason why he could not make social friends of
his business friends, at least of some of them. He conceived of a group of
business men banded together socially; then he thought that there would be
an especial advantage in each member having exclusive representation of
his particular trade or profession. The members would be mutually
helpful….
In 1905 he resolved to organize such a club. Who should be asked to join?
Of one thing he was certain—they must be friendly men. The literature of
the period, most of which was the work of Paul, emphasized the business
advantage of membership. Prospective members were frequently appealed
to directly on the basis of business gain. But even here is a distinction,
subtle though it may seem. The prevailing thought was to give—not to
receive. Giving was more reconcilable with the other thing that went along
with it—friendship.
The net result was that those who came into the club for the sole purpose of
getting as much as they could out of it were disappointed and dropped out.
Edited extract from “The Founder of Rotary Paul P Harris”
Rotary International 1928;
The vision of a world-wide fellowship of business and professional men united in the
ideal of service had yet to come but the foundations of the organisation had been laid.
Since that time Rotary International has grown to 1,213,500 members in 34,145 clubs in
530 Districts in 210 countries. For the past 50 years the members of the Rotary Club of
Epping have been part of that great organisation.
The Spark and fire of it All
“Our Anniversary history has revealed outstanding achievements of our beloved Rotary Club
since the day of its charter fifty years ago.
How did it all happen? Who made it happen one may ask. The answer is simple It has been the
committed, professional and dedicated men and women who joined our club over the years,
who sought out needs in the local Community, raised funds and fulfilled them. They made it
happen. They maintained an interest in improving the lives of the disadvantaged and elderly
in our community and the well being and personal development of young people here and
overseas.
8
They also had a vision beyond the local scene. They could see clearly that they were members of
a prestigious worldwide organisation carrying out projects around the world for the betterment
of humankind, such as the elimination of Polio and projects that lift the lives of the poor
and needy in many countries and one strongly dedicated to peace.
It does well for each Rotarian to be confident and always remind ourselves of the fact that
each one of us is a member of such a wonderful worldwide circle of people endeavouring to serve
humanity when and where we can, wherever we may be in the world we have friends with shared
values.
Throughout the fifty years of our club’s there has been a great strong thread of fellowship that
has woven its way through it all, has bound the membership together and has been a basis for
uplifting one’s approach and experience in membership of our Rotary Club. It has been
Fellowship together with friendship and commitment and dedication to Service above Self that
has been a driving force in the club in the past. This was each member’s motto and mantra. The
Four Way Test was also their guidance as the club grew and became the great club it is and no
doubt will continue to be.” Paul Clune
Acknowledgements
The Rotary Club of Epping has been uniquely served by PP Paul Clune and Rotarian
Stan Ledger who have documented the history of the club every year since its inception.
Their work is preserved on the club’s website www.eppingrotary.org.au as a testament
to the contribution of members each year through their involvement in meetings, social
activities, fund raising events and community service projects both locally and
internationally. It documents the coming and going of members and how our funds were
earned and distributed. It provides readers with a tangible record of the contribution
that Epping Rotarians have made to the local community on a day to day basis.
In completing this story of Contribution and Achievement we have drawn on the official
history but also the memories and reminiscences of members past and present, in an
attempt to put 50 years of community service into perspective, to provide personal
insights into what motivates members, and to look to the foundations of many of the
great programs that the club has embarked on over those years.
We have also looked at the club in the context of changes in Australia and the local
Epping community that have occurred over the period and speculated where Rotary and
the club might be heading over the next 50 years.
Paul Clune and Stan Ledger without
whose efforts much of our history would have been lost
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It is our hope that by better understanding the history and traditions of the Club, current
and future members will lift it to even greater heights.
We thank those current and past members who have taken the time to document their
memories of this great club.
In any endeavour of this type not all events or activities will be captured and some may
question the prominence given to one event over another. As editors we have tried to
present a balanced and comprehensive view. We will leave it to the readers to judge our
success.
PP Paul Clune PP Graham Stevens
Other Contributors
PP Ken Beacom
PP Max Breckenridge
PDG Tony Castley
PP John Corney
PP Ian Dence
Rtn. Arch De Pomeroy
Rtn. Wal Dover
Rtn. John Fenessy
PP John Goddard
PP Ray Hosking
President Elect 2012-13 Bruce Jacob
Rtn. Stan Ledger
PP Ian Mackay
PP Athol Mc Coy
Hon Rtn. / PP Algy Morris
Rtn. Bob Nash
Rtn. Betty Ockerlander
President 2011-12 Chris O’Brien
PP John Payne
PP Doug Rae
PDG Monica Saville
PP Graham Simons
Rtn. Bob Smeallie
PP David Stewart
PP Alan Thomas
PP Cees Thurmer
Rtn. Don Townsend
PP Peter Tugwell
Hon Rtn. Diane Walker
PP Ken Walker
Rtn. Pam Waugh
Rtn. Stephen Wright
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Chapter 1 – The Swinging 60s
Epping in 1960s
When the Rotary Club of Epping was chartered in 1962, it was part of an expanding
suburb. New housing developments in North and West Epping brought an influx of new
families into the area. New High Schools at Epping and Cheltenham had been built to
cater for educational needs the post war baby boomer generation, and a new primary
school was opened in North Epping to cater for the growth in that area. While there was
some migration from overseas into the area, in the early 1960s less than 5 percent of the
population was born overseas.
The Epping shopping centre had developed separately on the east and western sides of
the main northern railway line, and provided a diversity of shopping experience from
menswear, shoes and ladies fashion, jewellers, TV and radio repairs, hardware,
pharmacists, cake shops, service stations, a produce merchant, a timber mill, hotel,
picture theatre, post office, bakery, several banks and a building society, two estate
agents, a newsagent, local newspaper, a laundry, clothing manufacturer, and a co-
operative building society. Complementing the Chinese Restaurant in the Beecroft Road,
an enterprising restaurateur had constructed the Golden Inn on Kandy Avenue with its
own on site parking. Barry Scotts had completed a new shopping arcade between
Beecroft Road and Rawson Streets. A PMG line depot stood on the site of the current
Epping Community Club. Moran and Cato’s grocery store had given way to a new idea
from America, a “self serve” super market. By today’s standards it was tiny but it was a
big innovation for Epping.
Houses in Ray Road and Bridge Street, Oxford Street and Cambridge Street were starting
to give way to apartments. There were signs that change was in the wind.
To cater for the growing population scouting and guide units flourished, the Seals
swimming club was formed at the new Dence Park Pool, new sporting clubs like the
Epping Rams Rugby Club were formed and the YMCA took possession of its new hall.
The tennis courts at Rockleigh in Essex Street and Midson Road were packed and the
croquet club and Central Epping Bowling club were thriving.
With the growing community came a need for more facilities like scout and guide halls,
kindergartens, schools, libraries, hospitals, sporting fields, bowling clubs and meeting
rooms for senior citizens. The Poplars Community Hospital in North Epping, established
in the 1920, run by local doctors, and the birthplace of many of the post war baby
boomers in the suburb, was the pride of the community.
There was also pressure on existing infrastructure and plenty of demand for parents and
community minded people to get involved in maintaining and repairing existing
buildings and facilities. Older institutions like the Dalmar Children’s homes and Lottie
Stewart Convalescent Hospital relied heavily on community financial support and
volunteer help for painting and maintenance tasks and to help with their fund raising
efforts
11
It was into this environment that 26 local business men came together in 1962 to form the
Rotary Club of Epping. Not surprisingly most of the charter members were local
businessmen who had premises in Epping, a veritable who’s who of the High Street.
Charter of Epping Rotary granted June 15th 1962
The formation of the Rotary Club of Epping was rapid. On 22nd May 1962 proposed
members of the club were invited as guests of the Rotary Club of Ryde to St. Anne's
Church Hall Ryde. A further meeting was held on 6th June 1962 at the home of Eric and
Vera Allars.
On 11 June 1962 the proposed members met at the Everglades restaurant Epping at 6pm
for an organisational meeting chaired by District Governor Sleath Lowry. Officers were
elected and the club's Constitution and By-Laws adopted. The charter for the formation
of the club was granted by Rotary International on 15 June 1962 and at that date the
membership was 26. The first meeting of the club was held at Everglades 18th June, 1962.
On 10th September 1962 twenty seven members were inducted by District Governor Ed
Hill, the first District Governor of District 268, and Epping's Charter was presented by
Past District Governor Sleath Lowry in the presence of 450 Rotarians and wives in St.
Albans Church of England Memorial Hall. Lloyd Gollan was Charter President.
On 29th October 1962 official visits were made by Rotary Clubs of North Sydney and
Ryde. At that meeting the clubs presented a silver salver to PP Eric Allars in appreciation
of his work in the formation of the Epping club and President John Edmonds of Rotary
Club of Ryde, our mother club, presented a cheque for ₤122.8.2 ($224.83) representing
the surplus of funds after the expenses of the charter night.
There were three remarkable features of the formation of the club: firstly the charter was
granted within a record short time of four days due to the expertise of District Governor
Sleath Lowny, secondly Epping was the last club formed within the boundary of the
previous District 275, (the northern portion of which became District 268 on 1st .July
1962), and thirdly, because the Charter was granted so quickly the club never met as a
provisional club
The Pedigree
In 1921 two Special Commissioners arrived in Australia with credentials from the Board
of the International Association of Rotary Clubs in Chicago, to establish Rotary in
Australia and New Zealand. At that time there were only 800 clubs in the United States,
Canada and the British Isles.
The Rotary Club of Sydney held its inaugural meeting on 7 May 1921, with 35 members.
In 1926 the Rotary Club of Sydney chartered the next Sydney club, the Rotary Club of
Parramatta. In turn Parramatta chartered a number of clubs including the Rotary Club
Burwood in 1939. In 1946 Burwood Club chartered the Rotary club of Ryde and Epping
12
Rotary is one of the five daughter clubs of the Rotary Club of Ryde.
The Charter Members
All of the charter members either worked in or had businesses in Epping.
Ryde
1946
Rydalmere
1955-2008
Hunters Hill
1958
Gladesville
1978
Epping
1962
Carlingford 1972
North Rocks
1994
E-Club of Greater Sydney
2011
Eastwood
1967
Ryde North
1978
Macquarie Park
2006
Back Row (L to R) Frank Hunt (Menswear); Wal Heiron (Motor Repairs); Wal Cooper (Watch Repairing); Col
Kirkwood (TV and radio repairs); Russell Walker(Radio and TV repairs); Stuart Beck(Painting and Decorating);
Bill Jennings(Sec) (Accountancy Services); Norman Charge(Garage Services); Rev Bert Parker(Minister of
Religion) Jock Brodie (Insurance-Life);
Middle Row John Niccol (Newsagency;) Jack Rae (Pharmacy); Les Booth (Dentistry); Bill Sterland (Groceries
Retailing); Lloyd Gollan (P) (Optometry); Cec Chambers (VP) (Primary Education); Arthur Walker (Electrical
Contracting); Frank Bloom (Poultry –Wholesale); Ken Rhodes (Real Estate); Bob Watson (Treas) (Banking);
Front Row: Bruce Scotts (Property); Ron Jacobs (Feed and Grain Retailing); George McIntosh (Menswear);
Barry Catt (Nurseries); Jim Hawkins (Building Construction); George Heath (Insurance – General)
13
The Club
At the time the Rotary Club of Epping was chartered, Rotary International had only been
in existence for 58 years and consisted of 11,400 clubs and 509,000 members worldwide.
In Australia there were 462 clubs and 18,851 members.
Epping Rotary in the 1960s was a very formal affair; the charter members had the benefit
of the considerable Rotary experience of Lloyd Gollan, Arthur Walker and Jack Rae, who
had been long term members of Ryde Rotary. They brought with them the traditions and
rituals of that club. Each meeting commenced with the loyal toast and the singing of
Rotary grace. The President with his newly acquired chain of office would sit at the head
table flanked by the Secretary and Treasurer. The Charter was displayed each meeting
together with a photograph of the Queen on the wall and the Australian flag. Anything
less than a suit and tie was frowned upon and members would not have contemplated
anything more casual for the weekly meeting. Meetings followed strict protocols. Each
three months and on special occasions like changeover and Christmas, club members
would invite their wives to attend a ladies night and ladies would attend dressed in their
finery.
All of the 26 charter members had businesses in Epping or worked and lived in the
Epping area; that was a strict membership condition in the early years, and the Club
boasted a weekly attendance rate in excess of 90 per cent.
The charter members reflected the diversity of the Epping shopping strip in the 1960s.
There was an optometrist, pharmacist, minister of religion, motor mechanic, menswear
shop proprietor, bank manager, building society manager, school principal, property
developer, insurance salesman, nurseryman, newsagent, produce merchant, real estate
agent, TV and radio repairer, watch maker, printer, grocer, as well as an electrician,
builder and painter and decorator
As a sign of the time the Rotary club bulletin of the new club was called RIM (Rotary in
Men)
In 1963 District 268, as it then was called,
organised its first District Conference at
Katoomba, The registration cost was $2
and members from Epping Rotary
attended. A very young Diane Trayor
made her debut at the Rotary Ball with
partner Russell Walker, the youngest
member of the fledgling Rotary club
In 1963 the club was shattered by the tragic
death of one of its charter members Rev
Bert Parker the local Congregational Church minister, who was killed returning from his
holiday home on the Central Coast. The planned Girl Guides Hall in Brigg Road Epping
was named in his honour.
Shortly before the Epping club was Chartered in 1962
Russ asked me to accompany him to my first Rotary
meeting at Everglades, Dence Park Epping. I was 16, in
my first year out of high school, and my knowledge of
Rotary then, was zero. The guest speaker happened to be
Miss Bessie Mitchell, the first principal of Cheltenham
Girls High School. I was quite traumatised when faced by
my past high school principal, as my only other close
encounter with her was receiving a detention for wagging
scripture class.
Another significant moment in my life came 1963 when I
was a debutante at the Rotary District Ball with Russ as
my partner. We were presented to District Governor Ed
Hill. Di Walker
14
Early projects of the club included supplying books for patients at the Poplars
Community Hospital, sending books to PNG, painting the Isabelle Pulsford
kindergarten in Bridge Street. A young watchmaker Wal Cooper was very much
involved in starting the annual Carols in Forest Park and organising picnics for the
elderly from Shalom nursing home, a passion he would retain for the whole of his Rotary
career
In 1966 three members Lloyd Gollan, Jack Rae and Arthur Walker and their wives visited
PNG to inspect the work that the club had being done with local schools.
In 1967 the club sent out its first youth exchange student Narelle Sonter to Lacombe in
Canada, The following year the club received its first inbound student Marylin Nelson
(Stelfox) from the same club in Canada. There was some drama when Marilyn's flight
from Canada was diverted to Melbourne due to an airline strike and Epping Rotarian
Russ Walker contemplated driving to Melbourne to collect her. Fortunately a club in
Melbourne was able to take her in and send her to Sydney the next day. That however
was too late for the celebratory dinner that the club had planned in her honour
In 1968 the club, together with Ryde Rotary co-hosted the D268 District Conference held
at Macquarie University on behalf of District Governor Gordon Harmon of Manly club
At June 1970 the club membership stood at 43. It had inducted 46 new members and had
seen 29 members depart. Only ten of the original charter members were still in the club,
Stuart Beck, Les Booth, Wal Cooper, Lloyd Gollan, Bill Jennings, John Niccol, Bill
Sterling, Arthur Walker, Russ Walker and Cec Chambers. Two of the Charter Members
PP Russ Walker PHF (Sapphire pin) and PP Wal Cooper PHF (sapphire pin) recently
passed away, achieving just short of 50 years continuous membership of the Club.
The Club Banner
Original Club Banner 1962-1997
Second Club Banner 1997-2003
Current Club Banner 2003 -
One of the Rotary traditions is for members visiting other clubs, particularly overseas, to
provide the host club with your club banner. The first banner received by Epping Rotary
15
was from the Rotary Club of Hunters Hill in July 1962. The banner usually has been
designed to reflect some aspect of the area in which the club operates.
Epping Rotary's first banner was designed in February 1963 by a Mr. Petley and
represented the ATN 7 TV tower, an iconic structure in Epping in the 1960s built to
coincide with the introduction of television into Australia in 1956.
The banner was redesigned in May 1997 to depict Epping railway station in 1905. The
design was taken from a painting commissioned by PP John Hayes, at a time when the
historic platform buildings were being torn down for a redevelopment of the station.
Andrew Tink, former State Member for Epping and a past Honorary Member of the Club
recalls:
“The station building depicted in the banner is the oldest station building between Strathfield
and Hornsby and is now well over 100 years old It had been under threat during the
redevelopment of the station but I successfully lobbied the then Transport Minister to save it
from demolition with help from Epping Rotary and the Epping Civic Trust. Unfortunately a
second station building, dating from 1927, which the Minister refused to reprieve, was
demolished.”
In 2003 the banner was again redesigned to depict the eastern water dragon, a common
sight during the construction of the Terrys Creek Walking track.
Over 50 years the club has accumulated many hundred banners from other clubs and
Rtn Stan Ledger did a marvellous job laminating them so that they can be used as place
mats on Rotary special occasions
The Projects
Epping Guide Hall
In 1963 Howard (Jum) Land, a builder and President of the Epping Girl Guides
Association approached Epping Rotary for assistance to build a Guide Hall on a site at
the corner Blaxland Road and Brigg Road Epping. The parents had undertaken
fundraising and had enough money for materials. The site had been leased to the Guides
by Hornsby Council for a peppercorn rent.
President elect Arthur Walker readily accepted
the challenge to build the hall and the
foundation stone was laid in December 1964. In
the previous year Rev Bert Parker the Epping
Congregational Church minister and charter
member had been killed in a road accident and
it was decided to name the hall the “Bert Parker
Memorial Hall”.
Epping Rotarians were able to bring to the project building skills, the services of an
electrician, painter and general willingness to get involved. They were also able to use
their influence to source material such as the concrete for the foundations cheaply. The
16
building was erected within six months for a budget of
$11,000. The project was not without incident. When President
Arthur Walker broke his wrist, his son Ken, who was also a
member of the club, used some broken fibro to splint the wrist.
This first aid measure was not highly regarded when Arthur
arrived at the Ryde Hospital casualty department.
The hall was officially opened on 26th June 1965 by Miss
Eleanor Manning OBE, Chief Commissioner of the Girl
Guides Association of Australia. The
opening was also attended by ATN 7
personality Mavis Bramston who was very well known and
popular character at the time.
The Club re-established its links to the Guide Hall on 29th May
2010 when it dedicated a memorial to Past President Russ
Walker on the front wall of the building next to the foundation
stone laid by his father, and planted a memorial tree. This
celebrated Russ’ membership of the Club from 1962 to 2009. Subsequently the Club has
used the hall as a venue for its annual austerity night dinner.
While the Guide Unit was disbanded for several years it has recently been re-established
and the hall is still an important community asset.
Carols in Forest Park
Wal Cooper loved to sing, he was in the church choir and the Rotary song master so it
was a natural progression for him to suggest that the club should organise Carols in
Forest Park each Christmas. Wal’s Church would tell the Christmas story and provide
the choir and Epping Rotary would sell candles and hand out song sheets. The first
Forest Park carols in 1966 raised $150 for the club and the carols continued until 1986.
In 1982 the club joined with ATN Channel 7 to assist with their carols. ATN had decked
out its television tower at Mobbs Lane with Christmas lights and this tradition continued
until the site was closed in 2000. The ATN carols continued until 1994. In the last year
the club raised $1,000 from the sale of candles and food from its catering van.
Youth Exchange 1968 ongoing
Youth Exchange is an official program of Rotary International and allows around 8,000
students to exchange annually to around 60 different countries.
Rotary Exchange students spend one year living in another country, usually with three
or four host families. The exchange offers students the opportunity to learn another
language, experience different foods, study different subjects, enjoy a new culture and
enjoy a new way of living it allows students to learn a great deal about themselves and
gain confidence and self-sufficiency.
The ambassadorial nature of the exchange promotes world understanding and peace.
During 1965 my good friend
Harold (Jum) Land suggested I
might like to assist him in helping
Rotary with a project to improve
the Epping Guide Hall. As I had
two guiders in my family this
began a long association with the
Rotary movement, and
introduced me and my family to
the joys of work and fun in the
community’s interest.
Ian Dence
17
Epping Rotary first became involved in Youth Exchange in 1968 when it sent its first
exchange student Narelle Sonter to Canada. In the following year Marylin Stelfax from
Canada became our first inbound student. “I recall the excitement for the arrival of the first exchange student, Marylin from Canada in 1968. A welcome
party was arranged at ‘The Land’s home, her first host parents. She was due to arrive on a Sunday morning
when unexpectedly the day before a Sydney airport strike was called, and her flight was diverted to Melbourne.
Fortunately a Rotary contact in Melbourne rescued her. Although Russ and his brother Ken had volunteered to
drive to Melbourne to pick her up.
Russ and I were Marylin’s second host parents. I was only five years older than her. Our friendship has
continued since and on the three occasions we have shared visits in Canada & Australia, it’s as if the years
between just melted away
Di Walker
Over the years Epping has sponsored 44 outbound students and hosted 38 inbound
students. In all 13 children of Epping Rotarians have participated in youth exchange, 7
sponsored by Epping Rotary and 6 sponsored by other clubs in the District. The most
popular destinations has been Japan (8) followed by USA (6) and Denmark (5)
The Rotary Youth Exchange program relies heavily on host parents, both in the
sponsoring and receiving clubs. Many members have been host parents to students
over the years and found it to be a very rewarding experience, often leading to long
term friendships.
“Margot and I enjoyed our involvement with the Youth Exchange programme. It was marvellous to watch
the transformation of a number of the students during their year in Australia and I’m sure the benefits
will be lifetime. We were host parents to 4 students and still have a close attachment to the 2 girls from
Scandinavia, both of whom are now married with young families. The programme was under the
committed leadership of the late Roy Sadler who ensured that it ran smoothly”
Graham Simons.
Host parents are also responsible for the safety of the children while they are on exchange
and sometimes the unexpected can happen:
“The year I was International Director we were hosting Tom an exchange student from USA. We visited
Dee Why. Tom had never seen the ocean before and was amazed. We plunged in the surf and were enjoying
ourselves. I turned to warn Tom of a possible rip and found he was battling to stay on his feet, walking
across the main rip. We quickly went to his aid and fortunately we managed to drag Tom out of harms
way. This was a good warning.”
Arch De Pomeroy
For many years PP Roy Sadler and his wife Heather were the club’s youth exchange
counselors, heavily involved in the welfare of both the inbound and outbound exchange
students. Roy and Heather would take the students under their wings as soon as they
arrived, setting up bank accounts, arranging their school enrolments and organising
uniforms so the transition was as smooth as possible. Every student inbound and
outbound would receive regular hand written letters of encouragement from Roy in his
beautiful script, and he and Heather used to keep in touch with the inbound students
long after they had returned home. Roy would say that he knew that non English
speaking students had settled in and adapted when they started to dream in English
18
“A highlight of my year as President was the
presentation of Order of Australia Medal to Roy
Sadler for service to youth, particularly through the
youth exchange programme of The Rotary Club of
Epping” Ian Mackay
PP John Corney was the District Youth
Exchange Chairman for a number of years
and he provides this perspective on the
program
The Youth Exchange program had its
beginnings in quite early days within
Rotary (1920s). In Australia, the earliest exchanges occurred in the 1950s with Taiwan.
However by the early 1960’s the organisation of exchanges was being managed globally by the
Rotary Foundation. By the rules of the Foundation, no member of Rotary can benefit from
the Foundation’s activities so the children of Rotarians were unable to participate in
exchanges. Eventually the Rotary Youth Exchange Program was taken out of the ambit of the
Foundation to eliminate the restriction.
In the 1960’s in Australia most exchanges were arranged as a club-to-club exchange. Later it
evolved into a District-to-District exchange so now the inbound student a club takes does not
have to be from the same place as the destination of the outbound student.
In the 60s, 70s and 80s the cost of international travel was significant and the opportunity
for a young person to travel and live overseas for 12 months was particularly attractive.
Accordingly there was quite a lot of competition for places in the program. With the increasing
availability of international air travel in the 90s and on into the 21st century, the novelty
has worn off and there is not as much competition for places. However the intangible benefits
gained are just the same. Rotary’s supervised exchange program is not as attractive to young
people as the less structured “gap” year programs now available. There are thousands of
organisations providing student exchanges worldwide and hundreds of thousands of students
participating each year.
The structured nature of the Rotary program appeals to the parents more than the students.
Amongst the benefits to the student of participation in an exchange, the growth in self-
confidence which it fosters is particularly significant.
From Rotary’s perspective the main benefits of the RYEP are
it delivers to our community young people more tolerant and rounded by their year
in another culture
it gives them experience of how other families organise their lives by comparison to
their own family
It fosters world friendship and understanding by the hundreds of contacts the two
students (inbound and outbound) make with other people during their year away.
These contacts cannot be replaced by the words of politicians or the accessibility of
the internet. Ultimately it is the combined effect of millions of such contacts which
forges the attitude of people in one country/culture to those of another
country/culture.
Roy and Heather Sadler
19
It expands the contacts between the Rotarians and others who are involved in the
management of the RYEP worldwide, starting with the host families.
One factor which has impinged on the operation of the RYEP exchanges is the ease and reduced
cost of international communication and the effect of social media services. Communication
has progressed from letter writing and a few phone calls a year to faxes and calling cards,
then to mobile phones and now to Facetime, Skype and Facebook. This leads to problems with
some students running up huge phone bills but more importantly students now aren’t forced
as much to resolve issues themselves, but can rely on others back home or across the world to
help them instantly. There are still problems to be solved but they’re different ones!
One aspect of youth exchange has not changed. Many students choose to participate in youth
exchange because they hope to “reinvent” their personality in the process – to escape from
personality traits they perceive they have (rightly or wrongly) and to become a better person.
Rotarians need to be cognisant of this aspect of the RYEP program and assist the students we
host to develop as they hoped within the rules laid down by the program for the safety and
benefit of all participants.”
John Corney
Seniors’ picnics 1963 to 1993
Our Club has a long history of supporting our local senior citizens including many years
association with Shalom and Willandra Aged care Facilities of Baptist Community
Services.
In the early days, picnics were the order of the day and over the period 1966 to 1993 there
were nine outings for the residents of Shalom and Willandra
In November 1966, April 1968 and August 1969 PP Wal Cooper and PP Ken Walker
organised picnics at Bobbin Head
In September 1970 Rotarian Bob Nash organised another Senior Citizens’ Outing to
Bobbin Head for the residents of Shalom and also on this occasion for the residents of
nearby Willandra, In February 1972, the outing was organised by Rotarian Mal Mitchell.
In September 1972, Rotarian John Dunn organised a car drive. The picnics lapsed for a
number of years, although members still supported a range of seniors’ outings, lunches,
and concerts organised by other groups like Christian Community Aid
In December, 1990, Rotarian Bob Smeallie reintroduced the annual outing, inviting sixty
elderly and lonely people from
Shalom to a Christmas picnic.
Bob organised a similar outing in
1992 and Wal Cooper combined
a picnic with a paddle boat ride
for the residents in Lane Cove
Park in 1993
Simply recording the timing of
the outings understates the contribution of Service above Self, by so many members in
the club who contributed their time and the use of their vehicles, also the planning and
Seniors picnic 1992
20
fund raising to support the outings and the contribution of the Rotary wives and
Rotannes supplying the afternoon tea. All of these things ensured the enjoyment of so
many and were a fitting prelude to the Rivercat Cruises which commenced in 1997.
21
Chapter 2 The Contributing Seventies
The Club
“A knife and forker - Never!” was the members’ catch cry that heralded the Contributing
Seventies. Active contribution was the order of the day. The club started the decade with
42 members and ended with 60 members, a net increase of 18 for the period.
Club meetings were quite formal with a structured agenda
combined with humour, particularly from the sergeants of
the day. It was considered quite an honor to be invited to
join the Club. Fellowship was most paramount and was the
very glue that bound the club together as it went about
raising funds and contributing with a hands-on perspective.
1971 saw the inauguration of the Sister Club relationship
with Ikebukuro Rotary Club in Japan. And the first of a
number of Youth Exchange students coming from and going
to Japan
In 1972 we sponsored our daughter club, the Rotary Club of Carlingford, which became
one of the most successful clubs of our district
Members enjoyed a sense of achievement through the many hands on projects, such as
erecting fences and undertaking renovations at the Poplars Community Hospital,
painting and building a bus port at Dalmar Children’s Homes, renovating and painting
the Scout Hall, painting at Karonga Special School House, We also installed a clock at
Epping Arcade and a drinking fountain at Poplars Hospital in memory of Charter
Member, PP Arthur Walker who passed away in September 1973.
Two buses were presented to Karonga School for handicapped children and the club
donated $10,000 to various charity appeals as diverse as, The Darwin Disaster Appeal,
The RPA Hospital, Christian Community Aid Eastwood and Shoes for Lepers in New
Guinea
Our first flea Market in March 1974 raised $1,400 with Rotannes playing a significant role
in its success.
The Member of State Parliament for Eastwood Jim Clough was inducted as an Honorary
member of the Club “on the floor” of State Parliament. Over the years the club has had
the privilege of inducting as Honorary Members the sitting Members for Epping,
Andrew Tink and later Greg Smith SC MP.
When the Headmaster of the local
Primary School knocks on the
front door, you might be forgiven
for wondering which one of the
three kids is in trouble. I was
relieved to know that Horrie
Mendham had called to invite me
to join Epping Rotary. This
began, for me, 22 years of
pleasure in the friendship of
number of men and their families
Don Townsend
22
A burnt out tandem axle caravan was rebuilt and became the famous and well worked
catering van of the club, which, became a source of so much vital finance to support the
club’s projects throughout the years. It also earned the club an Achievement Award from
Rotary International for the building and development of the Van
High School Debates between Epping Boys’ High and Cheltenham Girls’ High Schools
commenced. These debates were prior to those which were held in later years competing
for the Cec Chambers Memorial Trophy.
The largest Rotaract Club in the Southern Hemisphere was sponsored and organised by
our Club. We also established our first Probus Club –The Epping & District Men’s Probus
Club, which made a significant contribution to and benefit for the lives of retirees of our
local community
Charter President, Lloyd Gollan, became our first Paul Harris Fellow.
It was indeed a busy and contributive decade. Some
twenty five fundraising events were conducted by the
Club raising in the vicinity of $28,000. The events covered
Bowls and Golf Days, Fetes at Dalmar and Karonga
School, Carols. Flea Markets were a feature – six raising
$19,000
Our Youth Exchange program moved ahead - 10 Overseas
Students stayed with us and we sent 11 away. Students
came from a wide range of countries such as Japan, USA,
Denmark and South Africa and our outgoing students went to Japan, Canada, USA,
Indonesia and Thailand.
During 1977-78 and with a club
membership over sixty,
fellowship was at an all time
high, enabling many new
community and international
service projects to be under
taken.. Family support within the
Rotary Club of Epping was also
particularly strong with BBQ’s,
numerous social functions and
tours throughout the year
Ray Hosking
Jim Clough MP (left) with President Algy Morris and PP Cec Chambers at Parliament House following his induction as an Honorary Member
of the Club
23
Fellowship was an important ingredient in the life of
the club if not most paramount in the bonding of the
members in Community Service and Service above
Self. On at least thirty occasions throughout the
Seventies, Family Days, Family Picnics, Family
Weekends Away. Bucks’ Weekends, Boating
Weekends, Progressive Dinners and Austerity
Dinners, all brought members together as a Rotary family. These set the stage for the
building of the club as a leading club in the District and its
success in contributing to the welfare of our local Community
in Epping. Bob Nash was one of the key organisers of the
fellowship activities and the weekends in particular, always
undertaking a recce in advance to make sure everything
would be in place for an enjoyable weekend
The club initiated the Ryde Hospital Project and together with five other clubs raised
$100,000 towards the building of a Coronary Care Ward. The government agreed to
contribute dollar for dollar.
In 1979 when the “Everglades” venue where weekly meetings were held closed
unexpectedly, meetings were held at "The Walkers in Brucedale Ave” until the Araluen
Receptions venue became available. Dinner fees increased to $5.50.
It was a significant and contributing club during the Decade of the Seventies, led by
outstanding Presidents, Eric Wade, Les Booth, Wal Cooper, Ron Turner, Algy Morris,
Alan Emery, Ian Dence, Ray Hosking, Max Breckenridge and Fred Arthur.
Fellowship
The importance of Fellowship was a recurring theme during the
seventies. Bob Smeallie reflects on his early years in Rotary
“I was nominated by Max Breckenridge to join Epping Rotary in 1973 but at that stage
because of work and family commitments I postponed joining till 1974, the late Ron Turner
was President and it was a great to be part of an elite group of men that were committed to
do things for the community.
Joining Rotary for me did have some early problems in so far that I was known to quite a
number of people. I had been working in Epping since 1961 and also having to call
Rotarians by their Christian names was rather daunting, the likes of the Late Lloyd Gollan ,
Ian Dence , Don Townsend the late Jum Land and others who had been customers of our shop
for many years previously were all known to me as Mister.
My recollections of the early Flea Markets, where thanks to Ian Dence’s great truck and
trailer we were able to collect many old wardrobes etc through the week after work and take
them back to Ian’s place for sorting and pricing, I should also mention how the Rotannes
used to go there to help price things through the week, what a great team.
I well remember the great social events, such as Progressive dinners, Trivia nights and
various fund raising dinners, not forgetting our Austerity nights some of which we had at
our home.
“Anything I organised, day
picnics, weekends away like
Sofala and Bendalong, or
fellowship evenings I would
always try out myself in
advance and ideally take along
some other members”
- Bob Nash
Each year Epping Rotary had a “Bucks
weekend” which was eagerly anticipated by
all previous attendees, sleeping
accommodation was usually primitive but
was readily made up for by the fellowship
and food provided by members Eric Wade,
the butcher and Algy Morris the pastry
cook and ably cooked by Russ Walker and
his helpers - PP Ian Dence
24
The next great project the club had was to rebuild the caravan, we well remember the late Russ
Walker finding a burnt out caravan on the central coast and taking it to Ian Dence’s home
where it was stripped to the bare chassis and rebuild into a great catering van , not only was
it a worthwhile project but the camaraderie with everyone was memorable , and we learnt so
much from the likes of Bob Nash, the late Jum Land , Ian Dence and many others who were
willing to teach the likes of myself with a lot of patience, to do things I thought I was not
capable of.
I must mention of course the brilliant Bucks Weekends we used to have, the most memorable
for me was when we stayed in the shearing shed at my cousins property out of Crookwell, the
looks on the faces of some of our members was outstanding, the cricket we played, the Clay
pigeon shoot, picking up of bales of hay was an eye opener to many, but the food and
company was so memorable.
One of the funny things that happened that time was when the late Mal Mitchell asked how
you shear a sheep. We got the hand piece and “shore” Mal then shot him down the Shute. He
was unable the get back up so had to crawl under the shed into the counting yard. The next
morning the late Russ Walker and I filled the shed up with sheep and then introduced some
of the ewes to the guys who were still in their beds.
In 1975/76 when the late Allan Emery was President I was nominated to the sergeant’s
position. This was a great experience for me as you had to be on your feet every Monday night
even if you had had a bad day, and try to be amusing, all my jokes had to be vetted by Ray
Hosking but the lessons I learnt from being able to get up and speak was a life changing
event.
In 1999 I was presented with a Paul Harris Award by President Ken Beacom it was a
tremendous and most humbling event that has ever happened to me, to be nominated and
join the previous members of this elite group was unbelievable. I certainly enjoyed my years
in Rotary and with the experience of those years I have endeavoured to live by the 4 way test.
Bob Smeallie Epping Rotary 1974 – 2005
PP Max Breckenridge remembers the club at that time as very family
oriented “My years in Epping Rotary have left a lasting memory of strong and enduring friendships
whereby all my family enjoyed participating in the activities. The Club was very family
oriented which contributed to the successful club.
We have maintained contact with two Japanese exchange students we hosted, Reiko Mizuno
and Atsuo Iiyama and visited them in Japan 3 years ago
We organized an Australia Day party with a colonial theme and those attending dressed in
all manner of suitable clothing. There were plenty of willing helpers who organized tables
and chairs and Ken Walker built a mechanised rotisserie for the spit roast lamb, vegetables
and damper which was enjoyed by the Epping Rotarians and their families”
Max Breckenridge, President 1978-79
Rotannes 1972-2005
From the earliest years wives of Rotarians have assisted their husbands with various
projects and being denied the opportunity to join Rotary some wives turned to forming
25
their own service clubs. The wives of the Liverpool Rotarians in England became known
as Rotary Ladies. They later called themselves The Service Club.
Many similar Clubs under various names were formed to help Rotarian husbands.
However, it was the Manchester Club which in 1924 provided the name and model rules
upon which the Inner Wheel movement is based. The Emblem is a small wheel contained
within the Rotary Wheel, hence the name Inner Wheel.
At an early stage in its existence Inner Wheel began to spread overseas. The first Inner
Wheel club in Australia was formed in 1931, Ballarat, Victoria (disbanded in 2001) closely
followed by the still active North Sydney, NSW. From these small beginnings and the
dedication of original members, Inner Wheel has grown in all States. Ryde Inner wheel
was started in mid 1962.
In 1972 President Wal Cooper suggested the Epping wives should form a ladies group.
Some wives such as Arthur Walker's wife Dot, then a member of Ryde Inner Wheel were
adamant that they did not need the formality of an Inner Wheel club and she suggested
that any group should simply be for fellowship between the wives creating an
opportunity for the wives to meet once a month for a social get together and perhaps an
occasional guest speaker. Someone suggested the group could be called Rotary Annes
but sensibly this was shortened to Rotannes. This style of wives group was unique to
Epping Rotary and proved very successful.
Rotannes would support the club and their husbands in service projects like fetes and
barbecues and help out in the Rotary caravan and also invite the wives of new members
to join. This would play an important role in introducing families to Rotary. The group
was not for fundraising but if they wished to support a club project financially or support
a worthy cause they could do so. For many years Joy Payne arranged" Biggest Morning
Rotannes 10th anniversary 1982
26
Teas" supported by Rotannes, donating an amazing contribution to the Cancer Council.
Rotannes funds supplied a refrigerator for the caravan and an air conditioner for the St.
John Ambulance caravan.
Over the years the club relied heavily on the wonderful support provided by the
Rotannes. Rotary wives and the Rotannes came to be relied on for help on any project.
This could include selling candles at carols celebrations, helping out at fetes, pricing
goods for the Flea markets and warehouse sales, preparing and serving afternoon tea for
the seniors’ picnics, looking after food sales from the caravan, acting as models at the
annual fashion parade or entertaining the members of Ikebukuro Rotary Club on their
visits to Sydney. The 1993 Epping delegation to Japan presented Ikebukuro club with a
tapestry of Australian native flowers jointly created by Rotannes.
The first president of Rotannes was Dot Walker but it soon became a tradition for the
Rotary President's wife to take on the role of President of Rotannes. A monthly news
letter 'Rotannes Chatter' for many years edited by Beverley Ledger informed partners of
upcoming events and family news, sometimes a recipe and helpful hints.
The group continued to meet every second Tuesday of the month in member’s homes
until 2005. Many excellent and interesting guest speakers were enjoyed and always
supper and conversations. Some meetings were visits to places of interest, inspired by a
guest speaker, Great friendships and cooperation were engendered between members
but over the period from the late 1990s attendance at the monthly meetings gradually
dropped as the older members retired and more wives of the newer members found it
difficult to make the meetings as they juggled both family responsibilities and work
Rotannes have made a wonderful contribution to the club. Stalwarts of the group have
included Diane Walker, Bev Ledger, Sandra Castley, June Dence, Judy Land, Margo
Simons, Margaret Goddard, Annette Hosking, Dorothy Turner, Ainsley Thomas, Carol
Stevens, Dawn Dover, Del Morris, Joan Clune, Joan Stewart, Joy Payne, Sue O’Brien, Lyn
Mackay, and Lorna Wade and of course Dot Walker and many more wives have enjoyed
the company and friendship of the Rotannes.
Epping Rotaract Clubs 1970-1984 and 1994-1998
Throughout the life of our club it has always maintained an interest in the development
and well being of young people. In this respect and in addition to its other programs for
youth, it initiated and coordinated the charter of two Rotaract Clubs.
Such Clubs are an important unit in the Worldwide Rotary Family. They provide
opportunity for students and young professionals between the ages of 18 and 30 to
engage in Community Service and experience Social and Self Development. To this end
the following reflects our involvement in the two charters:
In October 1970, highly esteemed member, the late Mal Mitchell, was the driving force
in the formation of a very strong Rotaract Club. It was chartered with 65 young people
and at that time was claimed to be the largest of such clubs in the Southern Hemisphere.
27
John Knight was appointed Chairman of the club and under his direction the club went
on to significant achievement, for quite a number of years, contributing greatly to the
community and to the personal development of the lives of its members.
When the Rotaract club closed in 1984 John was subsequently inducted as a member of
our Rotary Club, and remained a member for some eight years thereafter.
Epping Rotaract was re-chartered in February 1994, when twenty five members were
inducted.
Rotary Club members became involved in the formation of the club, attended its
meetings and joined with our Rotaract friends in a number of social activities, especially,
competing with each other at ten pin bowling.
It was a very active and dynamic Rotaract Club. Its members appreciated the interest
and help of Rotary Club members and expressed thanks, especially to PP Peter Tugwell
and the late PP Roy Sadler for the assistance and advice extended to them on many
occasions about its operations, its service to the community and guidance in the
development in the lives of its members.
Our First Sister Club Relationship-The Rotary Club of Tokyo Ikebukuro Japan 1971 ongoing
The first contact with Ikebukuro was made in 1970 when the Rotary club of Epping
hosted their first Japanese Youth Exchange student Miss Chizuru Jimbo. The then
International Director Theo Taylor had applied for an exchange with Japan and had
written to Mr. Tatsuji Kojima, the Rotary Youth Exchange Director for Japan and member
of the Rotary Club of Ikebukuro.
It was during a makeup dinner by Theo Taylor at Ikebukuro and subsequent
correspondence between Theo and Tatsuji Kojima, that it was considered that the
forming of a sister club relationship between the two clubs would be of great importance
in the development of Youth Exchange and open the door for goodwill and
understanding between the youth of our nations and Rotarians of both clubs.
In May 1971 at the Rotary World Conference in Sydney, delegations from the Rotary club
of Ikebukuro Sunshine Japan and the Rotary Club of Epping, NSW Australia, met at the
Sydney Showground. Despite differences in culture, language and history, the
delegations from both clubs joined each other and the then President of the Rotary Club
of Epping, Eric Wade invited the Ikebukuro delegation to attend Epping Club's meeting
on Monday 17th May 1971.
It was at that meeting that Past President Yoshinoro Terada, on the suggestion of Tatsuji
Kojima, officially proposed a sister club relationship between the Rotary Clubs of
Ikebukuro and Epping. His proposal was enthusiastically endorsed by the Rotary Club
of Epping and President Eric Wade formally announced and promulgated the new
relationship. This was a bold move at the time as Japan was emerging as an important
trading partner for Australia but many of members had served in World War 2 and had
very strong feelings towards the Japanese.
28
Since the formation of the relationship 18 youth exchanges have occurred between the
two countries. The first exchange was in March 1972 involving Hiroko Kojima, the
daughter of Mr. Tatsuji Kojima. Eight exchanges have been from Japan and four to Japan
and six short term club/club family exchanges.
In 1976, a monster cake baked by Algy and Del Morris found its
way to Tokyo, but the Japanese Customs were baffled by it. After
many days of confusion about the
whereabouts of the cake, it arrived
just in time for Ikebukuro's Annual
Celebration of the relationship.
1978 saw the visit of 5 fellows and
their wives from the Rotary Club of Epping to the Ikebukuro
Club. It was during this visit that PP Alan Emery laid the
foundation for short term exchanges between families.
On the tenth anniversary in 1981, 17 members and wives
from Ikebukuro visited Epping to celebrate the occasion and to strengthen the goodwill
and friendship that had developed between the two clubs. During that year 3 Epping
Rotarians and their wives visited also Ikebukuro.
In 1991, 23 Rotarians and
families from Ikebukuro
visited Epping to celebrate
the 20th anniversary of the
relationship. The Epping
President Cees Thurmer
welcomed the members
from Ikebukuro to our
dinner at the Araluen
Function Centre in Epping
and the following evening
the Epping members were
hosted at a special dinner at
the Intercontinental Hotel
In 1993, 30 Epping Rotarians and wives visited Japan and the Rotary Club of Ikebukuro
for two weeks. The tour was led by President Tony Castley and included a welcome
meeting at the Sunshine Prince Hotel, presentation of a tapestry organised by Bev Ledger
and made by the Rotannes, a tennis match at the home of Mr. O’Hara followed by a
journey through Japan that culminated in a trip to the ancestral home of Mrs. Harada at
Yanagawa on Kyushu Island.
17 Rotarians and wives from Ikebukuro visited Epping in April 1996 for the 25th
anniversary of the association (Yoshiyasu Harada was president of Ikebukuro and
Graham Simons was President of Epping). Among other things, there was tennis at the
Visiting members of Ikebukuro Rotary 1991
Qantas flew the cake up
free of charge however
the Japanese Customs
would not allow it into the
country without payment
of duty. No doubt very
costly for our sister club
Algy Morris
My association with Epping
Rotary took my family to many
functions and places, had
numerous outings in and around
Sydney, introduced us to people
from many walks of life and
culminated in our first ever trip
overseas when we joined a group
of 15 Rotarians and wives to
attend the International
Conference in Tokyo in April
1978. – Don Townsend
29
Castley's, lunch at Doyle's seafood restaurant at Watsons Bay and a very big night at the
club.
In April 2001, 22 Rotarians and wives from Ikebukuro visited Epping for the 30th
anniversary of the association
(Shutoku Yoshida was President of
Ikebukuro and John Payne was
President of Epping). Highlights
were a barbecue at Avoca, lunch at
the Fish Markets, a Bridge Climb (for
a hardy few) and another big night at
the club.
A joint Rotary and Probus team led
by PP Wal Cooper visited Ikebukuro
in 2003.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of
the relationship, members, partners,
and friends of Epping Rotary planned a trip to Tokyo and Japan in April 2011. The club
produced two photograph albums as a memento to record the events over 40 years and
ordered wine with commemorative labels as gifts for the Ikebukuro members.
Unfortunately fate intervened and northern Japan was devastated by an earthquake and
Tsunami on 13 March 2011. In addition to the loss of life and disruption there was a
major nuclear accident and it was decided to postpone the visit. Subsequently Epping
members held a trivia night to support the victims in Japan and $6,000 was sent to the
Ikebukuro Club to be distributed as part of the Rotary relief efforts in Japan.
The theme of the World conference in Sydney in 1971 was "Bridge the Gaps". During the
past 41 years the two clubs have succeeded in this ideal, we were ahead of our time in
the establishment of this relationship. Our governments and business have since joined
in the path we so firmly commenced 41 years ago.
Our relationship with the members and families associated with the Rotary Club of
Ikebukuro Sunshine Tokyo has extended friendships and left lasting happy memories.
Our Probus Club Success Story
The formation of Probus Clubs throughout the Rotary World has served and satisfied a
deep need for Retirees and elderly people. Over the years our Club has played a real part
to that end in our local Community. Happily our club has sponsored and organised the
formation of six Probus Clubs over the years and especially during the years 1979 to
1996. Of those six, five have survived and are still operating effectively. All meet once a
month, engage fascinating and informative speakers, have a wide range of committees
and activities which contribute to the enjoyment of the lives of the members of each club.
The following is a brief summary about each one:
Mr & Mrs Harada and members of the Rotary Club of
Ikebukuro planning for the 40th Anniversary visit by Epping Rotarians
30
Our first Club, the Epping & District Men’s Probus Club, was
coordinated by Rotarian Don Townsend. It was formed in
April 1979 with 15 members and continues today with 90
members. It meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at the
Epping Presbyterian Hall.
Our second Club, the Epping North Men’s Probus Club, was coordinated by Past
President, the late Horrie Mendham. It was formed in November 1984 with 41 members
and continues today with 116 members. It meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at the
North Epping Bowling and Community Club.
Our third Club, the Epping Ladies’ Probus Club, was coordinated by Rotarian Des
Ferguson. It was formed in September 1986 with 97 members. Although successful for a
number of years, unfortunately its ageing and declining membership meant it was
wound up during 2009.
Our fourth Club, the West Epping Men’s Probus Club, was coordinated by Past
President, the late Ron Turner. It was formed in April 1986 with 68 members and
continues today with 73 members. It meets on the 4th Friday of each month at the Brush
Park Bowling Club.
Our Fifth Club, the Epping East Ladies’ Probus Club was coordinated by Rotarian Mal
Bracken. It was formed in November 1992 with 100 members and continues today with
60 members. It meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at the Epping Church of Christ
Hall.
Our Sixth Club, the West Epping Ladies’ Probus Club was coordinated by Past President,
the late Wal Cooper and former Secretary, Rotarian Bruce Edwards. It was formed in
June 1996 with 100 members and continues today with 76 members. It meets on the 2nd
Thursday of each month at the Epping Baptist Hall.
“Many Probus Clubs these days are formed as mixed clubs, whereas, as can be seen, the clubs
outlined above are gender specific, which, also, was the case in Rotary, when a number of the
above clubs were formed. Since formation thereof, in some instances, the gender identification
Being in Probus is like
taking a luxury coach to
Paradise
Colin Campbell
North Epping Mens Probus Club formation meeting 1985
31
has been deleted from the club’s title. In addition most are now incorporated. In discussions
with executives of each club, it is clear that members are happy to retain each club’s gender
orientation, particularly the Ladies Clubs, where many members may have lost partners and
accordingly find such orientation more appropriate.
The membership of Probus Clubs is much sought after and continues to reflect the outstanding
contribution by Rotary, to the lives of so many of our senior citizens.”
Paul Clune
The Projects
Epping Flea Markets 1973-1982
As a Rotary Foundation Awardee and Member of a Group Study Exchange Team to
Texas USA in 1971, PP Ray Hosking saw Rotary on the World stage before becoming a
Rotarian in 1972, which undoubtedly influenced his commitment to Community service
over the following 30 years. Ray reflects on the development of the Epping Flea markets.
“Commenced in 1973, these markets played a significant role as a major fund raiser for over
10 years. Club members would spend months collecting and storing furniture and other items
to be sold at a market day. Fortunately the club had the services of member Don Townsend who
owned the local transport and storage company, so they had the resources to collect and sell
the goods.
Initially the market was held at the Mobil Service Station on the corner of Ray Road and
Carlingford Road in the centre of Epping. Later it moved to the car park of the AGL building
in Langston Place.
A valuable contributor to Club fellowship and fun, thousands of man hours were contributed
each year to guarantee their success. In the first year, only $1,100 was raised, with much
energy expended in clearing unsold items. In some ways these markets provided a community
clean up for many to dispose of unwanted items.
Over the years, the marketing operation became more sophisticated and selective with over
$150,000 being raised to support a variety of Community projects. With the Ryde Hospital
Appeal in full flight, a record $16,750 was taken in one day!
Apart from fundraising, these Epping Flea Markets added a new dimension in Public
Relations, enabling all Rotarians to have a direct contact with our Community as well as
significantly raising the community profile and awareness for Rotary International.”
Ray Hosking
Flea market on Carlingford Road in the 1970s
In 1978-79 the
Flea Market
raised over
$6,300. This
involved much
activity in
obtaining and
sorting goods for
sale. The
legendary
camaraderie of
Epping Rotary
was to the fore
with so many
willing helpers
and a wonderful
financial result
to support local
hospitals and
charities
PP Max
Breckenridge
32
The Epping Rotary Catering Van 1976-2009
In 1976, club members identified a burnt out
caravan they thought would be suitable for
conversion to a catering van. The caravan cost
the club $900. It was transported to the home of
the Club Service Director, Ian Dence where it sat
in the driveway, while members rebuilt and
converted it. The members spent most Tuesday
evenings and Saturdays working on the van
followed by a BBQ with the wives and children.
The caravan was reclad, new windows cut in
both sides for serving Inside serving benches
and storage were added The conversion took 5
months, and most of the members of the club
were involved. The total cost to the club was
$2,200 and the project received a District,
Community Service Award at the 1977 Canberra
District Conference and President Ian Dence
proudly towed the van to Canberra to receive the award
The van served the club well for many years, acting as a mobile catering facility, and was
hired out to other organisations. Generations of Rotarians refined their barbecue skills at
fetes, Christmas carols and other community events, and wives and partners willingly
assisted. In 1991, when the club started the Eastwood markets it was pressed into service
each week by a Past President Russ Walker, who extended its catering repertoire to
crepes and coffee.
In 1994, when major bushfires raged around Sydney, the caravan was used to feed and
replenish the fire fighters battling the blazes.
The rebuilt van in 1976-77
The van in service: Di Walker, Joan Clune, Fay Beacom, Helen Campbell, Carol Stevens
33
By 2003, the caravan was starting to look tired and was having difficulty passing routine
health inspections, so Rotarian Ross Hinton, organised for it to be fully refurbished. Neil
Anderson and his sons Duane, Brad and Matt took on the task. Over a period of a few
months working on weekends, the interior was gutted and new flooring and new
stainless steel serving benches were installed. The van was again pressed into service. Its
main outing each year was supporting the annual Carols in Boronia Park, but there were
problems finding a suitable place to store the van and the club relied very heavily on the
Past President Russ Walker to look after the ongoing maintenance and tow the van to
the various venues. We noticed that the public were starting to look for different styles
of food from its traditional fare of hamburgers and sausages, and the club members
began to lose their enthusiasm for barbecues.
In the 2009 President Graham Stevens, advised the Board that the van required
substantial maintenance and another refurbishment if it was to meet current health
regulations. He suggested that the club consider selling the caravan to another Rotary
club that was better equipped to use it. The club advertised the caravan in the District
newsletter and was approached by the members of Gosford North Rotary, who were
interested in buying the van.
With a new club and new enthusiasm,
the Rotarians at Gosford North set
about refurbishing the van and the
caravan came alive again as Annie, the
Rotary Tucker box The food van is fully
equipped, council compliant and
manned by volunteer Rotarians to cater
for high volume outdoor events. Profits
go to local community projects, keeping
up the tradition started by a dedicated
band of Epping Rotarians 42 years
before,
Pride of Workmanship Awards 1979 ongoing
Pride of Workmanship Awards were an initiative of the Rotary Club of Pennant Hills in
1975 and have been accepted as an approved Rotary Project. These Award nights now
occur in Rotary Clubs all over the world including Canada New Zealand and the United
States.
Participating businesses promote the Pride of
Workmanship theme of "Do it once do it well"
throughout their organization and nominate
The Epping Rotary van takes on a new life with the
Rotary Club of Gosford North
“It was with great satisfaction that we have
recognised so many hard working employees with
Pride of Workmanship Awards over the years. `
Stephen Wright
34
employees worthy of recognition, not only within the organization, but the wider
community. Nominees of the Pride of Workmanship Program are presented with a
trophy in recognition of their achievements.
Epping Rotary first embraced the program in April 1979 when Vocational Director Mal
Mitchell organised our first Pride of Workmanship evening and made 10 Awards to
employees of local businesses. Since that time these Awards have been a permanent
feature of the Club’s annual program.
The Club’s Vocational Service Chairman for 2011-12, Stephen Wright, provided this
précis of the Pride of Workmanship Awards Program:
A Pride of Workmanship Award is given to those individuals who have demonstrated
outstanding commitment to their chosen vocation and who have done it with pride, purpose
and conviction. They have shown a strong dedication to their job and a sound work ethic. They
have shown a sincere desire to do their best and apply themselves to the very best of their ability
in their specific vocation whatever that may be.
Rotary is above all an organisation that honours the application of the ideal of service in each
individual’s personal, business and community life. The Pride of Workmanship Awards are a
reflection of that Ideal of Service.
To give of yourself to your vocation and to serve others is highly valued in society and it is
one reason why these Award nights have spread all over the world in Rotary Clubs as a symbol
of service.
Service to others and pride in your work go hand in hand and that is what is demonstrated
by the Award winners.
The Epping Community is asked to put forward nominations to the Epping Rotary Club for
consideration and applicants are judged against three criteria:
o Specific job related skills;
o Knowledge of areas related to their industry and how that knowledge is applied; and
o The applicant’s role and contribution to areas outside of work and to the community
in general.
The nominations are judged and assessed by a panel of Rotarians. The winners show pride in
their work, demonstrate commitment to what they do and demonstrate by their attitude and
actions that they are worthy of public recognition.
In 2012 the eight Pride of Workmanship Award winners, joined the many other outstanding
individuals who have been honoured with this Award since its inception.”
Stephen Wright
Ryde Hospital Coronary Care & Intensive Care Unit.1979-80
To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Rotary International members of Epping
Rotary including President Fred Arthur and Past Presidents Max Breckenridge, and Ray
Hosking, undertook a detailed survey of needs within the area looking for a worthwhile
community project. They had discussions with Ryde Memorial Hospital and decided to
35
support a fund raising appeal to give the local community a first class coronary and
intensive care facility at the hospital. The appeal was launched in 1979.
As this challenge far exceeded the
capacity for one club, The Rotary Club
of Epping invited five other Rotary
clubs to join this campaign. The clubs
involved Epping, Carlingford,
Eastwood, Ryde, North Ryde and
Gladesville made a three year
commitment to the project.
The original target was $100,000, and it
was agreed that Rotary would raise
$50,000 and the State Government
would contribute $50,000. The Clubs
enlisted support from corporate
sponsors, doctors, Hospital staff, past
patients and thousands of community supporters In fact in the first year, the community
raised $128,000, well above the original target.
“The State Government, with support from then Minister for Health Kevin Stewart, agreed to
raise their initial commitment to match the wonderful community support.
In coming years with costs rising the project cost had increased to more than $500,000 and
following a change of Health Ministers, the Governments promise of $250,000 was withdrawn.
The community by this time had contributed over $ 350,000.
Under intense pressure from Rotary and the Community, the State Government eventually
agreed to a grant of $150,000 to complete the project. This first class facility was opened in
November 1983 and named “The Rotary Coronary & Intensive Care Unit”. After the completion
of the project the Medical Superintendent of Ryde Hospital Dr Roger Hooper was inducted as
member of Epping Rotary, and was a member of the club from 1986 until 1990.
Undoubtedly this was the largest project of its type in Rotary District 9680 at the time, and
it would never have been achieved without the initiative, foresight and determination of the
Rotary Club of Epping and the five other Rotary Clubs involved.” Ray Hosking
36
Chapter 3 The Golden Eighties
The Club
In the 1980s membership of the club increased from 60 to a peak of 72 in 1985-86 before
ending the decade at 57. This was the Golden period for Epping Rotary
PP Paul Clune gives his impression of the club during that period.
“It was indeed an honour, in the real sense of the word, to be invited to become a Rotarian
and join the leading business, professional and tradesmen, who lived and or worked in our
great suburb of Epping. It was a privilege, to participate with each one in our club’s contribution
for the betterment of the Community about us. The club was an all male club. Our constitution
was not changed to include female membership, until early in the nineties.
Classifications were a most important issue, for, without a classification, membership of
Rotary could not proceed. The classifications of members during this decade reflected the wide
range of talent, expertise and professionalism which pervaded the club during those years.
Although rather lengthy, the following reveals and reflects the wide range of backgrounds and
accordingly the strength of the club at that time. They included: Tertiary Education,
Optometry, Residential Property Improvement, General Law Practice, Education, Engineering,
Cosmetic Distribution, Aviation Services, Men’s Clothing-Retailing, Hydraulic Engineering,
Parliament., Financial Administration, Watch Repairing, Pharmacy, Shoe Retailing,
Banking, Architecture, Electrical Contracting, Meat Retailing, TV Servicing, Taxi Services,
Residential Building, Insurance, News agency, Furniture Removals, Plumbing Services and
more.
Meetings were held at Araluen, an up market Wedding Reception House, located at Brigadoon
Court Epping. The House cooked the evening meal; however, the serving of meals was carried out
by members on a roster basis. Under the headings of Meals In and Plates Out, so was the
responsibility of each member every week, as was the person rostered on for Fellowship and
another for work at the bar. Collar and tie was the fashion.
The general attitude to Community Projects was one of what has to be done, when will it be
done and let’s do it! Members embraced a can do, will do,
approach to club deliberations. Whether it was cooking
hamburgers and chips at a Dalmar Fete, building a cabin
at Camp Breakaway for respite time for disabled families,
or participating in our successful Markets or other special
activities, members and families were eagerly a part of it
all and supported whatever project upon which the club embarked. Projects were more
orientated towards the local Epping area, such as donating buses to the Karonga School, the
building of the Coronary Care Unit of Ryde Hospital, or a fence and concreting at Dalmar or
building, or renovating a caravan for donation to Community Service.
Raffles were not the order of the day and were not generally the accepted manner of raising
funds, as such methods were frowned upon by many members. Markets were in the main the
major method of raising finance. Much reliance was on club members to raise financial
support for projects. Relying on grants and external finance were not considered the way to
go in this respect.
“Remember… People can be divided
into three groups….
Those who MAKE things happen; those
who WATCH things happen and those
who WONDER WHAT has happened”
Club Directory 1981-82
37
The club was a singing club. Members sang Grace and a song was an integral and important
segment of each Monday night’s meeting. Who can forget PP Horrie Mendham pounding the
ivories and leading us in a song of yesteryear? A wonderful bonding event of the evening.
Singing competitions were held each year, mainly with our daughter club of Carlingford and
on occasions with our parent club of Ryde. It was a most enjoyable time of fellowship “Tweety
Pie”, a caged canary was the prize. Not too many were keen to claim it though!
Attendance was an important issue. The requirement
of regular attendance was quite strictly observed.
Attendance was not a laissez faire matter. Absences of
unacceptable duration were not regarded favourably
and to “show just cause”, was the order of the day!
Board approval for lengthy absence was the expected
procedure in these matters.
Fellowship was a most important feature of club life,
whether pricing articles for selling at our markets, or
more particularly, members’ weekends away. The
fellowship and bonding of members gained here set the
stage for cooperation and working together to get things done. These occasions were not only
enjoyable, they assisted in the bonding of members, ensuring the club had the reputation of
being one of the most outstanding clubs in Rotary District 968 as it was in those days.
The conduct of meetings was quite formal and well structured. We had some amazing sergeants,
whose humour contributed so much to the enjoyment of our meetings each week. Inductions
were performed with dignity and presence and as a special occasion for each inductee. Each
new member was led to the President for the induction by the Sergeant with baton at the ready.
Formality always present at these important moments.
Our weekly magazine, warmly referred to as RIM was recorded by a committee of rostered
editors appointed for the Rotary Year. Each member of the committee had a responsibility for
about two months to record matters that flowed through meeting each week. The notes produced
would then be sent to Pam Gray, who typed it all up, ran it all off on a Gestetner. It was then
bound and ready for distribution on Monday Night. It was a much sought after publication,
especially in the homes of Rotary families.
It was a busy decade. The usual comings and goings of Exchange Students, Progressive Dinners,
RYLA and J W Langston Awardees, work at Dalmar and Koronga School, also Minimbah Fetes,
Flea Markets and Warehouse Days, Red Shield Appeals, Austerity Nights, Fashion Parades,
Bush Dances, Fellowship Weekends, Channel Seven Carols, Carols in the Park, working on the
Catering Van, all gave a wonderful opportunity for service and fellowship. During these years
members raised over $130,000, of which $82,000 arose from Markets and Warehouse Days.
These sums were in addition to the funds raised for the Coronary Care Unit at the Ryde
Hospital by our club in conjunction with other clubs
The role of Directors of the Board was action orientated
and therefore extremely important, in that they were
the engines that drove the club’s service to the
community. Directors of Club Service, Community
Service, International Service and Youth Service,
The membership of any active, past
service or senior active member who is
absent from four consecutive meetings of
the Club shall automatically terminate
unless his absences is made up as hereafter
provided, or he is excused by the Board of
Directors for good and sufficient
reasons…The membership of any member
whose percentage of attendance is less
than 60%, during the 1st or 2nd 6 months of
the Club’s financial year shall
automatically terminate unless he is
excused by the Board of Directors”
Club Directory 1981-82
“I tried to take heat off the
President and fine those
members who didn’t want to be
picked!”
Algy Morris
38
together with their committees with designated responsibilities and actions resulted in real
achievements year by year.
Rotannes was an important segment of our Club. In all of the Club’s activities, it was ably
assisted by such a wonderful, integral and significant part of the Rotary life of Epping. They
were the wives of members. As a group of talented and competent women, they met regularly,
were led by an elected President and management structure. They determined their own projects
and aims, yet, in the main, supported members, contributing to projects such as market days
and were of significant help with the catering van and outings, where their unique ability and
help was required.
Ladies Nights were generally held each quarter in the Rotary Year. These were special occasions,
when wives and friends of Rotarians attended our Rotary meeting and contributed to the
warm fellowship there and had the opportunity to hear a presentation from a speaker of note.
Our attractive ladies brought colour to it all and added a pleasant touch to these enjoyable
and happy evenings.
The above is just a snapshot of my experiences and impressions of the approach and significant
achievements of the Rotary Club of Epping and its service to the community, through and by
so many talented, professional and competent members, so dedicated to the betterment of the
world about them, during the Golden eighties. Paul Clune
Fellowship
Past President John Payne joined the club in 1984 and has enduring memories of the
social aspects of the club over a period of 25 years
I was inducted into the Club having been nominated by
Rev. Ken Manley, who was then my next door neighbour. I
remained a member for nearly 25 years before moving to
Queensland in 2009. My time in the Club was the
experience of a lifetime; and the same applies to wife Joy,
who applied herself to the Club programs with every bit as
much energy and enthusiasm as I could muster. It’s true
that our Club was a family venture, especially in the
earlier days before society found it had better and more
pressing things to do with its time than rendering “service
above self”. Do you remember The Rotannes, the deeply committed wives who could be relied on
to be there for us without fail and without reservation? There was never any difficulty finding
the numbers to mount a project and carry it through with spectacular results, whether it was
a sausage sizzle or hosting an Exchange Student.
Our most enduring memories are of the outstanding social aspects of club service and, of
course, the remarkable Rotarians with whom we shared them. I might mention a few: our first
gathering on Australia Day, a barbecue in the back yard at Max Breckenridge’s; the Harbour
cruises for our nursing home friends, organised by the late (great) Wal Cooper; the erection of
huts at Camp Breakaway, under the watchful eye of the late (also great) Jum Land; Christmas
Carols in the Park, where, on one memorable occasion, I impersonated a ‘Wise Man’ and rode
a camel … very precarious! Charity golf days organised by Ken Beacom and Paul Clune;
singing old time songs at our dinner meetings accompanied on the piano by Horrie Mendham,
or occasionally, by Eric Wade (both gentlemen late and great); and I mustn’t omit Joy’s
lunches in support of the NSW Cancer Council, where the food and drink were exceptional and
PP John Payne and PP Paul
Clune
39
the camaraderie priceless! For these efforts, our Club saw fit to bestow a PHF upon Joy, of
which she is very proud. Then there were the lunches at the Simons’ holiday home, North Avoca,
and several progressive dinners! We enjoyed a gathering of the 60 Year Olds at the Community
Hall in Epping … I won’t mention names! And Joy and I entertained 25 members and spouses
at Tuross Head for Easter/ANZAC Day, an event that lasted a week for some of us. How could
I forget Russ and Di Walker’s Steamboat dinners?
Weekends away were a great opportunity for members to relax and discuss project
details and get to know each other. One year Max Breckenridge hosted the members at
his holiday house at Pearl Beach. Arch De Pomeroy recounts
”Whilst getting some exercise along the beach, I encountered Cees Thurmer, an aspiring angler
new to the sport. Cees enquired as to the best spot to ‘try his luck’ and we selected an estuary
run out. On returning from the walk I found Cees looking a little rueful, “Any luck?” I
inquired Cees replied “any B….. Luck! I had a huge fish on, it took the bait almost stripped
the reel of line and broke off.” -a bit more excitement than he was expecting...”
Arch De Pomeroy
Past President Doug Ray joined Epping Rotary in 1982 but his association goes back
much further. The first I knew of the Rotary Club of Epping was from my late father, Jack Rae, becoming a
Charter Member after being a member and Past President (1951/52) of the Rotary Club of Ryde
– Sponsoring Club.
I became a member of the Rotary Club of Tamworth in 1976 and on business visits to Sydney
was able to make-up at Epping Club. It was a real nostalgia trip to find Ian Dence and Wal
Cooper who had attended Epping Public School when I had and Wal was in the same class as
me. Alan Emery was in the same year as me at Sydney Technical High School then in
Engineering at Sydney Uni where I met Ken Dobinson and afterwards we three worked in the
Department of Main Roads up till that time. I knew Max Breckenridge and Roy Sadler through
the Epping Presbyterian Church. Bob Paisley had married one of my Sunday School teachers,
Lloyd Gollan and Neil Anderson had supplied me with glasses
Having been transferred to Sydney and living back in Epping I was invited to join Epping
Rotary Club in 1982. After a while I was made Secretary, a position I held until 1985 board
elections when Doug Shute became President-Elect with me as Vice President-Elect. Planning
for 1986/87 year was mucked-up when Doug Shute unexpectedly and tragically died in April
1986 and I became President-Elect only a couple of months before Change –Over.
Club members pulled together wonderfully to enter the New Year with an energetic board and
Bruce Downie as District Governor. Over the previous 40-odd years travelling to the city by
train one had been able to see the Downie name on the family’s business premises between
Redfern and Central.
Looking back through the year’s R.I.M.S bound and presented to me I have been surprised at the
large number of activities the Board Members organised for the Club to be engaged in. Many
were regular local, district, national and international projects requiring physical effort or
just funds input so I will only make mention of those of special interest to me but in no
particular order.
40
Conducted after a lot of the usual collecting, carrying and hard work, was our big Market
Day which was financially successful but destined to be our last because of the ageing of
members and the physical effort required.
At this time Probus Clubs were being formed as a new initiative of Rotary leading us to launch
our third club – a Ladies Club.
Our Catering Caravan was used at many venues and also the caravan presented to St John
Ambulance won the club a SMH Community Service Award.
I was especially interested in the Langston Award having grown up in Epping not so long after
Langston’s death much was heard of his many community activities such that there was a
photo of him in the classroom of the primary school headmaster. For the presentation of the
annual award we welcomed some previous winners that included a couple I had been at school
with.
During the year our Rotannes met regularly and provided the club with much assistance so
that the fellows acted as waiters, drink waiters and kitchen staff for the ladies Christmas
Party.
Combined meetings were held with nearby clubs – Beecroft, Gladesville and Carlingford, this
latter for a singing competition.
It was a good experience to join with other district clubs in working bees establishing the Camp
Breakaway site at San Remo erecting accommodation huts under the guidance of our club
tradesmen.
Incoming DG Leon Becker called on our club to run his District Assembly at Hawkesbury
Agricultural College. We started into planning for what was run in the next club year.
Realising that our Club’s 25th Anniversary would occur early next club year President-Elect
Paul Clune commenced preparations. A Nostalgia Night was held on 15th June 25 years to the
day that the Club Charter was dated. The main celebration was planned to mark Presentation
of the Charter Anniversary on 11th September.
My late sister Margaret hand crafted a woollen tartan rug which she donated for a fund-
raising raffle to be drawn on Charge-Over Night.
Of the fellows I was privileged to induct into the Club, I would specially like to mention Ron
Hinton recently returned from Rotary in New Zealand and before in Parramatta. As an old
mate I had the opportunity to nominate Ron into Eastwood Apex Club for the start of a long
career in service clubs for him and his son Ross also as a member of this club.
Following my resignation from Epping Rotary and move to the Manning Valley, soon after
Lloyd and Lillian Gollan moved into a retirement village to be near their son, Peter and
family. Both are now deceased.
In closing I would like to record my appreciation for the privilege of being a member and a
President of The Rotary Club of Epping and to thank the present members for the chance to
write some of my memories of the Club. Doug Rae
PP Alan Thomas has fond memories of his 29 years in Epping Rotary I came to Epping Rotary Club by a circuitous route. Apparently I had been proposed for
membership of Parramatta Rotary by Bill Rosier, a Structural Engineer I had worked with.
The membership was, fortunately as it turned out, blocked by another Architect member of that
Club, but Bill forwarded my name to Epping’s Membership Chairman at the time, Russell
41
Walker. Russell and Di were close friends of my sister and we had met. Russell asked me to
join him at a meeting (the Club met at Dence Park at that time) and the first person I met
was Max Breckenridge, with whom I had played soccer for quite a few years some 15 years
previously! After a start like that how could I not join!
I remember being struck by the open and friendly welcome of everyone in the room that night,
an ongoing attribute of Rotary in all its forms for the next 29 years. I believe that friendliness
was the basis for the success of all the work the Club did for its local and wider communities.
The inclusion of my family in Rotary’s life has also been very important. As well as the wide
variety of social events for Ainsley and me the involvement of Matt and Sean in the Rotary
family was also valued. We even gained a great daughter in law through Matt’s marriage to
Sandy Hosking.
While the “day to day” activities of the Club have been the basis of my membership, I will
always be grateful to PP Fred Arthur for having introduced me to a wider experience of Rotary
International which commenced through Group Study Exchange, and led to involvement with
Rotary Foundation Awardees, District Youth Exchange and roles as District Governor’s Rep
for three DGs and Advisor/ADG to two.
Rotary has been a life forming experience for me only made possible by Rotary’s twin focus
on Service to our local and international communities and the close and enduring friendships
developed though that service. At the Club’s 50th anniversary I am proud to claim membership
for over 50% of its life. Alan Thomas
John Goddard was President in 1988-89 and 2003-04
“Dedication and enthusiasm” may only be words, but we all put them into action in
1988/89. The year was also devoted to binding the club through fellowship. We conducted a
bush dance in August 1988, had a fellowship weekend at Coolangatta Village near Berry in
September 1988 as well as many BBQ nights at members homes and great attendance at the
district conference. In November we had a “bucks” weekend at Max Breckenridge’s beach house
at Pearl Beach.
We were active in all available projects, including youth exchange. Our student was Andrew
Campbell from Epping Forest Club, just north of London in the U.K., and they welcomed
Rachael Maguire from us for 12 months.
In 2003/4, I was again honoured to lead the Club as President. We had 46 members and thanks
to their enthusiasm and the committee system, we again had an excellent year.
May I say what an honour it was to be the Club President and I recommend it as a goal to be
attained by all members.” John Goddard
PDG Tony Castley reflects on one of his early lessons in Rotary
Recent membership studies have revealed that one of the most important ingredients for
successful Rotary is ENGAGEMENT! Engagement of the members in the Club, engagement of
the Club in Rotary programs.
When I joined Epping Rotary in 1988, I guess I was just lucky. I hadn’t been in the club 2
weeks, when Rotarian (and later President in ’91-92) Athol Mc Coy asked me to run what
was then called the Seniors Concert. This was an annual concert put on by Eastwood
Community Aid at that time, and Epping Rotary had the job of arranging and transporting
all the guests from the Nursing Homes.
42
My first reaction was to say,”but I don’t know anyone”….to which I received the obvious
answer, “yes this way you get to know everyone”. So it was a matter contacting all the Nursing
Homes in the area, and getting the members to commit for the transport to and from the
concert. Looking back it sounds easy, but at the time it was quite challenging, but of course
also a good experience and a way to quickly get to know the members. A couple of years later
when they stopped having the concert, we turned this into the “Seniors Ferry Boat Outing“,
with the first one held in Lane Cove River park on a paddle steamer that was running there at
the time.
I think the best year of any Rotarians Rotary life is the year they are President, and this
certainly was the case for me (1992-93). Even though I have since been District Governor, I
think my President year was my most enjoyable. Maybe it is just that I was younger and
didn’t consider it as hard work, but more a most exciting year of great fellowship and
achievement. Having learnt the lesson of engagement I was able to inspire the members ( as
all President do ) and looking back I note we supported 36 different projects or charities,
increased membership (including current President Chris O’Brien who joined that year), and
received the Presidential Citation.
So I always remember that first project, and I have to thank Athol for having the foresight to
get me engaged in real Rotary from day one! Just remember the acronym ARNIE ... All
Rotarians Need Interesting Engagement. Tony Castley
The Projects
Microsearch Concerts at the Opera House 1982 and 1992
“Epping Rotary had been a supporter of the Microsearch Foundation
established by Dr Earl Owens over many years. Dr Owens was a brilliant
micro surgeon who had pioneered work rejoining nerves severed in accidents.
Surgeons around the world were watching this Australian initiative with
great interest and several came to Sydney to study under him. Past
President Ray Hosking had worked with the Microsearch Foundation and
was involved in fundraising activities including the Opera House concert.
To support Australian Microsurgical Research, Vladimir Ashkenazy, one of
the World's finest pianists and now Musical Director for the Sydney
Symphony Orchestra, agreed to host a fundraising concert in the Sydney
Opera House. His son, Dimca, had been a recipient of major reconstructive
surgery undertaken by Dr Owens in Sydney
The challenge to fill the Opera House with 2,650 people was a tall order and needed the support
of the wider community to make it happen. Rotary District 9680 was a major contributor as
many clubs at the time were supporting The Microsearch Foundation of Australia. (Now part
of Sydney University). Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Epping formed part of the logistical
planning team, selling tickets and planning the production requirements for the evening.
Interviews on national television, radio and the local press contributed to the promotion,
together with support from Lions International and a variety of other community service
groups.
Under Vice Regal patronage and with the Governor of NSW in attendance, the Opera House was
filled to capacity, raising a then record of $75,000 for Australian Microsurgical Research,
projects that are both on going and life giving.” Ray Hosking
Microsurgeon Dr Earl Owens
43
In 1992 Ray Hosking, supported by Cees Thurmer and John Hayes organised a similar
Microsearch concert at the Opera House which raised $55,000. One of the young
surgeons who worked with Dr Owens at the Microsearch Foundation was Dr Marco
Lanzetta a member of the Rotary Club of Monza Ovest in Italy
High School Debates 1983 ongoing
Each year since 1983 Epping Rotary Club has organised and hosted a debate between
Year 11 students from Cheltenham Girls High School and Epping Boys High School.
The two teams debate for the “Cec Chambers Memorial Trophy” and, while the nature
of the debating is always friendly and often slightly tongue in cheek, the trophy is much
sought after.
In more recent years the Rotary Club of Beecroft has also become involved in hosting the
debate, which is now hosted alternately at each Club.
Over the years the High School Debate has entertained the members from both Clubs
and has provided many students with the opportunity to engage in debating, not to
mention the equally important opportunity of socialising with the opposition! Currently
the girls are leading the competition 18 wins to 11.
Where did the “Cec Chambers Memorial Trophy” come
from?
In 1971 at the Rotary International Conference held in
Sydney a Sister Club relationship was established between
the Rotary Club of Epping and the Ikebukuro Sunshine
Rotary Club of Tokyo. As a gesture of international
friendship, Ikebukuro Sunshine Rotary Club of Tokyo sent
our Club an intricately decorated silver cup, with no express
wish for which the cup should be used.
It was decided by members of the Epping Rotary Club that the cup would be used as a
trophy for an annual debate between Year 11 students from Epping Boys High School
and Cheltenham Girls High School to encourage debating amongst the youth of Epping
and joint activities between the two schools.
It was further decided that the cup would be named the “Cec Chambers Memorial
Trophy”, in honour and memory of the second President of the Rotary Club of Epping,
who passed away during the 1982/83 Rotary year.
Epping Rotary Past President and charter member Wal Cooper redesigned the cup with
a new base and places for the inscription of details of future winners. The cup is adorned
with ribbons in the colours of the two schools.
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J. W. Langston Memorial Epping Scholarship 1984 ongoing
John William Langston was born and lived his early life in Windmill Street, Millers Point.
He attended Fort Street Primary School but left school at 13 to join the Hoskins Iron and
Steel Company as an apprentice patternmaker. He later became an engineer and
supervised the manufacture of the first Australian metal pipes at Rhodes. Finally as
General Works Manager he was instrumental in buying land at Port Kembla for the
Steelworks.
When John moved with his wife, Eliza, to 7 Norfolk Road in 1904, Epping was a country
village with a few houses dotted amongst bushland and trees. Epping Public School had
opened in 1901 with 135 pupils and steam trains to the city ran every two hours. John
and Eliza had 8 children, 3 boys and 5 girls (Iris, Violet, Daisy, Ivy and Lilac). Ivy (Mrs.
Stapp) later taught at Epping West and Beecroft Public Schools. The whole family was
musically inclined and at a Grand Concert in 1914 they presented four items.
During his 19 years as a resident of Epping J.W. Langston became involved in every
community cause in Epping. He was elected a councillor on Hornsby Shire Council in
1920 and recognised as the leading citizen of the District. It was reported that he attended
27 public meetings in one month.
On 9 August 1923 at the age of 58, as he was leaving the Rhodes factory to attend a
Hornsby Shire Council meeting, he was hit by a fast northbound train. According to the
Advocate of 10 August 1923, “As a Shire Councillor, as in every other sphere, he was soon
recognised as one of its leaders and one whose judgment could always be relied upon, whose
integrity was beyond question, and whose word was his bond”.
Following Langston’s death a committee was established to determine a fitting tribute
to him. It was resolved that Langston Place, adjacent to Epping railway station would be
named after him and a Memorial Scholarship established to assist the most outstanding
final year Epping student progressing to High School. The first recipient in 1924 was
Nerida Bubb who received a scholarship for four pounds ($8).
45
In 1984 the Trustees of the Scholarship approached the Rotary Club of Epping to see if
the Club would be interested in assuming responsibility for the financial and/or
administrative control of the Scholarship. The offer was accepted and on 28th June 1984
a new Deed of Trust was drawn up with the President, Secretary and Treasurer of the
Rotary Club as Trustees.
In 2008 The Rotary Club of Epping recognised the
90th J.W. Langston Epping Memorial Scholar. In
that year the scholarship of $250 and funds were
provided by Bob Paisley a prominent Epping
resident and local solicitor, Past President and
Honorary Member of the Club. A further generous
donation by an Epping Rotarian enabled a $50 prize
to be presented to each of the finalists. It was
decided that to maintain the prize into the future it
would be desirable to set up a separate fund for the
Awards.
The club sought out some sponsors and Mr. Ian Robertson of IAC Robertson,
Accountants made a donation of $5,000 and member Craig Gallagher a Partner with
Hunt and Hunt solicitors committed his firm to support the Langston awards for at least
the next 5 years.
Polio Eradication 1985 ongoing
In 1985, Rotary International launched Polio Plus a plan to rid the world of polio, one of
the most ambitious humanitarian programs ever undertaken by a private entity. At that
time, more than 125 countries were polio endemic, and at least a thousand children were
paralysed every day or 350,000 cases each year.
The project had the support of the UNICEF, the World Health Organisation, the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and most of the national governments
around the world. Since that time Rotary has raised more than US$1 billion worldwide
and more than two billion children have been immunised. More than five million
children who otherwise would have been paralysed are walking.
In 2009 in response to a funding crisis, Rotary eagerly accepted a
US$355 million challenge grant from the Gates Foundation, which
required Rotary to raise an additional US$200 million over three
years, raising a much needed US$555 million, all of it dedicated to
polio eradication. This challenge has now been met.
Rotary International President 2010-11, John
Kenny says the organization is dedicated to its 20+
year battle against polio.
Langston Award finalists 2005
"Until the day the earth is declared polio-
free, this work must be our first priority,
and our main focus, it is up to us to finish the job.”
John Kenny RI President 2010-11
"If we all have the
fortitude to see this
effort through to the end, then we will
eradicate polio."
Bill Gates
B
i
l
l
G
a
t
e
s
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Just two precious drops of oral polio vaccine can save a child from lifelong paralysis.
In 2011 there were only 80 reported cases of polio world wide and on 2012 there are now
only three countries Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria that are still polio endemic. India
was declared Polio free in 25 February 2012, having not recorded a new polio case in
over 12 months. Rotary's vision of a polio-free world is now in sharp focus.
Epping Club has supported the Polioplus initiative since its inception. In 1986 and 1987
Presidents Doug Rae and Paul Clune undertook extensive fund raising and the club
contributed over $9,000 to the program. Over the years the club has continued to support
the program with donations and both PDG Monica Saville and PDG Tony Castley have
participated in National Immunisation Days in India.
St John Ambulance Caravan 1986
During Arch De Pomeroy’s term as Director of Community Service in 1986, Club
President, Russ Walker said he was aware that the St John organisation needed a mobile
facility to attend various sporting and other functions to render assistance. It was
decided the best way to provide stretcher storage, medication, and service air would be
to modify an existing caravan.
The Community Service committee meeting initially decided to limit the numbers of
members working on the project due to the modifications necessary and the space
limitations of the caravan. Eddy Pearce and Arch set about procurement of a second
hand caravan. Finally they settled on a traditional style van with timber frame for ease
of modification. Russ towed the van back to Ian Dence’s property.
A jigsaw made short work of cutting a rear entry door and over a period of several
months, working some evenings and week-ends, they gutted the cupboards and all the
fittings and made provision for stretcher slide-in. Eddy had Clerk of Works experience
and Arch had built his first home over a five year period so they had plenty of building
experience between them. With the willing assistance of club members the van was fitted
with air conditioning, shelving, cupboards and, cleaned and polished till it was in
showroom condition. Finally an adhesive Rotary Emblem and ‘First Aid’ lettering was
attached to the van. The presentation to officials of St John was a significant occasion
with club members able to share the occasion.
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Arch De Pomeroy recalls
The project details were entered in the Sydney Morning Herald Community Service Awards.
Members attended the presentation evening with high expectations and were not disappointed.
Our entry won its section and it must be said that it was with great pride in representing the
Epping Club that the citation was received from Dame Leonie Kramer.
The intrinsic benefits to the Club and members of meeting a genuine need is immeasurable and
manifests itself in so many ways, the cohesion between members extends with ongoing benefits
to society. It enhances Club’s image and is important in attracting potentially good members
and better citizens. Arch De Pomeroy
Camp Breakaway –Wyong 1987
Breakaway was conceived in 1982, when members of the Rotary Club of Wyong on the
Central Coast of NSW convened a holiday camp for thirty young people with physical
disabilities. This first camp was held at Strathavon Resort at Wyong.
Following the overwhelming success of this camp and the realisation of the compound
benefits for young people with disabilities, their carers and for the wider community,
Wyong Rotary continued to hold camps each year. For several years these camps were
held at Camp Toukley.
The observed need for this style of respite camp was becoming increasingly obvious, as
was the need to have a permanent campsite, specifically designed for that purpose. The
vision, dedication and hard work of a large number of Rotary clubs and the Central Coast
community, along with the generous support of Delta Electricity, enabled the
establishment of Camp Breakaway at San Remo.
Past President Athol McCoy reflects on how the Clubs involvement with the Camp
Breakaway construction project came about in 1987 because of his reluctance to sell raffle
tickets. It also shows how individual Rotarians can make a difference.
Handover with St John officials, Arch De Pomeroy speaking President Russ Walker and Doug Rae sitting
48
“Wyong Rotary developed the concept of Camp Breakaway, a place to look after about 20
handicapped young children so that their parents could have a break away from the constant
demands of care for the handicapped child.
For two years they used a guesthouse at Wyong to accommodate up to a dozen handicapped
children and entertained them. They soon learned the guesthouse was unsuitable for kids in
wheelchairs as doors, rooms and corridors were too narrow and they could not negotiate the
stairs, so the club moved the camp to a conference site at Toukley before deciding they needed
to build a specially designed facility.
Wyong Rotary obtain land from the Electricity Commission and then asked the entire Rotary
District to sell raffle tickets for a luxury car to help fund construction of specially designed
facility,
The Wyong Rotarian driving this project operated a significant building company and we
happened to sit together at the District Assembly. As I hate selling raffle tickets I suggested to
him it would be better if we asked all Rotary Clubs to see what building materials they could
get donated.
I started this activity by approaching different people in Amcor, the company that I worked
for at the time and with a few phone calls to distant branches of the company I obtained free
delivery of timber wall and roof frames, timber weatherboards and plaster board for the
internal lining of the cabins
Once the word was out there was a spontaneous response from Rotarians from a dozen clubs
who worked weekends erecting the prefabricated frames and interior walls, cladding the exterior
walls with weatherboard, and installing the windows and doors. When the truck with the
plaster wallboard arrived it was swamped by many hands and all wall and ceiling lining
was installed in one weekend.
The builder was overrun with this spontaneous work and had to retreat a little as the
workmanship was variable. We drank and slept on the ground on Saturday nights to avoid
the return trip to and from Sydney.
We were all surprised when a fleet of four-wheel drives arrived towing surf boats. Obviously
the news of the project had reached the local surf club and after the morning rowing exercise
these tradesmen brought all the gear and took over. The Rotarians stepped back a little from the
construction, and picked up paint brushes to work side-by-side with these gentle giants.
This sparked a lot of activity throughout the Rotary District and the Wyong community. Over
ensuing weeks the Wyong ladies sewing groups made curtains and bed covers.
The biggest surprise was the unannounced arrival of a Wyong Council Road gang one Saturday
with a road grader and truck of gravel. Without survey pegs the gang laid the road base and
cheerily advised they would seal the road during the week. When the council engineer found
out about this a few days later he entered into the spirit of the project and approved the use of
council materials.
I think that was better than selling raffle tickets!” Athol McCoy
The cost of the cabin was $16,000, and corporate donations of materials
arranged by Athol amounted to about $7,000. In 1991 in his Presidential
year Athol arranged for another $18,000 worth of building materials to be
donated to Camp Breakaway
49
Chapter 4: The Nineties a Decade of Change
The Club “Daisy, Daisy, Give me your answer do,
I’m half crazy all for the love of you.
It won’t be a stylish marriage
I can’t afford a carriage
But you’ll look sweet, upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two”
“The words still run around in my brain each time I hear that tune. I can see Past President
Horrie Mendham pounding away on a tired piano at Araluen Receptions and hear Past
President Wal Cooper’s tenor tones leading the singing. Those are my indelible memories of
Epping Rotary in the early nineties.” Graham Stevens
Businesses were going through a period of rapid change, as they adjusted to the
economic times, companies were restructuring, in many cases coming to grips with
redundancies for the first time, structures became flatter, employees were working
longer hours and secretaries had become Personal Assistants only working for the senior
management. Everyone was getting a computer and learning the benefits of “multi
skilling” to become their own PA.
A suit and tie at meetings was still de rigueur at the Rotary Club of Epping. The meeting
commenced with a formal welcome to the President, the Loyal Toast and the singing of
Rotary Grace, which was helpfully printed on the back of the weekly RIM magazine. A
printed RIM was distributed each week at the attendance desk as we handed over $14.50
for a weekly meal. We continued the tradition of “plates in and out” (members serving
meals to keep costs down) when the meetings moved from Araluen to the old Epping
RSL Club in Oxford Street in 1994. Our meetings moved again with the completion of
the new Epping Club building in Rawson Street. Our first meeting in the new premises
was the 1995/96 Changeover dinner when President John Hayes handed over to
President Graham Simons. Shortly after we changed our venue to the Boronia Grove
Receptions, where we have met, almost continuously, for the past 15 years. Monday
night is Rotary night!
Club membership stood at 57 at the start of the decade and finished at 54, but over the
course of the 10 years there were 51 inductions and 54 resignations or retirements. In
addition at the end of the decade the Club had 4 Honorary Members Fred Arthur, Jim
Clough, Horrie Mendham and Bob Paisley. The 1990s saw a number of the post war baby
boomers join the club, many of whom had served their service apprenticeship in the
Apex Club of Eastwood.
In 1990 there were less than 5 clubs in District 9680 with women as members. At the end
of the decade there were 54 clubs, of which Epping Rotary was one.
When PP Horrie Mendham retired, his musical duties were taken over by Tony Castley
and Monica Saville. Gradually over the decade the piano faded but the singing
50
continued, rarely venturing much beyond popular songs of the 1920s and occasionally
interspersed with rousing choruses of “Land of Hope and Glory” a personal favourite for
some but anathema to others.
In the nineties a number of exciting new initiatives were added to the Club’s program
including the Eastwood Sunday Markets, Trees for Survival, Youth off the Streets,
Darling Harbour Festival, The Meadowbank Mystery Tour for seniors, Carols in Boronia
Park and the Annual Charity Golf Day.
Historically the club has mainly supported local community projects. In 1993, in
conjunction with the Rotary Club of Tokyo Ikebukuro, Tony Castley organised Rotary
Foundation support for a Cleft palate program in the Philippines. He also organised a
number of projects in Nepal and CAIFU visits to China in 1993 and 1998.
By the end of the 1990s some of the members were arriving at the meeting dressed more
casually, sometimes even without a jacket, reflecting the changes in office dress codes.
Not everyone accepted that this change was inevitable and Stan Ledger regularly chided
some of the perpetrators with the comment “lost your tie chum”. Meetings still started
with a formal welcome to the President and the singing of Rotary Grace. There was a
move to replace the Loyal toast with a Toast to Australia, but that would take a few more
years to bring about.
Fellowship
When PP Cees Thurmer was Club President in 1990-91, the Rotary International theme
was “Honour Rotary with Faith and Enthusiasm”.
“I was introduced to Rotary by Rotarian Steve Bakoss, who was Senior Lecturer at the then
NSWIT, where I was part time student. During the many train trips to Epping he explained the
concept of Rotary International and Rotary values such as “The 4 Way Test” and “Service above
Self” with special emphasis on the Rotary Club of Epping.
Steve invited me to a Rotary meeting, introducing me to Rotary Grace and PP Horrie Mendham
hammering out God Save The Queen on the piano. The first fellowship experience was a “steam
boat” dinner at Dot Walker’s house which set the stage for a lifetime of friendship and
fellowship. Very shortly after that, President Doug Rae, inducted me into the Rotary Club of
Epping, which was special as PP Bob Paisley had the Dutch flag pinned to the wall in honour
of my heritage. A wonderful and friendly touch.
When the Epping Rotary could no longer conduct their Flea markets in Epping, we joined with
Ryde North Rotary to start a warehouse sale at Macquarie University. I bought two liquid
amber saplings, planted them in front of our house, not realising that 25 years later the roots
of the liquid amber would burst the main water supply pipe and a large part of North Epping
would be without water!
In 1990 I succeeded PP Ron Hinton as President. A new world of Rotary International became
part of my life. A highlight was the 20th anniversary meeting with our sister club Tokyo
Ikebukuro.
Our Club turned on a great welcome and my thanks still go out to all Rotary members who
made it such a memorable day. Ikebukuro Club was led by President Ohara, and we are still
good friends today. Ikebukuro responded with a wonderful dinner of friendship and fellowship
51
at Hotel International. We presented them with a Rotary Presidential Collar and President’s
badge which until that night had not been part of their Rotary regalia.
I also remember our Club’s involvement, together with PP Ray Hosking and PP John Hayes,
in assisting with the Microsearch Concert at the Sydney Opera House.
The joys of Rotary were extended some years later with involvement in Group Study Exchange,
Ambassadorial Scholarships and in February 2002 I headed the GSE committee that
coordinated an exchange with the Rotary District of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Last year a
member of the Argentinean GSE team, Carlos Hernandez, visited my cousin at her home in
London, as GSE team leader!
Fellowship, friendship and values of Rotary are at times difficult to describe. It’s in the heart,
mind and commitment which give Rotary that special value – “Service above Self” Cees
Thurmer
Ken Beacom was Club President in 1998-99 and he has very fond memories of the club
fellowship activities. “I was a member of Epping Rotary for almost 20 years. During that time I enjoyed the fun
and fellowship of over 50 members of the club and their wives, husbands and friends.
Membership was about fun, fundraising and contributing to the avenues of community service.
High points in the 20 years are numerous, however in my year as President we raised over
$21,000 of which $6,000 was applied to help build Jacaranda Lodge, the Cancer Support Centre
and accommodation unit at the Adventist Hospital where I am currently being assisted by a
Cancer Care Coordinator.
We always had record support at fellowship functions. Our progressive dinners, dinner on the
South Steyne, visit to Cowra Rotary Club, Ikebukuro sister Club celebrations at the Ponto-Cho
restaurant at Neutral Bay and the 3801 train trip to the Tamworth District Conference via
Muswellbrook
I must admit I always enjoyed the Mens’ weekends away with many new challenges like
bunking down in a working sheep shed, trap shooting, canoeing on the Lachlan, cooking for
the mob, the aftermath of the mice plague, trail bike riding, and small arms shooting.
I am proud of the effort I put in to the success of the Eastwood Markets and the three
unforgettable Golf Days. From time to time I refer to my Presidents record; my Annual Report
and my photo album, all remind me of the good old days.” Ken Beacom
Rotary Friendship visits
Epping Club has a long history of Rotary friendship visits where a group or Rotarians
and partners visited Rotary clubs in overseas countries to get a better appreciation of the
culture and the people. Quite often only a few Rotarians are involved but Epping club is
renowned for some of the large group tours we have undertaken.
Ikebukuro, Japan 1978
1978 saw the visit of 5 fellows and their wives from the Rotary Club of Epping to the
Ikebukuro Club. It was during this visit that PP Alan Emery laid the foundation for short
term exchanges between families. A number of trips have followed and these are
documented in the Ikebukuro Sister Club section in Chapter 2.
52
China International Goodwill Mission 1993
In October 1993, Tony Castley led a team of 11 District Rotarians, including Epping’s
Graham Stevens to China under the auspices of China Association for International
Friendship and Understanding (CAIFU), a branch of the Chinese Department of Foreign
Affairs. In 1990 China barely registered on the global economic scale, representing less
than 2% of World GDP. China was just embarking on what Deng Xiaoping described as
the socialist market economy, opening up special economic zones and privatising state
enterprises. The excitement was palpable as the country started its transformation to an
economic power house. In 2012 China now is the world’s second largest economy.
The tour visited Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou and the members
had the opportunity to meet with Government officials, industrialists and
educationalists. In Shanghai the team stayed at the Xijiao Government Guesthouse often
used to accommodate foreign heads of state, visited a copper mill and silk factory, saw
plans to upgrade the city sewerage system and marvelled at plans for the proposed
Pudong financial district, Shanghai, then little more than open fields.
China 1998
In May 1998 a large group of 28 Rotarians and partners from the three Sydney Districts
9680, 9690 and 9750 including 20 members and partners from Epping Rotary participated
in a 16 day tour of China at the invitation of the Chinese Association for International
Understanding (CAIFU). The Epping Rotarians and partners who participated were Ken
and Fay Beacom, Tony and Sandra Castley, Ian and Lyn Mackay, Athol and Robyn
McCoy, Stan and Bev Ledger, Monica and Geoff Saville, Graham and Margot Simons,
Carol Stevens, David and Joan Stewart, Russ and Di Walker and Thomas Wong. This
was the first CAFIU Goodwill Tour that involved Partners.
PDG Monica Saville recalls the trip
We visited well know tourist highlights such as Shanghai and Beijing, the Terra Cotta Warriors
in Xian, Buddhist Shrines, the city of Chongqing, Chinese opera performances, Museums and
cultural, art and craft displays. During our cruise down the Yangtze River we visited the Three
Gorges Dam site and saw what the impact of the rising water would be on the towns, cities
and villages along its banks.
As CAIFU was a semi government organisation we had introductions to places tourists weren’t
able to go off the “tourist trail” We were escorted to Bin Xian, an impoverished county South
West of Xian where we saw how the community was benefiting from a water pump that had
been installed by the Rotary Club of Burwood and hospital beds and equipment donated by
various Rotary clubs. We walked around the foundations of a new school being built by a
consortium of Rotary clubs from around the world which included Crows Nest and Beecroft
clubs in our District. (Since then, 20 schools have been built by these generous Rotarians!)
We visited children in their overcrowded, poorly built, and under resourced classrooms. We
visited people living in caves. We donated generously to further assist with the provision of
classroom resources and the alleviation of poverty. We visited city schools and an apartment
to see how “ordinary “people live. We saw people ballroom dancing in the street and under the
53
elevated freeways. We ate humble meals in a local city building in Bin Xian and enjoyed
magnificent banquets as guests of CAFIU.
In all, this Goodwill Tour gave us an opportunity to see how Rotary projects were benefiting a
poor, remote community, it enabled us to see and learn about a rapidly developing country
and it assisted in establishing goodwill and friendships between our team and the Chinese
people we met. ” Monica Saville
South Africa 1999
In September 1999, fifteen members and partners
participated in "The Tastes of South Africa" tour organised by
Rotarian Colin Gray. The group included the Mackays,
Briscoes, Grays, Walkers, Stevens, Savilles, Dale Taylor and
relatives of President Ian Mackay.
Colin was a travel agent and he organised a tour to visit his
favourite places in Southern Africa, so that Rotarians could
experience the beauty of South Africa as well as meet with
some of the local people to get a better appreciation of the
country.
The places visited included Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Pahl, the Drackensburg, and Sun
City in South Africa, and Victoria Falls and the Matetsi game reserve in Zimbawe. The
group also attended Rotary meetings in Cape Town and Sun City.
Great Siberian Railway Adventure 2007
The Great Siberian Railway Adventure
Goodwill Tour was conceived and brought to
fruition by PDG Tony Castley. The 21-day tour
was a circuit following the Trans-Mongolian
and Trans-Siberian railways; starting at
Beijing, heading north-west into Mongolia to
Ulan Bataar, up into Siberia to Irkutsk, and
Bolshoi Goloustnoe on Lake Baikal; from there
across to Vladivostok, and back into China to
Harbin then back to Beijing.
The intrepid party consisted of Tony and
Sandra Castley, Monica and Geoff Saville, Graham and Carol Stevens, Graham and
Margot Simons, Chris and Sue O’Brien, Peter and Sue Slattery, Vivienne Corney, John
and Olive Briscoe plus Rotarians from other clubs Peter and Pam Hudson, Margaret
Small, Marina Bournazos plus a friend of the Slatterys and it transpired Mongolian
throat-singer par excellence, Tony Hill. We set out with over 100kg of gifts and craft
materials, including many hand-made scarves.
Epping Rotarians in Siberia
Some of many highlights
included a launch trip to
Robben Island where Nelson
Mandela was imprisoned;
attending local Rotary
meetings in Cape Town and
Sun City.; the wonderful
animals at Matetsi and the
past grandeur of the Victoria
Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe
Ian Mackay
p
54
The tour was a combination of sight-seeing and Rotary activities. The sight-seeing was
wonderful but the involvement with local people and cultures through Rotary projects
lead to a much deeper and enriching experience.
President Chris O’Brien shared his memories of the trip
“Beijing was an eye opening experience a modern, polluted, bustling, and a city of inveterate
traders; exaggerated by frenetic preparations for the 2008 Olympics. Massive infrastructure
projects like the new international airport and six lane highways were conceived and
constructed in the time that it takes Australian politicians to make promises. Our special
visit to the main Olympic stadium construction site saw our OH&S expert and our hosts
having palpitations! This was complemented by visits to historic sites including the Great
Wall, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, and a for some of us, the Entombed Warriors,
a short flight away in Xian
We travelled to Mongolia, a country trying to recover from
the overthrow of communism and terrible winters that
destroyed millions of animals and for many their nomadic
way of life. The Gobi Desert and grass steppes were awe-
inspiring. We spent a day in The Lotus Children’s Centre, a
children’s home run by one of so many inspirational people,
in a former rubbish tip The Centre was a deceptive
environment, smart red uniform jackets providing dignity
but hiding the type of background that most of us could not
even start to imagine. We donated a bus, but that couldn’t
compare with just one day hands-on offering some practical assistance. It was an unforgettable
day of craft ...and cricket! Who could forget the smiles from children and staff as we handed
out hand-knit scarves, or the bus packed to the gunnels with children
We had a brief stay in Irkutsk in Siberia and meeting with the local Irkutsk Eco Rotary
Club, then on to Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world containing an
estimated 20% of the world’s total fresh water, unbelievable in its scale and biodiversity.
Here we stayed with traditional Buriat families in the 16th century village of Bolshoye
Goloustnoye. Over a week we got to know the people and also assisted Rotarians from Irkutsk
by building a side trail up Sacred Mountain branching off the Great Baikal Trail (GBT).
As our train travelled into Russia by it was impossible to describe the comedy that unfolded
as contraband was smuggled across the border to avoid duty. Towels hidden under mattresses,
leather jackets hung on the backs of doors, carpets going up into the roof space, attendants
showing uncustomary signs of life carrying questionable wads of notes!
In Vladivostok the power and strength of Rotary came to the fore with the successful running
of a Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA). We had to cope with an unknown number of
participants, who despite our efforts had had no preparation, all carried out in a second
language. Under Monica and Geoff Saville’s exceptional leadership everyone chipped in and
everyone’s talents were utilised to the max. It was inspiring to see and hear so many of the
Maritime University students contribute their ideas and concerns and have the confidence
and courage to put them forward on behalf of another country in English.
And on the return journey to Beijing we visited Harbin, a Russian outpost after the revolution
and now famed for its ice sculptures in winter and its Siberian tiger park. A fascinating city
with Russian architectural influence that continues even in modern-day buildings.
A toboggan ride down the
Great Wall, riding ponies on
the Mongolian plains,
playing cricket with orphans
at the Lotus Centre; staying
with a Buriat family in a
16tCcentury village in
Siberia, meeting students at
the Maritime University in
Vladivostok; and seeing the
Russian influences in
Harbin – priceless
experiences
Graham Stevens
55
It was a trip of adventure, of achievement, of awe-inspiring scenery that would be impossible
other than under the umbrella of Rotary”.
Chris O’Brien
Women in Epping Rotary
From 1905 until the 1980s, women were not allowed membership in Rotary clubs,
although Rotarian spouses, including Paul Harris' wife, were often members of the
similar “Inner Wheel” club. Women did play some roles, and Paul Harris' wife made
numerous speeches. In 1963, it was noted that the Rotary practice of involving wives in
club activities had helped to break down female seclusion in some countries.
The first Irish clubs discussed admitting women in 1912, but the proposal floundered
over issues of social class.
Gender equity in Rotary International was first publicly raised by the Duarte Rotary Club
affair. In 1976, the Duarte California club allowed three women to join. Rotary
International expressed alarm but requests to terminate the women's memberships were
rejected by the club. As a result, Rotary International revoked the club's charter in 1978.
The Duarte club filed suit in the California courts, claiming that Rotary Clubs are
business establishments subject to regulation under California's Civil rights Act, which
bans discrimination based on race, gender, religion or ethnic origin. Rotary International
then appealed the decision to the US Supreme Court. The RI attorney argued that "... [the
decision] threatens to force us to take in everyone, like a motel." The Duarte Club was
not alone in opposing RI leadership; the Seattle-International District Club unanimously
voted to admit women in 1986. The United States Supreme Court, on May 4, 1987,
confirmed the Californian decision and, since that time, women have been allowed to
join Rotary. The first female club president to be elected was Silvia Whitlock of the Rotary
Club of Duarte, California, USA in 1987
When Rotary International changed its Constitution to allow women to join Rotary, clubs
around the world were requested to change their constitutions to allow this to happen.
Predictably this provoked much debate in clubs and many clubs voted not to make this
change. The proposal was vigorously debated by Epping Rotary where a significant
minority opposed to the change. However the club’s Constitution was amended but no
action was taken to introduce women into the club.
In 1993 the club’s Membership Director, Charter Member and Past President Russell
Walker nominated Helen Shaw, the Director of Nursing at Poplars Community Hospital
for membership. Helen Shaw was well known to the Club, as it had supported the
Poplars Hospital with donations of equipment and time since the Club’s inception in
1962. Russell circulated a standard notice to members of a potential new member and
advised members that they had 14 days to lodge any objections to the nomination with
the Board.
A number of members contacted Russell and requested that he withdraw the
nomination, but Russell reiterated that any objections should be forwarded to the Board.
President Tony Castley had a similar experience. At the subsequent changeover board
56
meeting, the Board was presented with a number of written objections. The theme of the
verbal objections was that members enjoyed the weekly meetings in male company and
introducing women into Rotary would disturb the balance of the club and lead to
changes in meeting formats and content. The written objections tended however to
reflect concern from members wives that introduction of women to the club was not a
good idea. Several members threatened to resign if any women were admitted. The
Board considered the objections and found nothing that adversely reflected the character
of the nominee. Accordingly they agreed unanimously to accept the nomination.
Helen Shaw was duly inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Epping in July 1993.
Shortly afterwards the club inducted Lee McPhail, Manager of Fundraising for the Prince
of Wales Childrens’ Hospital who tragically passed away in May 1994 after an operation.
The Club posthumously recognised Lee a Paul Harris Fellow. In September1993 the club
also inducted the Deputy Principal of Epping West Public School, Monica Saville.
Monica’s husband Geoff had been a long-term member of Carlingford Rotary which was
at that time still an all male club.
Monica subsequently went on to become the first female President of Epping Rotary in
1997-98 and the first member nominated by Epping Rotary to serve as District Governor.
A feat achieved 45 years after the club was chartered!
Since 1992 the club has inducted 25 female members who have added to the richness and
diversity of the club. None of the members who threatened to resign if women were
admitted did so and in fact a few years later one of the strongest opponents
acknowledged that bringing women into the club had been a positive move. In 2012 the
club has 10 female members.
The change of the second Rotarian motto in 2004, from "He profits most who serves best"
to "They profit most who serve best", 99 years after its foundation, illustrates the move
to general acceptance of women members in Rotary.
A New Sister – the Rotary Club of Monza Ovest 1998-2009
Spearheaded by one of the world's leading micro surgeons, Dr Marco Lanzetta, a
Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Monza Ovest (West Monza) in Italy and PP Ray
Hosking, in 1997-98 the clubs investigated the opportunity to develop closer ties.
The partnership was launched in Italy in 1998
during a visit to Monza Ovest by Past Presidents
Ray Hosking and John Hayes, together with their
wives Annette and Wendy. The intent was to
further enhance international understanding and
goodwill and to encourage interaction between
Rotarians and their families and to evaluate
possible combined international service projects from time to time.
Subsequently Past Presidents Ian Mackay and Athol McCoy and their wives Lyn and
Robyn visited Monza Ovest.
Rotary has and always will be a passport to
international friendship and these exchanges
can only help to play a significant role,
emphasising the things that unite rather than the
things that divide, contributing to world
understanding, goodwill and peace
Ray Hosking
57
The relationship was celebrated in the early years with Italian themed nights including
visits from the Italian High Commissioner, and there was an exchange of students
between Cheltenham Girls’ High and Monza Ovest. However there was little interaction
between the clubs apart from the annual exchange of greetings. In September 2009
President Graham Stevens wrote to President Casati of Monza Ovest Rotary suggesting
that the relationship needed to be examined. In response Monza Ovest proposed that the
formal relationship between the clubs be discontinued and this was supported by the
Epping Board.
The Projects
Eastwood Sunday Markets 1993-1997
Following on from the flea markets in the 1970s the Club had embarked on a number of
fund raising projects including a series of warehouse sales in 1986 and 1988, now the
Club was looking for other form of fund raising. Carlingford Rotary had established a
very successful Bring and Buy market at North Rocks and the club decided to investigate
setting up similar markets in Eastwood.
The preferred site was the Eastwood Public School grounds facing Rutledge St. The
Principal of Eastwood Public School, John Payne, was a member of the Club and he was
prevailed upon to use the school grounds. The school would receive a guaranteed share
of the takings from the markets. The remaining earnings would be shared between the
Rotary Club of Epping and the Rotary club of Eastwood.
In 1992 a committee was formed by President Athol McCoy comprising Tony Castley,
John Hayes, Graham Stevens, Ken Beacom and Richard Farmer and members of
Eastwood Rotary. The task was to obtain approvals for the markets from Council and
the Education Department. The Eastwood Sunday Markets commenced in early 1993.
The club rented spaces in the grounds to stallholders and asked for a 20 cent donation
from the public. This proved to be a valuable way of determining the number of people
attending markets each week.
Russell Walker took the Club’s catering van to the market each week and offered a range
of crepes and coffee.
The take-up by stallholders was reasonable but it was obvious that the Club it would
need to advertise and promote the markets if they were to succeed. The committee
developed a marketing plan which included a range of activities such as jumping castles,
farmyards, and a busking competition to attract the crowds.
There had been some tension with the Minister of St Phillip’s, the local Church of
England church, located opposite the school, who was concerned that the Sunday
markets in the school grounds was a distraction to his congregation, but the markets
committee had noted that there was usually a small increase in attendance at the markets
when the services concluded.
58
On the day of the busking competition, the
organisers had deliberately scheduled the
competition to commence after the church service
had concluded. Unfortunately, testing the wireless
PA system borrowed for the contest was interrupted
by the sight of the right Reverend rushing across the road, with his vestments flowing,
waving his arms and shouting. Apparently the market PA had the same frequency as
his church PA and he seems somewhat displeased that his service was being disrupted
with “testing -- -- -- testing -- -- -- testing!”
Suffice to say the markets committee was summoned to meet with the Mayor of the City
of Ryde and was asked to offer an apology to the right Reverend. We also decided that
would be our last busking competition.
The redevelopment of Eastwood School meant that the market stalls had to be moved
from their high exposure position on Rutledge Street to the Rowe Street side of the
school. That had a detrimental effect on visibility which impacted on both patronage and
stallholder numbers. Initially the clubs decided to change the markets to monthly, but it
was soon clear that the most sensible course of action would be to close the markets.
While the markets never achieved the size or profitability of the Carlingford markets
they did operate for five years from 1993 until 1997. In that time the markets generated
over $170,000 of income which was distributed between the Rotary Clubs of Epping and
Eastwood and the Eastwood Public School.
As well as providing a significant income stream for the two Rotary clubs, the markets
offered great fellowship opportunities to the members who were rostered to assist each
week, and that all added to the great social cohesion of the club.
Floods Earthquakes and Bushfires
Past member Stan Ledger recalls the times that members were involved in assisting in
two bushfire emergencies close to home.
“There are a number of memories that stand out for me; in particular there were two devastating
bushfires in which the Club members were all able to play an important role.
The first was the ravaging fire emergency of January 1994, near the F3 motorway in the Mount
Colah area. For some two to three days we established a mobile canteen around our catering
van at three locations to serve food and drinks, twenty four hours a day, to the firefighters
endeavouring to tame and extinguish the flames that were destroying so much. We approached
leading suppliers such as Coles and Woolies for support and they willingly supplied
mountains of food and drink which enabled us to satisfy the needs of the fighters working
throughout the night and day to stem the fires approaching on all sides. Rotarians, families
and friends assisted and the late Russ Walker and I had the privilege of making sure things
ran smoothly.
The second, arose from the fires that burned for 11 days in January 2002, especially in the
North Epping area, where a number of members and former members assisted the North Epping
CFU to protect nearby homes from the raging fires that swept up the North Epping Valley, so
“The Minister descended from the pulpit
and appeared in flowing robes like
Jaspers Ghost to protest the interference
to his Sunday Sermon”
Athol McCoy
59
close, they burned down the hedge of the North Epping Bowling Club. Graham Stevens, our
President at the time, subsequently presented a Community Service Award to the North Epping
Community Fire Unit, for the outstanding work and selfless effort in protecting the local
area during the crisis. The club donated $500 towards the cost of new equipment.”
Stan Ledger
RAWCS International Projects 1995-2007
Epping Rotarians have been involved in international projects since the earliest days of
the club In the 1960s the club supported a number of schools in New Guinea and several
of the members visited New Guinea to inspect some of the projects.
The concept of Australian Rotary volunteers going to a developing country to provide
facilities and skills training dates back to 1964 when a group of Rotarians travelled to
Indonesia. The group discovered that they could obtain a travel concession if they were
all members of the same organisation and that is how a body known as FAIM (Fourth
Avenue in Motion) was formed. This was subsequently renamed Rotary Project
Volunteers and in 1987 Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd (RAWCS) was
established to assist Australian Rotary Clubs develop and manage world community
service projects.
RAWCS programs consist of international service activities through which Rotarians
conduct projects to improve lives and meet human needs, and thus promote
international understanding and goodwill by means of material, technical, and
professional assistance. The vision is to encourage and foster the advancement of
international goodwill, peace and understanding through meaningful World
Community Service projects with the active participation of Australian Rotarians and
Rotary Clubs.
Epping members have been involved in an eight RAWCS projects since 1995 mainly in
Nepal and Vanuatu.
Nepal
In 1995 Tony and Sandra Castley and Marcus Stewart, son of Past President David
Stewart visited Nepal and were involved with the fitting out of a Mobile Dental Van
which traveled to remote parts of the Kingdom providing dental and basic medical aid.
In 1996 Tony and Sandra Castley returned and were involved in completing a second
van.
In 1997 the late Janet Edwards, wife of Rotarian Bruce Edwards and friend Carolyn
Brereton spent two weeks teaching in Nepal.
Also in 1997 Tony Castley, Sudath Karunaratne and John
Corney organised $50,000 funding for another Dental
Van for Nepal this sum included $5,000 donated by club
members and a local dentist together with a matching
grant from the Rotary Foundation and an Ausaid Grant.
Bruce and Janet Edwards, Caroline
Brereton, Tony and Sandra Castley
and Marcus Stewart received
Certificates of Appreciation from the
then Prime Minister John Howard in
recognition of their community work
in Nepal
Ian Mackay, President 1999-00
60
1998 Tony and Sandra Castley and Bruce Edwards returned to Nepal to assist with a
Mobile Clinic at the hospital at Kailash, a village in north-western Nepal.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands located to the north east of Australia. The main
island, home of the capital, Port Vila is Efate, other islands include Pentecost, famed for
its land tower divers, Tanna, home of the active Yassur volcano and cargo cult followers
of John Frum, and Espiritu Santo, the inspiration for James A Michener’s novel South
Pacific. A third world country on Australia’s doorstep.
Chrissy Lockwood-Lyles an Australian living in Vanuatu, was badly injured during a
cyclone and the Port Vila hospital staff, who despite having very outdated equipment
and limited facilities, kept her alive. Her experience prompted a Rotary project
commenced in 2001 to refurbish the Port Vila Central Hospital. This involved teams of
Rotarians visiting every 3 months, container loads of equipment and supplies and
building materials being imported.
In 2001 Graham Stevens joined a team from Beecroft Club to work at the Port Vila
Hospital
In 2004 Graham led an Epping Team
comprising Rotarians John Briscoe, Anne
Dally, Michael Denham, John Royer, John
Corney, Bruce Edwards, Tony Castley, Ross
Hinton, Catherine Johnson, Carol Stevens
Olive Briscoe and Paul MacDonald. The
team had raised over $40,000 in cash and
donated equipment including air
conditioning units, and ophthalmic
instruments.
A building for the National Eye Clinic in
Port Vila had been constructed by various Rotary Teams including Beecroft Rotary. The
Epping team assisted to complete the fit out of the building including some plumbing,
electricals, carpentry and painting, and organised the official opening of the building by
the Vanuatu Prime Minister Mr. Edward Natapei.
As well members of the team also repainted some rooms at the Hospital, including the
Morgue and Carol Stevens spent her time sorting out the hospital library. Graham, Ross,
Bruce and Catherine travelled to the Island of Tanna to work on improving staff
accommodation at the Tanna Hospital.
In May 2006 a second Epping team visited Vanuatu, this comprised President John and
Vivienne Corney, Graham and Margot Simons, John Briscoe and Ambassadorial Scholar
Nicole Bowman. The team visited Tanna and built a new Storeroom at the Hospital
Clinic and repaired and renovated many windows there. At the same time Tony Castley
introduced his Sew Aid program to Vanuatu which involved providing sewing
Opening of the Vanuatu National Eye Clinic 2004
61
machines, training and micro loans to a group of ladies in Port Vila to provide some
economic independence.
The Third Epping team to Vanuatu in 2007 comprised John Corney, John and Olive
Briscoe, Chris O’Brien, Ross Hinton, Ian McIntyre, Clare Sydenham and John Edwards.
While the main team worked at the Port Vila Hospital, refurbishing the Canteen,
replacing window shutters other members visited the island of Santo and relined a water
tank. Tony Castley also used the opportunity to introduce his Sew Aid program to a
group of local ladies on Santo.
Meadowbank Mystery Tour 1997 ongoing
For many years Epping Rotarians had been organising outings for residents of the local
Baptist nursing homes. In 1993 one such outing involved transporting the residents
down to Lane Cove National Park, loading them on to a paddle wheel ferry that used to
conduct regular trips along in a relatively short of section of the Lane Cove River within
the park. At the conclusion Rotarians and of course the Rotannes and other wives were
on hand to provide afternoon tea. As a relatively new Rotarian Graham Stevens thought
that there might be a way to make the journey a little more interesting and in 1997 he
suggested that an alternative might be to take the residents on a ferry trip from
Meadowbank to the city and return.
PP Graham Stevens recalls the first outing
“It seemed fairly simple idea - transport the residents to Meadowbank wharf, invite the prefects
from Epping Boys High and Cheltenham Girls High to assist, load the residents onto the ferry,
travel to Circular Quay and return them. Unfortunately we had not entirely planned the trip
in detail and the first problem arose when the ferry crew was not expecting such a large group,
then the fare collector wanted to see the pension cards for each of the nursing home residents
and when we arrived at Circular Quay we found that the ferry was not returning to
Meadowbank but was continuing on to Mosman. Chaos ensued, we had to unload all of the
nursing home patients and their wheelchairs and the walking frames and move them three
ferry wharves to the Meadowbank ferry which was due for departure. The ferry was delayed,
all of the passengers eventually were moved and we returned to Meadowbank wharf where they
Rotary ladies had set up afternoon tea in the ferry terminal.”
Graham Stevens
Apart from the minor logistical issues
everyone agreed that it had been a very
successful outing and the Meadowbank Mystery
Tour was born. In subsequent years we opened
a dialogue with Sydney ferries so that they
knew to expect 60 to 80 elderly people,
Rotarians and school prefects on the afternoon
ferry and made sure that the ferry was in fact
returning to Meadowbank. Indeed the
relationship with Sydney ferries became so
PP Wal Cooper and Joan Clune
62
good that they often provided their backup ferry for this trip so Epping Rotary had
exclusive use of the ferry.
It was not long before PP Wal Cooper took over the
organisation of the ferry trip which was renamed
Captain Wal’s Seniors Cruise. Wal of course felt that the
trip would be better with some music so he introduced
a regular sing-along much to the surprise of the other
passengers.
In 2009 Greg Smith the new Member for Epping and
now NSW Attorney General offered the services of his
band The Tokens to provide the entertainment for the
trip. This worked very well although there were times
when the musicians barely had room to set up on the
crowded public ferry.
While the seniors and the Rotarians were enjoying the cruise the wives and partners of
the Rotarians would set up the afternoon tea at the ferry terminal. Their efforts were
greatly appreciated. No matter how much food was provided the residents made sure
that none was left over
2009 was PP Wal Cooper's last ferry cruise as he passed away unexpectedly in May 2010.
As his legacy the club vowed to continue on with Captain Wal’s Seniors Cruise.
Recognising that there was always a degree of uncertainty relying on Sydney ferries to
provide a ferry exclusively for the cruise in 2011 Rotarians decided to look for an
alternative and hired a commercial ferry for the cruise. This provided much more
certainty and has presented the club with some exciting opportunities to expand the
annual cruise going forward.
Carols in Boronia Park 1997-2009
Epping Club's involvement with community carols goes back to the 1960s. After ATN
Channel 7 ended its community carols in 1987 , the club became involved for a few years
supporting the Wesley Mission's Carols at Darling Harbour. As usual our strength was
catering, selling candles and programs
In 1997, club member and local Church of Christ Minister Rev David Moyes was looking
to expand his church's annual carols service to a broader audience. He had not been able
to secure the interest of the major church congregations so he turned to Epping Rotary
to see if we would be interested in helping him to promote the event. Epping Club
members Christine Mikhael, Russ Walker and Stan Ledger joined the organising
committee. PP Wal Cooper used his influence to engage the Baptist congregation and
Rtn Christine Mikhael committed her firm to providing a fireworks display to close the
event. Epping Rotarians would sell candles and hand out programs and provide food
from the catering van. The churches would organise the program and the music.
From 2001 onward these afternoon ferry
trips became known as Captain Wal’s
Golden Oldies Cruises. Wal loved to
organise this excursion. He arranged the
ferry, ensured afternoon tea was
available, organised Prefects from
Epping Boys’ High and Cheltenham
Girls’ High Schools to attend and assist
the elderly on and off the ferry and to talk
with them during the trip. He also took
great delight in inviting our local
member Greg Smith SC MP and his band
along to entertain on the ferry. These
outings have been a most outstanding
success and an enjoyable experience for
each of our guests.
Paul Clune
63
The first year attracted about 1,000 people, families enjoyed a pleasant evening on the
lawns of Boronia Park, and the evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.
The die was cast, the following year more churches became involved and the crowds
increased. For the next 12 years the club maintained its involvement with the carols. .
They are now a major event on the Epping calendar, attracting 4,000 to 5,000 families
who are treated to an enjoyable evening of carols and celebration in the weeks leading
up to Christmas As the organisation grew, the organisers placed less reliance on Rotary
and we found other groups being invited in to sell candles and food. In 2010, the club
decided that it would no longer participate in Carols in Boronia Park.
M2 Opening 1997
The Hills M2 is a 21km motorway that links the lower north shore and the northwest
regions of Sydney, Australia. The motorway opened to traffic in May 1997 and is a key
part of Sydney's orbital motorway network, providing a seamless link between the Lane
Cove Tunnel and Westlink M7. The Hills M2 is also a key public transport corridor and
includes dedicated bus lanes with 854 bus services using the motorway weekdays
(eastbound and westbound), carrying over 27,000 passengers a day.
The M2 however was a controversial project when it was constructed in Epping, cutting
through well established bushland and native forest along Devlin’s Creek
A few years earlier Rotarians had been involved in the opening ceremonies for the
Eastern Distributor and this had proved to be financially disastrous for the District so it
was with some trepidation that the District clubs adopted a proposal to support the
opening celebrations for the M2 motorway. A District committee was formed including
Rotarian Bruce Edwards from Epping Rotary to coordinate the event and they went
about formulating a plan in conjunction with the toll road operators to organise a public
celebration for the opening.
Epping Rotarians volunteered to run a BBQ and hand out pamphlets and they also
decided to issue a commemorative first day cover to celebrate the event. At the time
Australia Post had a series of stamps depicting cars and these were selected as the stamps
for the first-day covers. A competition was conducted in the local schools for a cover
Rtn. Ken McPhail leads the singing at the Carols in Boronia Park
64
design and the club arranged for covers to be printed and put up for sale to the public
on the opening day. The event was quite successful.
In all $40,000 was raised in from the event and the proceeds benefitted the Australian
Rotary Health Fund and the Prostate Cancer Research Fund. Epping Rotarians sold over
3,000 sausages, 1,000 steaks and 5,500 cans of soft drink resulting in a profit of $7,500 for
the club. The Souvenir first-day cover sales resulted in a profit of $1,500.
The committee comprised Bruce Edwards, Colin Gray, Geoff Booth, Graham Stevens and
John Goddard
Primary School Debates (The Roy Sadler Trophy) 1998 ongoing
In 1998 Roy Sadler, a member of The Rotary Club of Epping,
decided to put his effort into organising a debating competition
amongst Year 5 students from local primary schools in the
Epping area, and the Rotary Primary School Debating
Competition was born.
The philosophy behind the competition was to promote debating
amongst the youth of our community by providing the
opportunity for as many students as possible to participate. This
philosophy has not changed.
Epping West, Roselea, Epping North, Epping
Heights, OLHC and Epping Public Schools have all
participated in the debating competition over the
years, with adjudication being carried out by
adjudicators from Macquarie University and Sydney
University Debating Societies.
The debating competition consists of 5 rounds, semi-finals and a final. Many topics have
been debated over the years including such topics as “School uniforms should not be
compulsory”, “Pets are too much trouble” and “Today’s children face a bright future”.
The trophy was presented to the Club by Colin and Helen Campbell to award to the
winners of the Year 5 Primary Schools Debating Competition. Colin named the Trophy
to recognise the effort Roy Sadler put into establishing and organising this debating
competition amongst the young people of Epping.
Golf Days 1998 to 2002
In 1997-8 then President Monica Saville was looking for a good fundraiser to replace the
Eastwood Markets that had concluded the previous year.
As some of our members were members of the Pennant Hills Golf Club it was suggested
we investigate holding a Charity Golf Day there. Each year the Rotary Club of Pennant
Hills held a most successful Charity Golf Day at that course so Monica attended their
event and they generously agreed to assist us to organise our first Golf Day on 24 March
1998.
PP Roy Sadler OAM
“When Roy Sadler approached me
with an idea to start a debating
competition between the local
primary schools, the answer was
obvious. …Lets do it!” Monica
Saville,
President 1997-98
65
Paul Clune (who incidentally wasn’t a golfer but was certainly a great organiser) chaired
the Committee and an excellent day was enjoyed by 155 golfers with 104 attending the
dinner and auction held in the evening. The event involved all our members and many
of the partners who worked tirelessly to make the day a resounding success. An amount
of $11,000 was raised with the Epilepsy Association of NSW as the major beneficiary.
Another 4 Charity Golf Days were held in the following years with the funds raised
increasing greatly as our expertise in organising successful Golf Days developed.
Members including Athol McCoy, Ken Beacom and Ian Mackay expanded the
fundraising capabilities of the day seeking out sponsorships and auction items as diverse
as holidays and bridge climbs and memorabilia signed by sportsmen as diverse as Tiger
Woods, Greg Norman, football teams and the Australia Cricket Team.
In 1999 $15,000 was raised and the major beneficiary was Jacaranda Lodge Rotary Wing
Appeal at the Adventist Hospital. In 2000 $22,000 was raised and a “Packer Wacker”
defibrillator unit was donated to the NSW Ambulance Service. Our fourth Charity Golf
Day held in 2001 raised $24,000 for Care Flight. The fifth and last of this series of highly
successful fund raising Charity Golf Days was held in 2002 when $22,000 was raised to
support a variety of local community causes and the Rotary Foundation
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Chapter 5 The New Millennium
Epping in the new Millennium
Epping started the new millennium much the same way it had started the decades prior,
as a pleasant leafy suburb where families could settle and grow up. As a result of the
ever increasing traffic that is part and parcel of a growing city, Epping town centre
became increasingly isolated, surrounded by traffic and divided by the road and the
railway.
The year 2001 marked the centenary celebrations of Epping Public School, founded in
1901. “Wisdom With Strength”, the school motto, was no less inspirational now as when
it was 100 years ago, appealing to the more fundamental characteristics of its students
rather than the physical trappings of modern life.
During 2004 the BP petrol station on the corner of Epping Rd and Carlingford Rd was
demolished and a new 98 unit 9 storey residential/commercial building replaced it. The
development was not without its controversies; however was a sign of the need for
development of many of the old buildings and shops.
In 2007, Maxine McKew was elected as the first federal Labor MP of the seat of
Bennelong, unseating the then Prime Minister John Howard, who had been the member
for 33 years. She was only the second person to unseat a sitting Australian prime minister
in their own electorate. However her victory was short lived, as at the 2010 Federal
election she lost her seat to the Liberal Party candidate, John Alexander.
In 2009 the new Epping to Chatswood rail
link opened. In conjunction with the new
line Epping Station was completely rebuilt
above ground and a new underground
station was constructed. With new bus
routes to the east and west, the
transformation of Epping into a public
transport hub was well under way.
Residential property prices steadily rose
through the course of the decade from a
median price of $500,000 to around $900,000 and as long time residents reached
retirement age, the suburb transformed into a multi-cultural mix of younger families and
couples.
With the coming of the internet, Youtube, Facebook and the like, the whole world was
changing at a rapid pace, and Epping was not immune to that change. By the time the
first decade of the new millennium was over, the way we lived and the way we did
things had changed dramatically in many ways.
Epping station in 2009
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The Club
With the changes that were occurring both in Epping and on a more global scale, Epping
Rotary Club was presented with many challenges that had not been expected or foreseen.
As the population of Epping changed and as life seemed to become busier and faster, the
prestige that was once associated with being a member of a Rotary Club was not carried
through into the new millennium. While people were supportive of the efforts of the
Club and Rotary in general, there was a reluctance to commit to the attendance
requirements of weekly Rotary meetings and a perception that Rotary as an organisation
was still in the last century.
This, together with the retirement and passing of many stalwarts of the club and led to
Club membership numbers falling from 54 to 32 over the course of the decade. We did
however retain more than half of the 30 new members we inducted in the period.
The falling numbers, while making the meetings smaller, didn’t deter members from
continuing the good work of previous decades and many projects were continued and
new ones instigated.
Changes were required to the traditional format of a Rotary Club meeting in order to
bring it into the new millennium. The difficult balance of embracing change, while
retaining the core characteristics and values of the Club and its heritage was an ongoing
work in progress through the decade.
The tradition of being a “singing Club” which had started to fade in the late 1990’s was
one area of the Club meetings where it was decided to move away from tradition in
favour of making our meetings more businesslike. Rotary Grace was replaced with a
Rotary Invocation and by the end of the decade the singing of the National Anthem was
not always included at the end of each meeting.
A new Club Leadership Plan, developed by Rotary International to address the changing
world, was implemented in 2008/09 to give more importance to The Rotary Foundation,
Public Relations and Membership on the Board of each Club.
Our trusty caravan, the centre of fellowship and fundraising for many years, was sold to
another Rotary Club in preference for targeting government and corporate grants as a
major source of fundraising and partnership.
There was also a push for clubs to become more involved in centrally organised “District
“Projects. In part that recognised that there were merits of coordinating projects
involving many clubs like youth exchange, or leadership programs like the Rotary Youth
Leadership Awards (RYLA) or the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN). It
was also an acknowledgement that the Rotary District had a range of advisers who were
encouraging broader club participation.
Some thoughts from 2007-08 President Peter Slattery, capture the diversity of
opportunity and involvement in the Club
“I greatly cherish my time being involved with Epping Rotary! The Club in its own unique
style afforded me with some marvellous opportunities and challenges to grow and to develop
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as an individual and to be active in my community. But above all to live by the key Rotary
virtue of “Service of Above Self.” Even whilst being a street clown or building a bush track
along Terry’s Creek or up the Sacred Mountain in Siberia”.
The cornerstone of the Epping Club is its people! They are a clever and eclectic bunch of folk
full of generosity, good fellowship and certainly know how to get things done so as to make
a true difference!.
I particularly recognised the brand power of the Rotary Wheel and the esteem with in Rotary
is held in the business community when Laing O’Rourke willingly came onboard to sponsor
and lend support to Rotary’s inspirational Youth Driver Awareness program.”
Peter Slattery
Two District Governors
The Rotary Club of Epping was home to two District Governors during the decade.
PDG Monica Saville was District Governor in 2007/2008 and PDG Tony Castley
followed the next year in 2008/2009. Two DG’s in a row! What a great effort and
commitment from these two Rotarians. The experience and Rotary knowledge they
brought to the Club was invaluable. In addition Past District Governor Don Keighran
was a member of the Club from 1993 until his retirement in 2004.
PDG Monica Saville, Epping Rotary’s first District Governor reflects on her year
leading the District
“It was an honour and a privilege to serve Rotary as the
Governor of District 9680 in 2007-08. Epping Rotarian PP
John Edwards was my very capable Aide.
The role of a District Governor is demanding but very
rewarding. The responsibilities include the training of all
District and Club officers and Directors prior to the
commencement of the year, visiting all clubs at least once
to learn about their projects and to ensure their compliance with Rotary International and
Government requirements, and monitoring all the District committees and the District
finances throughout the year.
The Governor is also required to conduct a District Conference. Epping Rotarians, together
with Carlingford Rotarians and under the excellent Chairmanship of PP Graham Stevens
organised a most inspirational and very well attended Conference in Bathurst with the apt
theme of “Rev Up Your Rotary”. The participation of all Epping Rotarians and their partners
in the preparation and smooth functioning of the Conference was very much appreciated.
I believe that our District had an excellent year in 2007-08 and that the RI Theme for the year,
“Rotary Shares”, inspired our 2,000 Rotarians in 67 clubs to impressive levels of achievement
both locally and internationally.
The Service programs in clubs continued to support the disabled, the elderly, the young, the
poor, the hard working and the talented. Clubs and individual Rotarians gave generously to
those in distress, to medical research and to prevent illnesses such as Polio and Malaria.
Significant achievements during the year included:
Completion of the first year of our District as an Incorporated Association,
PDG Monica Saville
69
The development of a Strategic Plan for District 9680,
Contributions to the Rotary Foundation which were a record for our District and
totalled US$262,623. For the first time, the Annual Giving total represented over
US$100 per Rotarian.
Record breaking donations to the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund of
$661,381which included a bequest of $370,000. District 9680 became the leading
Australian district in total donations. Research supported included ovarian cancer,
diabetes, brain tumours, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, childhood leukaemia,
liver metastases, Phenylketonuria (PKU) – a metabolic disorder, and mental illness.
Exceptional donations to the ShelterBox program of over $240,000 which enabled the
purchase of over 200 Shelterboxes,
Two excellent Group Study Exchanges – a multi-professional exchange with District
6310 (Michigan) and a banking and finance (outbound) and a music (inbound)
exchange with District 7500 (New Jersey),
$20,000 for Membership Grants to our clubs to encourage innovative membership
initiatives,
An increase in Clubs’ compliance with Government and Rotary requirements,
Welcoming 150 new Rotarians to the District,
Chartering a new club, Gosford City with 29 members,
Receiving a Rotary International Public Relations Grant of US$6,000 to promote
Rotary in the wider community,
Strong commitment by individual Rotarians and clubs to programs across all the
Avenues of Service particularly Youth Exchange which celebrated 50 years in 2007-
08, Rotary District 9680 Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA), Rotary Youth Leadership
Awards (RYLA), Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), National Youth
Science Forum (NYSF), Vocational Excellence, Bowelscan, Pride of Workmanship,
Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) and Scholarships and
Matching Grants through the Rotary Foundation,
Twenty-nine clubs received Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson’s
Presidential Citation for their membership growth and comprehensive service
programs.
We showed that Rotary Shares by welcoming back to the Rotary family the 76 members of the
Interact Club of James Ruse Agricultural High School which had been functioning
independently of Rotary for many years, and we welcomed the members of the Provisional
Rotaract Club of Macquarie University.
Throughout the year I was very grateful to the club Presidents and members for their pursuit of
Rotary ideals. I very much appreciated the efforts of the District Leadership Team for their
outstanding commitment and support in their various areas of responsibility. And of course,
I was deeply indebted to my very capable Aide PP John Edwards, Conference Chairman PP
Graham Stevens, President Peter Slattery and the members of the Rotary Club of Epping for
their outstanding support of me in my year as Governor of District 9680 as we travelled
together in our journey to show that Rotary Shares in 2007-08.” – Monica
Saville District Governor 2007-08
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Tony Castley followed Monica as District Governor for 2008-09 A District Governor Year is like no other Rotary experience. It
involves no less than 200 meetings and almost the same number
Rotary meals, 100s of email every day, lots of time travelling
and very little sleep, solving problems while trying to inspire
others ; and yet it is still one of life’s greatest experiences.
I sat for the District Governor selection along with four other
candidates in 2006, and I was on a bus travelling across
Belarus with a group Rotarians when the my mobile rang and
the then Governor Greg Muldoon said, “congratulations Tony you have been chosen as the
District Governor for 2008-09!” That’s when it all started, and the lead up years as DGN
and DGE where almost as hectic as the Governor year itself.
I was very thrilled when at our training in the USA , the then RI President Elect DK Lee
announce the theme for our 2008-09 year “Make Dreams Real”, it was perfect for all that I
had in mind. DK also asked the 530 Governors elect from around the World to focus on the
30,000 children that die every day from preventable causes and that again was something very
close to my own heart.
After selecting a District team of no less than 132 people, we held our training sessions at
Miramare, at Terry Hills. It was the first time for many years that the District training
involved a whole weekend, and the Presidents were especially happy to get to know each other
and it set the scene for good communication between the clubs for our year.
What did the year involve?
As required, I visited each of the 66 clubs in the District for the formal Governors visit and
after you get invited back to anniversaries and other special occasions, you visit each club
twice or sometimes even more.
I also attended the main functions of all the Rotary programs, such as RYLA, RYPEN, RYDA,
MUNA, GSE, Youth Exchange and ROMAC, which are always very interesting.
Then amongst all that we ran our own monthly Presidents meeting, District team meetings
and sub committee meetings etc. plus five District seminars, including a first time Sergeants
Seminar.
Then the big one- the District Conference which was held at the entertainment centre in
Newcastle, and where we introduced for the first time a House of Friendship with some 60
booths of Rotary projects.
What were the highlights of the year?
For me it was a year of highlights, even visiting a club and discovering all the fantastic good
works they are doing was exciting, but I suspect the following were the biggies for the year.
During the year we had two Group Study Exchanges, one with District 1900 in Germany and
one with District 5490 Arizona – which was an all wheel chair exchange- the first ever in the
Rotary World and it, was huge success, thanks mainly to the fantastic management by PDG
Harold Sharp. Five GSE members from Arizona came to Sydney for a four week vocational
program and we sent four young Australian to Arizona for the same. It was great experience
or all concerned and we all learned a lot about the “ability” as opposed the “disability”.
PDG Tony Castley
71
It had always been an idea of mine to produce a coffee table quality book on Rotary, and so
this year we actually did it. The Humanity in Motion book featured 50 of the District’s best
projects and programs, and 10,000 copies were printed and distributed throughout the
District. The Humanity in Motion has since gone national with over 25,000 being distributed
in 2010-2011.
There are always special events in any Rotary year, but two of the special events in 2008-09
were the World Youth Day (WYD) and the President DK LEE Sydney luncheon. For WYD, our
District put on BBQ for the young delegates at many venues across our district and it was
huge success, not only for the participants, but we were also paid $52,000 from the Catholic
Church for our efforts, which went straight into our Polio Plus program. We were also very
fortunate to have the World President DK Lee come to Sydney and we put on a special Tri-
district Luncheon which was not only a great success on the day, but this has since grown
into an annual event for the Rotary Foundation.
We also introduced for the first time the District Governor ors News Letter in electronic form
and establishing a new District web site Rotarynews.info. This was rather ground breaking at
the time, but we assisted the change by running a number of web training session for Rotarians
at the Hornsby TAFE. The DG’s E-News has become the standard for the District since then and
the website very much a part of our Rotary communication and information source.
What was achieved?
Membership: is always a major focus throughout the year, and while our District (and most
of Australia) has been dropping in numbers annually, District 9680 had a small increase in
2008-09.
Fundraising: is always a strength of our District and this year was no exception with
$108,845 raised for Australian Rotary Health, A$432,000 raised for the Rotary Foundation,
and $209,657 for the Victorian Bush Fires.
Most all clubs had a very busy year with programs and projects to benefit the community both
locally and overseas. It was also a big year for Shelter box with some 122 Shelter boxes
($146,000) being purchased by our clubs in 2008-09.
Child Mortality: And probably best of all , United Nations advised that the Child Mortality
rate dropped to below 25,000 deaths per day; still a shocking statistic but “Make Dreams
Real “ did help save some 2 million children’s lives “. Tony Castley District Governor
2008-09
2008 District Conference
One of the obligations of a District Governor is to organise a
District Conference which provides opportunities for networking,
inspirational addresses, and discussions of Rotary-related matters.
The conference gives Rotarians and clubs a vision of Rotary
beyond the club level and provides a memorable fellowship
experience. Many Rotarians have said that they were never truly
enthusiastic about Rotary until they saw an inspirational
presentation at a District conference.
With the appointment of Monica Saville in 2007-08 as Epping Rotary’s first District
Governor in 45 years, the club had the opportunity to become involved in the
72
organisation and delivery of a District Conference for the first time since it co-hosted the
1968 District Conference at Macquarie University. Over the years the District
Conferences have become more elaborate as technology has improved and the size of
the District had grown from 39 clubs in 1962 to 67 Clubs and nearly 2000 members in
2008.
Monica appointed PP Graham Stevens as her Conference Chairman and together they
formed a conference team that was drawn from a cross section of clubs. PP John Waters
and PP Hilton McKenna from Carlingford Rotary, PP Lyn Moore from Manly Sunrise,
PP John Melrose from Mosman and PP John Payne, PP David Stewart and PP John
Edwards from Epping Rotary.
The first task was to find a conference location and venue. The location proved relatively
easy as Monica recalled that she had been to Bathurst when Carlingford Rotary
organised a conference there in 1983. The venue and was slightly more challenging as
there were few facilities that could accommodate a conference of more than 800
Rotarians. The Bathurst Council was happy to provide the Bathurst Memorial
Entertainment Centre for the plenary sessions. The challenge was that the theatre
complex with is state of the art lighting and AV equipment could accommodate 650 and
the Civic hall with no facilities could seat 1,100, we had 800 delegates so we were faced
with the additional cost of equipment and services.
The only venue large enough for the conference dinners was St Stanislaus’ College
Performance and Sports complex, which again would require substantial preparation
and setting up. Overall the budget for the Conference was in excess of $380,000.
The second task was to find a theme for the conference. While there was a historical link
between Bathurst and gold, a more contemporary association was with the Bathurst 1000
motor race. The theme “Rev up Your Rotary” was adopted and that set the tone for the
conference.
Monica introduced the conference to the District Rotarians at the 2007 Mudgee
conference, entering the conference venue in racing leathers and riding on a pearl white
Harley Davidson motor cycle.
The conference committee started the conference planning in earnest, developing the
program, identifying potential guest speakers and entertainment and planning the
decoration and themes for the venues. This did not proceed without incident, our first
key presenter Bathurst Legend Peter Brock was killed in a car accident, our principal
accommodation venue, the planned tourist hotel at Mount Panorama went into
receivership and our major sponsor, RAMS had financial difficulties. Fortunately they
still honored their promise of $20,000 sponsorship to us.
Undaunted the committee continued on, making a deliberate decision to source all
supplies and services including caterers, AV and media suppliers, staging and
entertainment from the local Bathurst community. We also sought guest speakers who
had an association with motor sport or had a Rotary connection that would reinforce the
“Rev up your Rotary” theme.
73
Epping and Carlingford Rotary members
were included in the planning process and
we organised a social weekend in Bathurst
for the members and their partners to
experience Bathurst at first hand.
One of our greatest triumphs was Epping
members involvement in painting the
scenic backdrop for the conference dinner.
We had inquired about hiring a backdrop
with a racing theme and that was going to
cost something in the order of $2,000 to
hire for the weekend. As an alternative we
proposed to the members that they could paint the backdrop themselves. We sourced a
5 metre by 3 metre length of canvas and some paint and over the course of 3 to 4 weeks
the Epping members became artists. While one team painted, another under the
direction of Di Walker constructed the table decorations for the conference out of
flashing red and blue lights among other things. On the night of the conference dinner
the backdrop looked incredible, so much so that members of one of the attending clubs
purchased the backdrop for $1,000 to donate to a local pre school in their area.
On the weekend of the Conference in March 2008, the Epping and Carlingford members
worked together as a team to manage
the logistics of over 800 Rotarians and
partners attending 3 formal dinners,
and 6 plenary sessions. This involved
the logistics of transporting
equipment to Bathurst, registering
participants, managing the venues
and the conference program,
decorating the venues, developing
seating plans for the dinners, acting as
marshals and packing up after the
event. It was a wonderful cooperative
effort that left the volunteers
exhausted but delighted with the success of the Conference.
The conference brought together a diversity of guest speakers from champion swimmer
Duncan Armstrong to Bathurst legend Dick Johnson, former State Opposition leader
John Dowd and former Miss World Australia Caroline Pemberton. One measure of the
success of the conference was that the auditorium was still full for the closing ceremony
on Sunday afternoon. Another was that the Conference was one of a handful in recent
years that covered its costs and made a small profit for the District.
For the members of Epping and Carlingford Rotary this was service above self to support
District Governor Monica.
Painting the Bathurst Conference backdrop
The Epping ladies played a key role in designing and making the decorations for the Bathurst Conference
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District Conferences engender fellowship
Epping Rotary has a long history of supporting District Conferences going back to its
inception. For clubs the District conference is an opportunity for a social weekend away
for the members and partners and for the past ten years Rotarian Wal Dover has been
coordinating Epping members’ attendances
“Each Year the District Governor organises a weekend conference usually outside Sydney. Past
venues have included Canberra, Wollongong, Newcastle, Tamworth, Bathurst, Dubbo, Port
Macquarie and infamously Hamilton Island. I have been coordinating Epping's participation
for the past 10 years, organising accommodation and encouraging registrations. Members
generally show a reluctance to commit too early and as a result we normally need to book
and commit to rooms in excess of our requirements.
Each conference has a theme dinner on Saturday evening that is the social highlight of the
conference. It usually involves the club members dressing up, although Epping has a recent
tradition of not going over the top with our outfits.
In 2002 we took 30 Rotarians and partners to DG Barry Philps' Scottish themed conference
at Dubbo which was probably the biggest conference that the District has organised with over
1300 registrations.
However the one conference that comes to mind is the 1996 Newcastle conference where a movie
theme saw Epping members and partners dressed up as Dalmatian dogs. We looked terrific and
due to the costume making and needlework skills of the wives we were undoubtedly the best
looking Dalmatians at the ball. Coincidentally several other clubs also embraced the theme
to the point that there seemed to be spotted dogs everywhere.
Getting to the conference “in costume” was not without its challenges. The organisers had
arranged for buses to pick up the delegates at their hotels but a few weeks before the conference
the bus company had gone into liquidation, and we were forced to find our own way. We
trooped down to the local bus station and the first bus that arrived had only one passenger
Epping members embraced the Scottish theme at the 2002 Dubbo Conference
75
who looked a little under the weather. When the bus driver announced "no dogs on the bus" he
woke up to be confronted by about 20 Dalmatians looking for seats. On the way home we
decided it would be easier to walk and had to put up with the Hunter street hoons calling out
"get a life" as they cruised up and down the street in their cars. Really?
There have been many high profile speakers at the conferences. Two of my favorites were Father
Chris Riley of Youth off the Streets, who rode a horse on stage, and Gerry Harvey who spoke
very directly about the challenges of running a large retail company.
Conferences are a great opportunity to meet Rotarians from other clubs, get a wider perspective
of the Rotary organization, and enjoy a mix of fellowship and inspiration.
Much can be learned from the guest speakers as they provide an opportunity to learn about the
immense range of projects Rotarians and other organisations are involved in locally and
around the world. Conferences are good - try one out" Wal Dover
The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation is not-for-profit Corporation supported solely by voluntary
contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a
better world. It is the largest private Foundation in the world and is the “engine room”
which drives Rotary in all aspects of its Global International Service. A contribution of
$US1, 000 enables a Rotary club or an individual to secure Paul Harris Recognition.
The Rotary Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International's sixth President,
Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do well in the world.” It has
grown from an initial contribution of US$26.50 to more than US$245 million contributed
in 2007-08.
The Foundation's Humanitarian Programs funds international Rotary Club and District
projects to improve the quality of life, providing health care, clean water, food,
education, and other essential needs primarily in the developing world. One of the major
Humanitarian Programs is Polio Plus, which seeks to eradicate the polio virus
worldwide.
There are many ways to support the Foundation and the Club’s resident poet PP John
“Flash Jack” Payne reflected how he could help in a poem he wrote in November 2008.
I didn’t write a poem this week, I haven’t got the heart,
I haven’t been inspired and I don’t know where to start.
I sat with bated breath last week while Bruce* gave us the gen
On Rotary Foundation; folks, I can’t remember when
I was more filled with joie de vivre instead of nice red wine,
My heart all jumping and my brain felt like it wasn’t mine,
But more like some crusading knights like Sir Gawain or rather
Like Galahad’s or Percival’s or even good King Arthur’s!
But when Bruce switched his slide show off, I came back down to earth;
I mean, how can I measure up? What crumpets am I worth?
It’s not as if I have the talent of PDG Monica …
No, I am just a simple bloke, Poor John from Poor Japonica.
Dejected and downcast I dragged my feeble body home
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To her whom I obey sans question … now I am sans poem.
Is this the bitter end at last, the dregs of all my skill?
Is this the final chapter? Am I quite over the hill?
Well might you ask such questions, if you ever really bothered?
But nonetheless, I reckon that my vital spark is smothered
By failing to live up to all the best ideals and aims
That Bruce laid out before us. Now, don’t go and call me names.
The best that I can do, right now, is take my money box,
(The one that Olga* gave me) and despite life’s cruelest knocks,
I’ll carry it to Master Hantos* whose anticipation
Of such generosity will cheer up the Foundation.
So, see? I’ve gone and done my bit and I hope you will too.
Next week I’ll write an epic poem, but this week … no can do!
[*Bruce Edwards, Monica Saville, Olga Scaramuzzi, Steve Hantos]
Australian Rotary Health
Since 1985 Australian Rotarians have been raising funds for medical research and related
programs through the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund now known as
Australian Rotary Health (ARH).
Over the years the Rotary Club of Epping has always been one of our District’s most
generous supporters of the ARH not only by the donation of funds but by the
participation of members in the ARH. Former member PDG Don Keighran was a
Director and Honorary Treasurer from 1989-1997. He was made a Life Member of ARH
in 2000.
PDG Monica Saville was a member of the District 9680 ARH Committee for several years
and District Chairman from 2002-05. PP John Goddard and PP Cees Thurmer served on
the District ARH Committee for several years. Many fundraisers to support the ARH
have been held. In recent years the most notable were the Antarctic Calendar that PP
John Edwards produced in 2009. The Calendar featured stunning photos taken by John
during his three trips to Antarctica. The calendar was sold within Australia and overseas
and raised $5,000. John was recognised as a Companion of the Fund for that contribution.
For the past three years PDG Monica Saville has sold ARF Christmas Cards through the
Goodwill Charity Card Shop in the Sydney CBD. Rotarians and partners have
volunteered their time to serve in the shop. Approximately $5,000 profit has been
donated to ARH each year.
The all time total donation from Epping Rotarians is $62,195.80. Thirty nine people have
been recognised as Friends or Companions of the ARH either by their personal donations
or donations made on their behalf.
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The Projects
The Terrys Creek Environment Project 2001
There’s a track winding back,
Where there used to be a shack’
Along the banks of Terrys Creek
Where the folks are all working to make the bush clean,
We’ll all see a difference, a much better scene.
Rotary leads the way; we’re combining work and play
Along the banks of Terrys Creek
Words by Ken McPhail
Terrys Creek is an important tributary of the Lane Cove River bisecting the Hornsby and
Ryde local council areas. The area includes an important remnant of Blue Gum High
Forest. In 2001-02 the club organised the construction of a 4km walking track that
provides a link from Eastwood station to the Great North Walking Track at Browns
Waterhole, Marsfield
PP Graham Stevens, reflects on the background to the project
When I was President Elect in 2000-01 I was looking for a major project for the club. I knew
that Terrys creek flowed from Eastwood to Browns Waterhole at Marsfield but could not find
any tracks that would allow me to follow the creek line. The area was overgrown, infested with
privet and other weeds and largely neglected. The surrounding houses looked away from the
bushland and only a few dedicated volunteers were involved in restoring the degraded
bushland.
I had been talking with the bushcare groups and how Rotary might be able to assist them, when
I saw an advertisement promoting the Work for the Dole scheme. I spoke Ray Burgess a
Community Work Coordinator with the group and found that they were looking for local
projects. Not only could they provide access to volunteers from the program but they could
also provide trained and paid supervisors for any successful project.
Armed with that information I approached both Hornsby and Ryde Councils with a plan to
upgrade and link up the existing tracks along Terry’s Creek to develop a formal walking track
between Vimiera Park Epping and Brown’s Waterhole at Marsfield, a distance of about 4kms.
While the councils listened to the proposal they brought forward a number of objections
including public liability insurance, lack of funding, reluctance to become involved with the
Work for the Dole program without some council oversight and the fact that the creek could be
subject to flooding. All of these were valid objections but after talking with the company,
Hornsby Council agreed to support the construction of a track from Vimiera Park to the Dence
Park swimming pool on the western side of the creek, a distance of about 1km. It also
committed some funding at allow one of their bushcare managers, Mr. Sonny Anderson to
oversee the project.” Graham Stevens
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Stage 1 of the project commenced in September 2001.
Supervisor Grant Wilson worked with volunteers over a six
month period to improve and build the walking track. Epping
members organised Community Awareness Days to inform the
local residents of the work. The club also arranged for final year
Environmental Biology students at UTS to undertake a
pollution study of the creek, as a practical field study exercise
for their course. Their work was featured in a segment on the
children’s’ TV show Totally Wild.
Under the direction of Paul “that was a very wooden performance”
Clune, the club made a short video of the project. Filmed by
Bob Smeallie, it included interviews with some of the Work for
the Role
participants as well
as Rotarians and
was shown at the
2003 District
Conference as part
of the Community
Service
presentation.
As the track head
was an important crossing point for the Great North Convict
Road between Sydney and Newcastle, the club arranged for a plaque to be mounted to
record that fact.
The first stage of the track was opened by the then Hornsby Mayor Cr Steven Pringle on
3 March 2002.
Stage 2 of the track which was to be constructed along the eastern bank of the creek
proved to be more problematical. While the club had in principle approval for the track
from Ryde Council there was reluctance by Council staff to authorise its commencement.
The club had secured a further 6 month commitment from the Work for the Dole
program and National Parks who controlled the Browns Waterhole end of the track gave
their approval. It was decided that “improvement” of the tracks on the eastern side of the
creek should continue while talks continued with Ryde
Council staff. One of the sticking points was a creek
crossing. The club wanted a bridge and had spoken
with the Epping-Chatswood rail contractors about
funding. Our club engineer, Ian McIntyre had also
prepared some plans. Ryde Council were concerned
with flooding issues and suggested that any bridge
needed to be higher than the 100 year flood levels. That
was clearly impractical so they accepted concrete
A Pat on back for Rotary
I was recently invited to attend the
official opening of the Terry's
Creek Rotary Walk in Epping – a scenic walking trail from Vimiera
Park to Dence Park which has
undergone extensive restoration and bush regeneration work.
I would like to congratulate Mr
Graham Stevens, the President of the Rotary Club of Epping for his
tenacity and vision in initiating
and undertaking this fantastic project.
A wonderful belief was reaffirmed
for me- a belief that one person can make a positive difference and I
applaud Mr Stevens and Epping
Rotary for the invaluable work they are doing.
As the only formalised walking
track through a bushland reserve in the southern most part of the
Shire, this project is an incredibly important environmental initiative
designed to facilitate the area’s
sustainable future for all residents to enjoy.
I encourage all residents to visit
and enjoy the Terry’s Creek Rotary Walk
Steven Pringle
Mayor of Hornsby
March 2002
M
a
r
c
h
2
0
0
2
President Ava Emdin and PP
Graham Stevens at the opening of Stage 2 of the Terrys Creek Walk
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stepping stones across the creek with flood signs. Epping members constructed this
crossing one Saturday afternoon.
Work progressed until the track was completed and we invited the Mayor of Ryde to
open the walking track. That caused a small furore with council staff who pointed out
that various planning approvals had not been granted. Nevertheless stage 2 was opened
on 21 September 2002. Total cost of the project to Epping Rotary was less than $2,500 and
the community now had a 4 km walking track that linked Eastwood station and the Great
North walk.
Ryde Council subsequently adopted the Terrys Creek walk as one of its signature urban
bushwalks and spent several thousand dollars on new interpretive signage and brochure
and Epping Rotary re launched the track with a community walk in September 2004. The
track now is an important and well used bushwalking track for local residents.
Epping Rotary maintains its association with the track, participating in the annual Clean
Up Australia Day removing accumulated debris along the creek line. In March 2012, the
club celebrated the 10th anniversary of the opening of the track, cleaning graffiti from the
signage along the track.
The RYDA Program
In July 2000, the Hills District of Sydney suffered a devastating loss
when four teenage boys lost their lives in a horrendous car crash
Shocked by the senseless loss of such young lives, the Hills Rotary
clubs set out to help avoid a repetition of this appalling accident in
a practical way by establishing and sponsoring a youth driver
awareness program.
The six session program was first introduced in the beginning of
2001 at the Honda Training site in St Ives, Sydney. Approximately 1,200 Year 11 students
from six schools in the Hills area attended the program in its inaugural year.
The program’s organising committee sought financial support from the other Rotary
clubs in District 9680 as well as volunteers to help supervise the high school students
who were attending the program.
By 2003 there were about 80 local schools and 8,000 students attending the program at
two venues, one at St Ives and another on the central coast. The organising committee
asked each District club to donate $500 towards the cost of delivering the program
When the Board of Epping Rotary decided that there were no funds available to support
the program, two members Monica Saville and Graham Stevens were disappointed by
the decision and decided to look for alternative sources of funds, in part because both
Epping Boys High School and Cheltenham Girls High School were enthusiastic
supporters of the program.
Monica decided to approach the Epping Community Club for funding under the
Community Support and Development program, whereby large licensed clubs in
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conjunction with local councils are encouraged to provide financial support to
worthwhile community projects.
Monica’s funding application was successful and the RYDA program was awarded
$5,000 grant. Since that time as a direct result of Monica’s efforts Epping Rotary and the
Epping Community Club have continued to provide funding for the RYDA program.
Funds provided by the club are used to subsidise the cost of attendance at the program
by students of Epping Boys’ High, Cheltenham Girls’ High and Arden Secondary
College.
In 2003-04 Graham Stevens was part of District Governor Danny Low’s leadership team
as an Assistant Governor, responsible for the 15 Rotary clubs in the Hills District. As
part of that role he met with Club Presidents and was discussing the future of the RYDA
program the then President of Kenthurst Club, Terry Birss who was also the RYDA
Chairman. They both shared the view that if the program was to expand beyond North
Western Sydney and beyond Rotary District 9680 it would be necessary to have paid
staff in a Secretariat. These staff would be responsible for the development of the
program and managing the increasingly complex administration associated with
organising schools to attend the program, organising venues and presenters and co-
coordinating the Rotary volunteers.
Graham’s employer BOC Limited had a very active driver safety program as part of its
ongoing commitment to workplace safety and he was able to organise a meeting between
Terry Birss and BOC’s joint Managing Directors. It was suggested that BOC might
consider sponsoring the establishment of a full-time secretariat to manage and develop
the program in NSW. This would allow the Rotary funds and fees charged to the
students to be directed exclusively to the delivery of the program.
The BOC directors were impressed by the philosophy of the RYDA program which
focused on encouraging students to think about their attitudes to driving and the
consequences that their driving might have on other people, rather than improving their
driving skills. They also appreciated the contribution that Rotary volunteers could bring
to the program. They felt however that the vision was somewhat limited, and suggested
that if BOC was to become involved as a sponsor of the program it would like to see as
a minimum a national program in Australia and desirably the RYDA program extended
to New Zealand.
The size of the task was daunting but the RYDA Board accepted the challenge and BOC
became the program’s founding sponsor for a four-year period. That sponsorship was
subsequently extended and BOC continues to fund the annual cost of the head office
staff as well as providing premises for the secretariat.
Each year Epping Rotarians attend the RYDA program as volunteers to support students
from Epping Boys High when they participate in the program. Monica Saville and
several other Rotary members have trained as co-coordinators for the program. In
addition Past President Peter Slattery secured funding from his employer Laing
O’Rourke to produce a training video for the program. The video, Remembering
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Genevieve, focuses on the impact on family and friends left behind, when a young person
is killed in a road accident, and is a very powerful and poignant part of each training
day.
In 2012, 11 years after the commencement of the program, and eight years after BOC
became its foundation sponsor the program is delivered in all states of Australia and
New Zealand. In Australia there are now 70 venues training over 42,000 students each
year. To date over 150,000 year 11 students have participated in the program. That
probably would not have happened if the Rotary Club of Epping had $500 to spare in
2003.
Epping Street Fair 2005 ongoing
The inaugural Epping Street Fair was held on a gloriously
sunny Sunday in August 2005 when the Rotary Club of
Epping and The Epping Club worked together to give to
the Epping Community a quality social event. The section
of Rawson Street between Bridge Street and the laneway
beside the Epping Club was closed to traffic (with Council
permission). Stallholders were invited to sell a variety of
food and merchandise. Local organisations were
encouraged to have information booths and a talent quest
entertained the crowd throughout the day.
Epping Rotarians sought stallholders and sponsorship
prior to the event, assisted in setting up the stalls, managed
the waste and kept the area clean and litter free, and assisted backstage with the talent
quest and the judging of the numerous acts. Rotarians and partners staffed our catering
caravan which provided hamburgers and drinks and at the conclusion assisted with
cleaning up of the site. Display boards near the van featured photos of Rotary projects to
inform the public about our endeavours
Conducting an event such as a Street Fair involves significant expenses. Monica Saville
applied for and received a $10,000 Community Development Support Expenditure
(CDSE) grant through Parramatta Council and The
Epping Club. This assisted in covering expenses
such as the cost of the stage and shelter, the sound
system, advertising, the generator, the portaloos,
and permits for the street closure and waste
removal. Although the proceeds from the first
event were modest, approximately 5,000 Epping
and community residents enjoyed that first Street
Fair and gave us encouragement to repeat the
event.
Street fair crowds
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The Street Fair and a Black and White Charity Ball were also held that year where Epping
Rotarians worked with the professional events management team at the Epping Club
and commenced an excellent working partnership between the two organisations.
Subsequent Epping Street Fairs were held in March 2007, May 2008, August 2009, August
2010 and August 2011. We now are unable to accommodate all the stall holders who wish
to participate. Our Rotarians have been obtaining much more sponsorship and coupled
with raffle ticket sales, have contributed to greater profits for the event. The 2011 Street
Fair raised in excess of $11,000 for Rotary projects.
Funding for the fair is provided under the CDSE funding scheme, so the fair needs to
meet broad community funding guidelines. Epping Rotary has been particularly
fortunate that PDG Monica Saville has taken responsibility for completing the funding
applications.
The Street Fair has proven to be a great success with the local community, providing an
opportunity for residents to get together and enjoy the entertainment and spectacle.
Planning is now well under way for the 2012 Epping Street Fair in August 2012.
Graffiti removal
In 2006-07, John Edward’s year as President, District Governor Pam Pritchard wrote to
all the Presidents in the District asking each Club to initiate one new project. Here is
John’s story of his one man crusade against graffiti.
“As a long time resident of Epping I was concerned about the amount of graffiti in the Epping
shopping centre and felt our lovely suburb was becoming a ghetto. I went out and took
photographs of the worst graffiti in Epping and produced these at a Rotary meeting. Holding
up the photographs I then asked the question – “Is anyone happy with this graffiti?” There was
a resounding NO! so I decided we should do something about this problem.
My plan was for teams of Rotarians to go out and remove the graffiti from buildings and
public places. I visited Hornsby and Parramatta Councils and Eastwood Police to advise them
what we proposed to do. I asked for financial contributions from the two Councils but my
request fell on deaf ears.
Parramatta Council provided me with some
small graffiti removal packs at no charge. I
then contacted suppliers for paint, paint
brushes, overalls and chemicals and these
were provided at no charge. Brendon Lynch
at Boronia Grove kindly loaned us his high
pressure water machine. We set out to clean
off the worst of the graffiti and The Northern
District Times gave our graffiti project a front page story. The support we received from the
residents of Epping for our initiative was quite overwhelming and at the time we received
unsolicited donations in excess of $800.
When I advised DG Pam Pritchard of our new project, she was delighted and invited me to
speak about graffiti removal at the 2007 District Conference at Mudgee.
Epping Rotary Anti Graffiti team in action
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Several Clubs in our District invited me to give anti graffiti presentations to their members.
One Club, Turramurra, was most enthusiastic and I met on a number of occasions with Roger
Norman from that Club to tell him how we were removing graffiti. Roger embraced the idea
and developed it into a viable project for Rotary Clubs. Many Clubs both within and outside
of our District are now involved with this project which is going from strength to strength.”
John Edwards
In recognition of his contribution John was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation
the by then Prime Minister and Member for Bennelong, John Howard.
In September 2011 Attorney General Greg Smith SC. announced the NSW Government
would team up with Rotary Clubs and Dulux Paint to establish volunteer graffiti
removal squads across the state
"This is an opportunity for people who have felt powerless against the scourge of graffiti
to unite and restore pride in their community," Mr Smith said. "With the support of Ku-
ring-gai Council and local businesses, the Turramurra Rotary squad has cleaned more
than 3,000 square metres of graffiti in their area, and this success story can be replicated
in other parts of the state with a graffiti problem. The NSW Government is encouraging
local councils and businesses to form similar partnerships with Rotary to combat
graffiti." he added
The Department of Attorney General and Justice has provided funding for Turramurra
Rotary to help other Rotary Clubs in NSW establish volunteer graffiti removal squads in
their area. Dulux Paint will support the expansion of the program.
In March 2012 Members of Epping Rotary again sprang into action to clean up graffiti
on signage along the Terrys Creek walking track.
Youth Programs
Providing opportunities for the youth of Epping to broaden their experience and learn
more about themselves and the world has been a source of enjoyment and fulfillment for
many members of the Club. It has also enabled Epping Rotary to partner with local
schools, churches, Rotaract groups and businesses and lead the way in inspiring our
young people.
Three youth projects supported by the club and coordinated by the District are:
RYLA
The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) is a project that aims to challenge the ideals
of young people aged between 18 to 27 years. Young people who are leaders in their
community are selected by their local Rotary Club to receive the award and attend a
week long seminar, organised by the RYLA District Committee, aimed at further
developing their personal and leadership skills.
During the week they are challenged, motivated, engaged and mentored. Some of the
participants shared their thoughts:
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“It was exhausting but exhilarating. I slept for what seemed like a week when I got home
afterwards.”
“You learn so much about yourself, your strengths, and weaknesses and how you relate to
other people.”
“RYLA really is a life changing experience.
Epping Rotary has supported RYLA since 1970, sponsoring young people to attend in all
but two years since then. In recent years the Club has secured sponsorship from local
businesses that can see the benefit of encouraging their young high potential staff to
attend the program. In return the companies provide additional funding to sponsor a
young person from the local community.
RYPEN
The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) is a District project that targets
predominantly Year 9 or 10 students, who have not yet experienced leadership positions.
The program aims to deliver increased motivation and improved life skills, encourage
better self-image and more self pride, better understanding of goal setting and the
confidence to overcome failure and take control of their future.
Epping Rotary has worked with Epping Boys High School over a number of years to
send suitable students to RYPEN where they attend a weekend long camp designed at
developing their potential through a mixture of lecture style sessions and adventure-
based learning.
NYSF
The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is a program aimed at selecting the best Year
11 science students from across Australia to attend a two week course that immerses
them in all aspects of science.
Epping Rotary has had a strong connection with the NYSF program in recent times,
sponsoring students to attend NYSF through grant funding from North Epping Bendigo
Bank.
The students are part of a group of over 400 such students considered to be the best
science students in Australia and potentially major players in Australia's future. This is
one of the biggest Rotary projects within Australia.
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Chapter 6 Rotary Today and the Future
Epping Today
Epping is 2012 is a vastly different place to Epping in the 1960’s. The town centre is still
bisected by the railway line and Beecroft Road which is now six lanes wide, is crossed
by a pedestrian overpass. The station has been expanded into a major transport hub
serving thousands of commuters each day. The division of the town centre between
Parramatta City Council and Hornsby Shire Council has meant that development has
been irregular and uncoordinated. The traffic bottlenecks of the 1960s have become
chronic.
The development of major regional shopping centres at Macquarie and Carlingford in
the 1980s, lack of parking and changing shopping habits has stripped centres like Epping
of the range of specialty retailers they once enjoyed. They have been replaced by fast
food shops, restaurants, estate agents, cafes and vacant shops as the town centre awaits
a redevelopment plan. On the fringes there is a collection of commercial offices. The retail
heart of the suburb has been removed, and the diversity of the high street has been lost.
The population of Epping now stands at about 23,500 people, of whom 46% were born
overseas. New residents have mainly come from China, Hong Kong, Korea, India and
UK, often attracted to the area by the quality of the schools, proximity to transport and
good quality and affordable housing. Almost three quarters of the residents own or are
buying their homes.
The population is aging with a median age of 37 years and about one quarter of the
population is over 55 years.
The Club Today
Over the past 50 years the Rotary Club of Epping has seen many changes so what do we
look like today and how might our club evolve?
The Club’s mission statement is “To improve the well being of the community and to
foster international understanding through actions of Epping Club members embracing
Rotary ideals.” In our 50th year we continue to be recognised as a club that represents the
community that it serves through being connected both locally and globally.
The Rotary Club of Epping is governed by the Board of Directors who are responsible
governance, the strategic vision, current year plans, fundraising, membership, publicity,
and projects, and the structure and content of meetings.
The Meetings
Meetings are Monday evening, 6:00 pm for 6:30 pm at the Boronia Grove Reception
Centre and we pay $27 for the meal. We are greeted by one of our unsung heroes,
attendance Chairman Neil Anderson, who has diligently performed the job for the past
30 years; we share fellowship, a drink and a cooked meal. The Sergeant calls the meeting
to order, we recite the Rotary invocation, a toast is proposed, the President is introduced.
86
About 50% of our members are in attendance. There are fine sessions as appropriate,
guests are introduced, new members inducted and various reports are delivered. Most
Mondays we have a guest speaker and we plan to conclude proceedings by 8:00 pm
sharp. This is the model we have followed for the past 50 years, the structure is largely
unchanged but what has gone is a lot of the formality.
The Members
Since 1962 more than 300 members of the Epping community have been members of
Epping Rotary Club. Some have stayed a matter of months, many less than 5 years but
it is not uncommon for members to remain with the club for 20, 30 and even 40 years.
The club’s longest serving member PP Wal Cooper passed away in 2010 after 48 years of
service. In the previous year PP Russell Walker, also a charter member passed away after
recording 47 years service. Currently the longest serving members of the club are Bob
Nash with 43 Years service, Neil Anderson with 32 years service and PP John Goddard
who joined in 1981 and has 30 years service.
Unlike many District Rotary Clubs, Epping is actually refreshing itself with new
members. Of the current membership of 37, more than 40% have been members for less
than 5 years and 8 have been inducted since June 2011. While there has been an erosion
of Rotary experience, the new members are bringing fresh ideas and are prepared to
question how the club is meeting their needs. More than 95% of members are still
working, a critical percentage if Rotary is to retain its status as a vocationally based
community organisation, attracting business leaders. More than 25% of the club
members are female. 75% of the members are in the 50-65 age group, still older than the
median age for the area, but considerably younger than many of the other Rotary Clubs
in the District. We live in an ethnically diverse community but that diversity is not
reflected in the membership.
Regular attendance has always been a requirement of Rotary. In the 1960’s the Club
regularly reported attendance at meetings well in excess of 90 per cent. Members who
fell below the required levels of attendance were called before the Board of the Club to
explain why their membership should not be cancelled. Over the years Rotary has
relaxed its attendance requirements for members. Currently members are required to
attend only 50% of the club meetings in a year, and members have an opportunity to
“make up” meetings by attending other club meetings or club and District activities.
Currently Epping’s average attendance at meetings is
55%.
While we focus on the service that members give to the
community we often overlook the benefits that Rotary
membership can bring to the members. This can be as
diverse providing leadership training, public speaking
experience, the opportunity to work as a member of a multi skilled team, the fellowship
and above all the opportunity to build communities and change lives.
Rotary has had a great affect of my
life. It has improved my outlook on
life both personally and professionally,
enabled me to meet interesting people
and contribute to the community in a
meaningful way.” Stephen Wright
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So what could the Rotary Club of Epping look like say in ten years time? John Fenessy
current club Membership Director hypothesises
“By the year 2022 the club has focused on a new outlook on membership and a different
approach to club structure without altering the core pieces of the organisation or losing what
Rotarians hold dear.
The key features of the change have included the redesign of club and meeting structure, meeting
times and locations, program structures, club member involvement committee formats and
effective partnering with other organisations and local business groups.
Meetings are not held every week and locations vary, some are held as E Meetings – there has
been a melding of the E Club structure that was sponsored by Epping Rotary back in 2011. The
“I’m too busy” objection has been removed and success is measured more by the contributions
individuals make - the current 100% attendance award as a measure has long been forgotten.
We have also accepted that we can’t be afraid of inviting members who may leave – we value
members for the contribution they make in the time they can be with us, they come and go as
life circumstances dictate, the club is also far more ethnically diverse.
Senior members meet regularly with the younger members who value them as mentors and they
learn from each other.
The transition has been very successful because small steps were taken in a non threatening
environment. Overall membership numbers continue to grow but the days of 30 + years
continuous service will likely not be seen again. Members make a commitment to Rotary based
on career and family commitments also geographic locations at a given time. The only
constant is change! “ John Fenessy
Fellowship
The term Fellowship is difficult to define. It implies warmth, affection, a sense of working
together, loyalty, teamwork and social interaction. It is the enduring theme in the
reminiscences of past members. They recall with affection building a guide hall, painting
at Dalmar, rebuilding and refurbishing caravans, preparing for Flea Markets and Market
Days and cooking BBQs. They remember Progressive Dinners, Family Picnics, attending
District Conferences and in particular the men’s weekends away. All of these activities
gave members and opportunity to bond, find common interests and build enduring
friendships.
That is not to suggest that members today are any less social or friendly or don’t enjoy
each other’s company. Projects like the Street Fair, the Seniors Cruise or Clean Up
Australia Day give members the opportunity to meet and talk and interact. Social
dinners are well attended.
Perhaps the changing family and work demands and the modern pace of life have meant
fewer opportunities for Fellowship, but it does not make the experience any less
important. In the end Fellowship is about shared experiences and developing a spirit
and culture within the Club, which encourages members to have fun working together
to achieve a common goal.
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The Projects
Epping Rotary is first and foremost interested in supporting the local community. In the
early years there was considerable community need for facilities that was not met by
government or council.
The infrastructure that was needed to meet the needs of the emerging baby boomers in
the 1960s like pools, sporting fields, halls, libraries and parks are in place. Changing
demographics have meant that many of the scout and guide troops have closed or
amalgamated, several bowling clubs have become unviable and closed. Schools and
kindergartens are generally better funded and equipped. Many of the major institutions
like the Poplars Community Hospital and the Dalmar Orphanges have closed and other
facilities like Karonga Special School have been taken over by the Education Department.
Higher OH&S and building standards and changing skill sets have made it more difficult
for organisations to call on the services of volunteer groups like Rotary for their building
projects. As such many of the hands on projects that occupied Rotarians in the early years
have disappeared, and Epping Rotary, like the Epping community has had to evolve and
adapt.
Now many of our community projects such as the Meadowbank Seniors Cruise, the
Epping Street Fair, BowelScan and Pride of Workmanship Awards tend to focus on
community interaction. We continue to provide financial support for local organisations
like The Shack, Christian Community Aid, and Achieve Foundation.
We have continued to focus on youth related programs mainly directed at primary
school and high schools students many of these programs we have initiated locally such
as the Langston Awards, High School and Primary School Debates and Citizenship
awards. We are also been involved in District Rotary projects like Youth Exchange and
Rotary leadership programs such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA),
Rotary Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) and
Summer Science Camps.
The Club has supported dozens of international projects over its 50 years. These are
generally one off donations rather than long term commitments to a project or an area.
Projects have been as diverse as books for schools in PNG, water wells in India, fish farms
in Thailand, schools in Tanzania, milch cows in India, clean water projects, and
classrooms and toilet blocks in Cambodia. We have also purchased Rotary shelter boxes
or organised collections to assist with international disaster relief. We have supported
several RAWCS projects which have given members the opportunity for hands on
involvement in projects in developing countries and our international friendship
exchanges have allowed us to meet with Rotarians in other parts of the world while
enjoying different cultural experiences. Nevertheless we are essentially a locally rather
than internationally focused club.
Fundraising
Fundraising has always been an important part of the club's activities. Some Rotary clubs
are renowned for members reaching into their pockets to support worthy causes, but
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Epping has generally taken the view that it is best to raise funds from the local
community. From the earliest times sales from the catering caravan underpinned the
club's charitable giving, supported by Warehouse Sales, Community Markets, Golf Days,
Trivia Nights, and even bucket collections. More recently the Club has sought support
from CDSE Funding, Bendigo Bank Community Grants and business sponsorships .
Since the year 2000 the Club has contributed more that $300,000 to the local and overseas
community projects and charities.
There are two philosophies in fund raising - only give out what you can raise from your
normal activities or find a worthy cause and raise what is necessary to support that cause.
The former view often results in a lot of small donations, generally concentrated around
the end of the year when the amount of funds available is clear. The latter view requires
greater commitment to a cause. Over the years the Club has followed both approaches.
However lack of funds in the budget is not an acceptable excuse if a cause is worthy of
support.
Rotary is an instantly recognisable brand and Epping Rotary has the opportunity to
identify community needs and act as a catalyst to bring together worthy causes and those
organisations and businesses capable of providing support.
The Future As we outlined in the Preface, Paul Harris originally conceived an organisation of
business and professional people coming together as friends for mutual benefit. That
soon extended to an international fellowship united in the ideal of service. How do
today’s Rotary Clubs measure up and what challenges are they likely to face?
PP Graham Stevens looks at the present and poses some questions for the future
A significant problem facing Rotary in general and Epping Club in particular is how will
Rotary and the club serve the members and the local community into the future?
Community service and volunteering is no longer the preserve of the traditional service club.
Community needs are met by councils and government as well as a wide range of not for
profit organisations and their supporters. Individuals can and do take on incredible tasks
both in Australia and overseas. Informal networks and instantaneous communications allow
interested people to work together without the need for a structure as formal as a Rotary club.
Individuals and groups work together to achieve particular ends or for specific causes. They
become more singular in their interest and more focused on their results.
The Rotary brand is unique and gives its members a community profile that is disproportionate
to their numbers on the ground. In 2012 there are 1,121 Rotary Clubs in Australia with
31,954 members, not even a good football crowd, but the brand gives Rotary members
unprecedented access to all levels of government, recognition as a source of funding for worthy
causes, and high public esteem if not public awareness. We need to continue to leverage off that
recognition.
How can Rotary continue to attract business leaders, build friendships and build better
communities? Some say that members are time poor, that work and family commitments
make it difficult to attend regular weekly meetings. Are weekly meetings necessary? Are there
other ways that Rotarians can interact to develop the fellowship, friendships and networks
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that have characterised Rotary Clubs? Is the organisation still relevant to the local community
it serves? How should we assess the community needs? What are the worthwhile projects in
our community and how best can the skills and resources of the membership be utilised? How
can the internationality of the Rotary brand be leveraged? While the occupy protester in
developed countries would like to suggest they are the forgotten people , the reality is that the
developed world is the lucky 1%, so do we as an organisation need to look more closely at the
needs beyond our local community and beyond our borders? These are some of the questions
that the club is likely to face. How we address them will have a profound effect on the future
of the organisation.” Graham Stevens
Rotary International is a remarkable organisation, its global reach gives it international
recognition and respect, empowers each Rotarian to look at the needs in his or her own
community, and gives them the tools, the opportunity and the vehicle to help.
The Challenge facing us all is to continue to look for the community needs, embrace the
challenges and enjoy the fellowship, and Rotary International and the Rotary Club of
Epping in particular will continue to flourish into the future.
This history shows us some of what Epping Rotarians have achieved over the past 50
years. The future is now in our hands.
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Appendix 1 – Past Presidents
1962-3
Lloyd Gollan PHF
Lloyd was Charter President of the club and prior to that was a
member of Ryde Rotary for 10 years. He served on almost all
committees over the years and his name featured regularly on lists of
those with hundred per cent attendance. His service to Rotary was
recognised by the club with the award of Paul Harris Fellowship in
1978. Until his retirement Lloyd was senior partner of Gollan and
Anderson Optometrists. He retired from Epping Rotary in 1987.
Lloyd records the highlight of his year as President as “inducting 27
members into the Rotary Club of Epping and the honour of being its
Charter President”
1963-64
Cec Chambers
Cec was a charter member in 1962 and was President in 1963-64. He
was Principal of Epping Public School and is credited with introducing
Cuisenaire rods to the NSW Education Department. He held a range
of Board positions and passed away while still a member of the Club
in 1983. His highlight as President is recorded as “establishing and
furnishing the Epping Senior Citizens club”.
1964-65
Arthur Walker
Arthur Walker was a member of the Rotary Club of Ryde Rotary for
several years and resigned to participate in the formation of the Rotary
Club of Epping and accordingly was a charter member.
He was Epping Rotary's 3rd President 1964-65 and secretary 1967-70.
During his year as President he inducted his son Ken as a member, and
together with son Russ, also a charter member, this meant 3 members
of our club from the same family. The major project for 64-65 was
building the Epping Girl Guides hall. Epping Club received the first
Paul Harris award from Rotary International for the most significant
project in District 268. Arthur passed away in 1973.
1965-66
John Niccol
John was a charter member of the club and President in 1965-66. For
many years John was the proprietor of Niccol’s newsagency in Beecroft
Road Epping.
He served on many club committees. He retired from the club in 1990.
John records the highlight of his year as President as “receiving the first
Paul Harris Award from Rotary International for the Epping Guide
Hall as the most significant project for 1964-65.
1966-67
Bill McPhillips
Bill joined our Club during the Rotary Year 1963-64 with the
classification of Education-Administration and served the community
for a period of six years. During that time was appointed Secretary
1964-65, Vice President, Club Service Director for 1965-66 and
President 1966-67. He retired in 1970.
His highlight as President is recorded as “The Goodwill extended to
the elderly and youth of the district.”
92
1967-68
Horrie Mendham
PHF
Horrie was the Musical Director of Epping club for many years. He
was club President in 1967-68 having been inducted into the Club in
1965. He was Secretary of Quirindi Rotary Club from 1960 to 1962. He
retired as Principal of Mount Prichard East Primary School in 1971. He
retired from Epping Rotary in 1991 and was made an honorary
member, a position he held until he his death in December 2000. He
was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1992.
His highlight as President is recorded as “The clubs first participation
in Youth Exchange and the success in having a nominee accepted for
the Oregon USA GSE team”.
1968-69
Howard(Jum)
Land
Jum, a builder, joined us during the Rotary year 1964-65, and served
the club for twenty three years. During that time he occupied the
position of Secretary for two years from 1965 to 1967, Vice President
and Club Service Director 1967-68 and President for 1968-69. His
Presidency marked the arrival of our first Youth Exchange student
Marylin Stelfox from Canada. Jum was actively engaged in the
building of the Epping Guide Hall.
His Highlight as President was recorded as “The commencement of
the successful hosting of Youth Exchange Students by Epping Rotary”.
1969-70
Bill Jennings
Bill moved in the financial world and managed the local Building
Society. He was a charter member of the club and served as Charter
Secretary, Secretary for 1963-64, Treasurer1967-68, Vice President,
Club Service Director 1968-69 and President for 1969-70. After ten
years of service with our club, Bill retired during 1972-73.
His highlight as President is recorded as “The fellowship engendered
by our relationship with students from Papua - New Guinea.”
1970-71
Eric Wade PHF
Eric joined the club in 1963 and was President in 1970-71. He spent 46
years in the meat industry and for 39 years operated a chain of retail
butcher shops E.C Wade Pty Limited. He retired from the club in 1991.
His highlight as President is recorded as “hosting the members of the
Rotary Club of Ikebukuro following the World conference and
establishing the sister club relationship” He was recognised as a Paul
Harris Fellow in 1990.
1971-72
Les Booth
Les a Dentist, was a charter member, resigned in 1965-66 and re-
inducted in 1966-67. During his fourteen years of service with our club
he occupied the positions of Vocational Service Director 1967-68,
International Service Director 1968-69, Vice-President, Club Service
Director 1970-71 and President 1971-72. He retired in 1980.
His highlight as President is recorded as “The enthusiasm of Rotarians
in the participation in community projects and fellowship functions”.
93
1972-73
Wal Cooper PHF*
Wal was a charter member of the club and President in 1972-73. He
operated his own business in Epping for many years as a watchmaker
and jeweller and was a Fellow of the Horological Guild of Australia
since 1946. Wal was recognised as a Paul Harris fellow in 1993 and
received a sapphire pin in 2003 on the occasion of the club’s 40th
birthday. He was an innovator and initiator, being responsible for the
clubs involvement with Seniors Picnics and establishing Carols in
Forest Park and many other projects over the years. He was the club
Song master and had a long involvement with Epping Men’s’ Probus
Club. He passed away in 2010, Epping Rotary's longest serving charter
member. His highlight as President is recorded as “the formation of the
Rotary Club of Carlingford”.
1973-74
Ron Turner PHF
Ron joined the club in 1967 and was President in 1973-74. Over his 27
years of membership he held most positions on the board. For 28 years
Ron’s work centred on Turner's Pharmacy in Epping until he retired in
1982. He was President of the Pharmacist Guild for eight years. He was
made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986 and passed away in 1994.
His highlight as President is recorded as “the fellowship engendered
with our Rotannes involved in preparing for the first flea market”.
1974-75
Algy Morris PHF
Algy was inducted into Epping Rotary in 1968 having previously been
a member of Corel and Singleton Rotary Clubs. He was President in
1974-75. For many years Algy operated a cake shop in Scotts Arcade at
Epping. He was made a Paul Harris fellow in 1990. He retired from the
club in 2004 and is currently an Honorary Member of the club.
His highlight as President is recorded as “The induction of Jim Clough
MP as an Honorary Member on the floor of the NSW State Parliament”.
1975-76
Alan Emery
Alan was principal mechanical engineer for the Department of Main
Roads, New South Wales responsible for department earthmoving and
motor vehicle fleet. He was inducted into Epping Rotary in 1970 and
was President in 1975-76. He was active in fostering the club's
relationship with the Rotary Club of Tokyo Ikebukuro and held many
leadership positions in the club and at District level, Including District
Advisor on Vocational Service. He retired from Epping Rotary in 1987.
His highlight as President is recorded as “the initiation of project
mobile canteen and its dedication to community service”.
1976-77
Ian Dence PHF
Ian joined Epping Rotary in 1970 and was active in many aspects of the
club. He was made a Paul Harris fellow in 1982 and was President in
1976-77. Most of Ian’s working life he was involved with transport and
he was a member of the Northern District Radio Taxicab's Cooperative.
He retired from the club in 1988.
His highlight as President is recorded as “The fellowship enjoyed by
Rotary families at Fitzroy falls and the lead up to the first flea market”
94
1977-78
Ray Hosking PHF
Ray saw Rotary on the world stage as a Member of a Group Study
Exchange Team to Texas USA before becoming a Rotarian in 1972. This
undoubtedly influenced his commitment to Community service over
the following 30 years. Prior to his retirement Ray was Director of
Communications for Wesley Central Mission. He was President in
1977-78 and became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1992. He retired from the
club in 2003. His highlight as President is recorded as “a year of
dedication, determination, teamwork, tenacity, fellowship and fun
underwriting major projects for the benefit of humankind.”
1978-79
Max Breckenridge
PHF
Max operated a men’s wear shop in Epping and was inducted as a
member of our club in January 1968. During his twenty nine years of
Service Above Self, he served as Treasurer 1969-70, Vocational Service
Director for the years 1970-71, 1974-75, Club Service Director 1977-78
and President 1978-79. In 1996 he was recognised as a Paul Harris
Fellow. He organised members’ weekends away at his holiday home
at Pearl Beach NSW, providing great enjoyment to many Rotarians.
His highlight as President is recorded as “The formation of our first
Probus Club also the formation of the 75th Anniversary Committee
which ultimately led to the Ryde Hospital Project.”
1979-80
Fred Arthur PHF
Fred joined Epping Rotary in 1975 and served on many committees.
He was President in 1979-80. Fred spent his career in the building
industry and was a Past President and Life Member of the Epping
YMCA. He was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1994 and retired
from Epping Rotary in 2000. He remained an honorary member of the
club until his death in 2006.
His highlight as President is recorded as “Gaining support from other
clubs in the District for the Coronary Care Ward scheme at Ryde
Hospital”.
1980-81
Ken Walker
Ken joined Epping Rotary in 1964 and is elder son of charter member
Arthur Walker, the third President of Epping Rotary. Ken worked as
electrical contractor for many years and prior to his retirement was in
charge of maintenance at Poplars Community Hospital. He retired
from the club in 1987.
His highlight as President is recorded as “The honour of being
presented with the District Governor’s Shield at the Canberra
Conference on behalf of the members and our ladies”.
1981-82
Bob Paisley PHF
Bob was inducted into the club in 1969 and for many years was
Secretary and Treasurer of the club. He was also the club vexillologist.
He was President in 1981-82 and prior to his retirement he was senior
partner of solicitors Colin Biggers and Paisley. Bob was recognised as
a Paul Harris Fellow in 1995. He retired from the club in 2000 and is
currently an Honorary Member of the club.
95
His highlight as President is recorded as “International goodwill
evidenced by our support of programs in Fiji, India and Malaysia as
well a significant donation ($6,000) to the Microsearch Foundation”.
1982-83
Ken Dobinson
PHF
Ken originally joined Bourke Rotary and was inducted into Epping
Rotary in 1970 where he held most Board positions. Ken was Deputy
Engineer-in-Chief of the Department of Main Roads. He was President
in 1982-83 and was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1983.
His highlight as President is recorded as “The fellowship engendered
by the Club’s involvement with the Camp Breakaway Project”.
1983-84
Alan Thomas PHF
Alan joined Epping Rotary in 1979 and was President in 1983-84. Over
the years he held most Board positions and represented the Club at
District level on a number of committees including Group Study
Exchange and Youth Exchange and was District International Service
Director. Alan is an architect. He was recognised as Paul Harris Fellow
in 1984. He retired from the club in 2005.
His highlight as President is recorded as “Organising and hosting the
RYLA week in January 1984, a difficult and complex undertaking with
a wide ranging and long term impact on the community”.
1984-85
Keith Chinchen
PHF
Keith joined the club in 1969 and was President in 1984-85. He was
awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1984 and resigned in 1987.
His highlight as President was “Chartering our second Probus Club to
cater for the needs of our senior citizens.
1985-86
Russ Walker
PHF*
Russ was the third member of the Walker family to serve as President
of Epping Rotary Club, following on the tradition of his father Arthur
and older brother Ken. Russell was a Charter Member of the club and
an active and tireless worker for the club. In particular he and his wife
Dianne managed the club catering van from its original construction in
1976 until its sale in 2009. Russ was President in 1985-86 and had the
distinction of achieving Epping Rotary’s highest membership of 72
members. He was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986 and a
received a Sapphire Pin in 1997 He passed away in 2009 after a
distinguished 47 year career with Epping Rotary.
Russ’ highlight as President is recorded as “The satisfaction of
inducting eleven new members into the club and introducing them to
the world fellowship of Rotary and presenting a first aid caravan to St
John Ambulance”
96
1986-87
Doug Rae
Doug joined the club in 1982, having been a member of Tamworth
Rotary club from 1975 to 1979. He is the son of Jack Rae who was a
foundation member of the club and Past President of the Rotary Club
of Ryde in 1951-52. Doug was an engineer with the Department of
Main Roads and President in 1986-87. He retired from the club in 1996
to move to Bathurst.
His highlight as President is recorded as “the completion of a cabin at
Camp Breakaway and the fellowship it engendered, and presenting
the first JW Langston Award made by the club”
1987-88
Paul Clune PHF
Paul joined Epping Rotary in 1984 and was President in 1987-88. Prior
to his retirement he was Finance Director of Essex Laboratories, a
worldwide pharmaceutical company. He has been chairman of the
Granville College TAFE Council, Epping Boys High School Council
and National President of the Company Directors Association. He has
been a tireless worker and stalwart of the club. He has served as
Chairman of several District Committees. Paul was recognised as a
Paul Harris Fellow in 1995 and retired in 2010. He is currently an
Honorary Member of the club.
His highlight as President is recorded as “Fundraising to support
Rotary’s Polio Plus, polio eradication program and the fellowship
particularly surrounding the Bicentennial Celebrations”.
1988-89
John Goddard
PHF
John joined the club end 1981 and he is still an active member with over
30 years of continuous membership. His classification is Merchant
Banking and he has been associated with the security industry for more
than 60 years. He has been active in the local community and is
currently a director of Bendigo Bank North Epping. John is one of only
two members who have been President on more than one occasion. He
was President in 1988-89 and again in 2003-4. He was made a Paul
Harris Fellow in 1997.
His highlight as President is recorded as “putting the words
‘dedication and enthusiasm’ into action in 1988-89”.
(See also Current Members)
1989-90
Ron Hinton
Ron Hinton was a member of the club from 1971 to 1977 and rejoined
in 1982. He was President in 1989-90 and retired in 1996.
The highlight of his year as President was “fitting out and presenting
a mobile policing caravan to Eastwood police”.
97
1990-91
Cees Thurmer
Cees was a consulting engineer. He joined the Club in 1985 and was
President in 1990-91. He was actively involved at District level with
Group Study Exchange and Ambassadorial Scholarships. He was also
active with the Dutch community in Australia. Cees was recognised as
a Paul Harris Fellow in 2001 and retired from the club in 2002.
Cees records the highlight of his year as President as “Hosting the visit
from Tokyo Ikebukuro Club and involvement with the Microsearch
concert at the Opera House”.
1991-92
Athol McCoy PHF
Athol joined Epping Rotary in 1983 and held most board positions. He
was President in 1991-92. Prior to retirement Athol was Technical
Superintendent at Australian Paper Manufacturers Ltd. He was
appointed a Paul Harris Fellow in 1998 and retired from the club in
2003.
His highlight as President was “commencement of the Sunday Markets
at Eastwood Public School and donation of building materials to Camp
Breakaway”.
1992-93
PDG Tony Castley
PHF**
Tony joined the Rotary Club of Epping in 1987, held most Board
positions and was President in 1992-93, and subsequently group
representative and held a number of District Adviser positions.
He is very successful businessman who developed a very sizable
international business that exports haberdashery, sewing and craft
items to most countries in the world.
Tony has always enjoyed the internationality of Rotary. He has been
on six RAWCS trips to places as diverse and Nepal and Vanuatu. He
has led many international friendship visits including the 1993 club
visit to Epping’s sister club the Rotary Club of Ikebukuro Japan which
in led to a joint cleft palate project in the Philippines. He also led the
Siberia Rail tour to China and Russia in 2004. He established the tri-
District China Australia Friendship Exchange program and has led
several Rotary friendship Tours to China.
The Club awarded him a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997 and he has
multiple sapphire pins and is a member of the Paul Harris Fellowship.
He established the SewAid International Foundation that provides
sewing machines and training to help women in third world countries
to earn money to support their families.
Tony was District Governor in 2008-9 and retired from Epping Rotary
in 2011 to become the Charter President of the Rotary E–club of Greater
Sydney.
Tony is married to Sandra and they have 3 married sons. Sandra was
awarded a PHF in 2005 and she spends a lot of time supporting Tony
but is also heavily involved with Inner Wheel, and is a Past District
Chairman.
Tony’s highlight as President was "Addressing the Ikebukuro Club
during our visit to Tokyo honouring the relationship of goodwill
between our clubs."
98
1993-94
Kerry Brownsey
Kerry worked in management at Dalmar Children’s Homes and was
inducted into the club during the Rotary year 1988-89 with the
classification of Family Care. During his seven years of service with
our club, he served as Community Service Director 1991-92, Club
Service Director 1992-93 and President for1993-94.
He inducted Helen Shaw, the first female member of the club. Helen
was the Matron of the now defunct Poplars Hospital.
The highlight of his year as President is recorded as “The rewarding
experience of service above self, following the commitment of our
community caravan to the bush fire emergency and the dedication of
our members, families and friends involved.
1994-95
John Hayes
"John conducted a Contract Cleaning and Supplies business and was
inducted into the club during the Rotary year of 1988-89 with the
classification of Contract Cleaning. He served as a member for fourteen
years and during that time served as Vocational Service Director for
the years 1990 to1992, Club Service Director 1993-94 and President for
1994-95. He initiated the first Strategic Plan for the Club.
The highlights of his year as President are recorded as “The donation
of $10,000 at the culmination of the Bush Fire Appeal, commissioning
a painting for a new design of RIM Cover, and initiating a strategic
plan for the Club”.
1995-96
Graham Simons
PHF
Graham, a Chartered Accountant, was inducted into the club in June
1988 and served our club and community for twenty three years
thereafter. During that time he gave outstanding service as Treasurer,
1990 to1992, International Service Director 1992-93, Youth Service
Director 1993-94, Club Service Director 1994-95 and President 1995-
96.Graham was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2000.
Graham was also Club Auditor for a number of years.
Graham records the highlights of his year as President as “Being the
organising club for the 1996-97 District Assembly at Bathurst and
hosting a visit of 18 members from our Japanese Sister Club, Tokyo-
Ikebukuro”.
He retired from the club in 2011.
1996-97
David Stewart
PHF
David, a High School Deputy Principal, joined Rotary in November
1986 and during his twenty three years of Service with our club was
appointed International Service Director 1991-92, Youth Service
Director1992-93, Club Service Director 1995-96, President 1996-97,
Treasurer 1999 to 2002,Secretary 2007 to 2009. In 2001 he was
recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow. David retired in 2009 after 22 years
5 months.
The highlight of his year as President is recorded as “The support of all
club members in all aspects of Rotary. A comprehensive Community
Service Program culminating in the Club’s extensive involvement in
activities for the opening of the M2 Motorway.”
99
1997-98
PDG Monica
Saville PHF**
Monica was invited to join the Rotary Club of Epping by a long time
friend and fellow educator, John Payne. On 20 September 1993 she was
inducted as the third woman to join the club.
She took over as Community Service Director in 1994-95 on the death
of John Guise, was Director of Club Service in 1996-97, Club President
in 1997-98 and District Governor in 2007-8.
In her 19 years of Rotary membership, Monica has also had wide
experience at senior levels in District 9680 and in roles for Rotary
International.
She is a Gold Companion of Australian Rotary Health and has multiple
Paul Harris Fellow recognitions. Monica and Geoff are Major Donors
to the Rotary Foundation.
(see also Current Members)
1998-99
Ken Beacom
Ken joined the club in 1983 and participated in all aspects of the club's
activities; he was President in 1988/99. Prior to his retirement he was
Financial Controller for Juventus Cosmetics. He retired from the club
in 2002.
The highlights of his year as President included raising over $21,000 of
which $6,000helped build Jacaranda Lodge, Cancer Support Centre at
the Adventist Hospital, record support at fellowship functions, our
visit to Cowra Rotary Club, celebrating annual Ikebukuro dinner at the
Ponto-Cho restaurant at Neutral Bay and the 3801 trip to the Tamworth
Conference.”.
1999-00
Ian Mackay PHF
Ian, a bookseller, was inducted in June 1991 and was a member of the
Board on nine occasions between 1991 and 2003. He resigned in
December 2003 to move to Medowie and joined the Rotary Club of
Williamtown where he is still an active member.
Highlights of Ian’s Presidential Year in 1999-00 included the Golf day
at Pennant Hills Golf Club which raised $22,500; publication of a
Recipe Book which is still being used by many Rotary cooks and the
Taste of South Africa friendship tour. Overall "A great year of
dedication, enthusiasm and fellowship as we involved ourselves in
Rotary activities in the four Avenues of Service”.
2000-01
John Payne PHF
John joined the club in 1984. Prior to his retirement he was Principal of
Eastwood Public School having had a distinguished teaching career. In
his younger days he was a professional entertainer and crack
marksman. He was Secretary of the club for many years and Song
master and his alter ego Flash Jack was never short of a poem for any
occasion. He was President in 2000-01, coinciding with the Sydney
Olympics. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2003. He
retired from the club in 2009, relocating to Queensland. The highlight
of his year as President was “an outstanding Charity Golf Day that
allowed the Club to donate over $20,000 to Careflight.”
100
2001-02
Graham Stevens
PHF**
Graham was nominated for membership by Tony Castley and joined
Epping Rotary in June 1991 and served on the Board as Vocational
Services, Youth, Community and Club Services Directors as well as
serving as President in 2000-01 and 2009-10. His classification was
Corporate Taxation
His enduring achievement as President in 2000-01 was to initiate and
facilitate the construction of the Terrys Creek Walk which involved the
Club acting as a catalyst to bring together two local councils, Work for
the Dole, and the local community. This project won the District
Community Service Shield for 2001-2
(see also President 2009-10 and Current Members)
2002-03
Ava Emdin
Ava joined in July 1994, was Youth Service Director in 1996-97, Club
Service Director in 2001-2 and President 2002-03. She resigned from
the club in 2003-04.
Highlight of her Presidential year was ”The official opening of Stage 2
of the Terrys Creek Walking Track and the International hook up and
warm conversation with Monza Ovest Rotary Club President Guido
Nori during our Annual Sister Club Celebratory Dinner”.
2003-04
John Goddard
PHF
Inducted in 1981, John is the first member to have served as President
of Epping Rotary on two occasions.
John comments of his Presidential year 2003-04”It is not an easy task
to be President for the second time. I will always remember the
enthusiastic support of the members, which allowed me to enable the
Club to proceed, despite being fettered by lack of funds. It was a great
pleasure at the end of my year to hand over a financially fit and well
club to the new board.
(see also President 1988-89 and Current Members )
2004-05
Ross Hinton
Ross Hinton a builder joined in 1996-97, the year after his father PP Ron
Hinton retired from the club. He was President in 2004-05.and resigned
in February 2008.
Highlights of his Year were “receiving the District Youth Service
Award from the District Governor, the success of the YES program,
raising $3,500 for the Indonesian Tsunami Appeal and the outstanding
organisation of the Bowelscan program. These reflected real
achievement and contribution by the club members, during a year of
opportunity and challenge”.
2005-06
John Corney PHF
John, an accountant, joined in December 1992 after a distinguished
career in Eastwood Apex Club. He was International Service Director
in 1996-97 and 1997-98 and was club Youth Service Director for several
years. He was president in 2005-6.
John is a great supporter of Youth Exchange and was on the District
Youth Exchange Committee for several years including 3 years as its
Chairman In 2008-09 he served as the District Youth Chairman. He and
wife Vivienne have hosted many overseas Exchange students and their
three children have participated in the program.
101
John was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2011.
(see also Current Members)
2006-07
John Edwards
PHF*
John owned a Real Estate Agency in Epping He was inducted into the
Rotary Club of Epping in July 1995. In 16 years as a member of Epping
Rotary he served as Sergeant for two years, Community Service
Director and Youth Service Director for 2 years when in 2005-06 our
Club won the District Youth Service Award. In 2006-07 he served as
President and was responsible for introducing the Graffiti Removal
program With his interest in photography he served as Club
photographer from 2002 until his resignation in 2011 to join the Rotary
Club of Turramurra.
In 2007-08 he was Aide to then DG Monica Saville and a member of the
Conference committee. He was made a Paul Harris Fellow at the
District Changeover in June 2008 and in 2009 received a Sapphire Pin
from Epping Club. In 2009-10 he served as District Community Chair
and in 2010-11 served as an Assistant Governor, responsible for 6
Rotary Clubs in The Hills Zone.
2007-08
Peter Slattery
PHF
Peter is an industrial relations manager in the building industry. He
joined in 1999 and served on the Board on several occasions becoming
President in 2007-08. He records the best achievement in that year was
“to make DG Monica’s District Conference, staged at Bathurst NSW,
such a resounding success. This was undertaken in collaboration with
the Rotary Club of Carlingford and under the
leadership of “Maestro” PP Graham Stevens.”
2008-09
Peter Tugwell
PHF
Peter joined Epping Rotary Club during the 1993-94 Rotary year under
the classification of Electrical Engineering. When he joined he was
working for a consulting practice at Drummoyne. At the end of 1996
he started his own consulting engineering business from home office.
His work involves the design of electrical lighting and power for
commercial buildings.
Peter has filled the positions of Vocational Service Director 1996-97,
Community Service Director 2001-02) and became Secretary in 2003-04
for a period of 4 years. He was also editor of the weekly newsletter
RIM.
In 2008-2009 Peter was President of the Club, when our Rotary Theme
for the year was "Make Dreams Real".
He records the highlights of his year as “The Adoption of the new Club
Leadership Plan and leading the Club through the associated
transitional period of change, watching our Japanese Youth Exchange
student grow in maturity and develop close friendships with members
and the privilege of overseeing another year in the history of the Rotary
club of Epping”.
In 2010 he was recognised by the Club as a Paul Harris Fellow.
(see also Current Members)
102
2009-10
Graham Stevens
PHF**
Graham is one of only two members in 50 years who have served as
President on more than one occasion, the first time being in 2001-02.
He has been involved in most aspects of the clubs activities over the
past 20 years. At District level he was Assistant Governor in 2003-04
responsible for 15 clubs in the Inner and Outer Hills Zones, District
Community Service Adviser 2005-06, District Conference Chairman
2007-08 and Aide to District Governor Tony Castley in 2008-09
He is a Paul Harris Fellow with 2 Sapphire pins
The highlight of his 2009-10 year as President was “enjoying the wide
array of projects and activities that the club was able to undertake
during the year, the willingness of members to lead projects, and the
purchase of seven Shelter boxes from funds raised at Carols in Boronia
Park and from generous donations by a number of club members”
(see also Current Members)
2010-11
Ian Bittner
Ian first joined Rotary with the Rotary Club of Alice Springs in
December 2005 and joined the Rotary Club of Epping in October 2008.
His classification is Pathology.
Ian has managed large and small pathology laboratories in several
states of Australia as well as overseas in Malaysia and Singapore.
Originally from Adelaide in South Australia, he has also worked in
Melbourne Victoria, the Northern Territory, overseas and now here in
Sydney.
Rotary Service includes President Elect, Alice Springs 2008-2009,
Secretary, Epping 2009-2010, and President Epping 2010-2011.
(see also Current Members)
2011-12
Chris O’Brien
Chris works in IT services. He joined the club in 1992-93 and has served
on the Board as Community, Youth, Club Service and International
Director; President Elect in 2010-11, and President in 2011-12.
He has served on the Board as Community, Youth, Club Service and
International Director and last year was President Elect.
He and his wife Sue have had a great interest in Rotary Youth
exchange, their two children were exchange students and they have
hosted seven inbound students.
This year he has the privilege of leading the club in its 50th
Anniversary year.
(see also Current Members)
2012-13
Bruce Jacob
President Elect
Bruce, a teacher at Epping Boys High since 1989 joined Epping Rotary
in 2010
He is currently the Club Public Relations Director and President Elect
and will lead the Club in 2012-13
(see also Current Members)
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Appendix 2 – Membership Today
Current Members
Neil Anderson PHF
Neil joined Epping Rotary in January 1980, sponsored by his
business partner of 20 years and Charter President, Lloyd Gollan.
His Classification is Optometry and he has practiced in Epping
since 1967, and two of his four sons work in the practice. Neil is
married to Gillian.
Neil has been the club’s Attendance Chairman since 1983, a
record 29 years. He was RYLA Chairman in 1981 and has served
on many committees over the years.
He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1998 and is the
club’s second longest serving member.
Alan Baker
Alan Joined Epping Rotary in December 2010. He has spent most
of his career in the Pharmaceutical industry working for only
three companies - Wellcome, Boots and Roche. His last few years
at Roche were spent in the Asia area looking after their Cold
Chain Logistics operation. He now works on a contract basis in
executive recruitment.He is married to Louise and together they
have five grown up children.
PP Ian Bittner
Ian first joined the Rotary Club of Alice Springs in December
2005 and joined the Rotary Club of Epping in October 2008. His
classification is Pathology, having managed large and small
pathology laboratories in several states of Australia as well as
overseas in Malaysia and Singapore.
His Rotary Service includes President Elect (Alice Springs) 2008-
09, Secretary 2009-10, President 2010-11.
Apart from his year as President of the Epping Rotary Club, Ian
lists the highlight of his time in Rotary as being involved with
the Henley-on-Todd dry river regatta in Alice Springs. This event
brought three Rotary Clubs together with a common fundraising
goal.
He has two adult and independent children. His outside interests
include good food and wine, visiting National Parks,
bushwalking, music and fishing.
Tim Bradnick
Tim was born and raised in Melbourne. He now lives in Epping
and is married to Yvonne and they have a daughter who is
currently studying at Sydney University. Currently Tim is the
Site Manager of a large manufacturing plant in Western Sydney
that provides much of the NSW market fibreboard packaging.
Tim has a degree in Human and Physical resources and then
went on to earn a Masters (Honors).
Tim is looking forward as a Rotarian to contributing to the
community and world in its drive to advance peace and goodwill
through health, education, and the alleviation of poverty.
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Mark Buckingham
Mark Joined Epping Rotary in 2011. He was born in the UK in
the early sixties and left school at fifteen to start an
apprenticeship as a butcher and worked in various jobs until
touching his first computer in 1979.
A love affair with information technology was spawned that
took Mark to jobs around the UK, Germany, USA and then
Australia. He met his wife Margo whilst they both worked for
the NSW Government. Mark left public service in 1984, moving
to BHP and then out into the world of consulting. They have five
children.
Mark owns a business called Chill IT in Epping. He is also active
in the Epping Chamber of Commerce.”
Anne Bryce
Anne joined Epping Rotary in 2005. Her classification is
Community Service Management. She is CEO of Achieve
Australia. She has served on the club Board in several positions.
Tim Cale
Tim was inducted into Epping Rotary in 2011. His classification
is Real Estate.
Tim and his wife Sue both grew up in the country where they ran
a stock and station business in Narromine for 10 years before
moving to Epping in 2000 to purchase the Bruce Lyon Real Estate
business.
They have three boys who are all very keen sportsmen. Rugby is
the focus in winter and cricket during the summer. They have
enjoyed becoming part of the Epping community, being
involved in Epping Heights Public School, Epping District
Cricket Club Juniors and Beecroft Rugby.
Michael Cuthbertson
Michael first joined Terrigal Rotary Club in 2008. Eventually the
daily commute to Sydney became too much and Michael moved
to Epping where soon after he joined Epping Rotary Club. He
was club Secretary 2010 - 2012.
Michael is currently a Training Manager for Fire & Rescue NSW
based in Alexandria. Prior to that Training Consultant for NSW
Corrective Services, High School Teacher in NSW Department of
Education and TAFE Teacher.
In his spare time Michael enjoys bush walking, photography and
fishing.
PP John Corney PHF
John joined Epping Rotary in December 1992. He had been a
member of Eastwood Apex Club for a number of years and
joined Rotary at the invitation of Graham Stevens with whom he
had shared many years in Apex. He was also motivated to join
Rotary by the example of his father PDG Athol Corney who had
died in January of 1992.
His classification has been Small Business Accounting.
John was President in 2005-6, and has served on the Club’s Board
on many occasions, mostly in the International and Youth
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portfolios. His most notable contribution to Rotary outside our
Club has been the seven years on the District Youth Exchange
Committee, three of those as Chairman. In 2008/9 he served as
District Youth Chairman. He received Paul Harris Recognition in
2005.
John is married to Vivienne and they have three children and
three grandchildren.
Wal Dover PHF
Wal joined Epping Rotary in 1992 and has been involved in the
Clubs activities over the past 20 years. His classification is
Building working as a health and building surveyor and an
accredited building certifier. He has served on the Board as
Treasurer and for the past 10 years has been the Conference
Coordinator, booking accommodation and coordinating the
members’ attendance at District Conferences.
He received a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2011
He is married to Dawn and they have 2 children and 5
grandchildren.
Peter Dudley
Pete was born in South Africa and his wife Margie in Sydney.
They met in a campsite in Barcelona in July 1971. Peter joined the
club with Margie in 2010.
Pete worked for IBM in South Africa and in Sydney until 1992.
Thereafter he sold computers/financial software until Y2K (2000)
and still dabbles in application development that helps sales
people be more effective. In 2003, he decided on a “sea change”
so started The Fresh Indoor Air Company, selling and installing
air purifiers which led to becoming involved in the wellness
industry which is now the main focus for him and Margie.
Pete was involved with Round Table, South Africa’s equivalent
to APEX, until turning 40. He played a lot of sport; rugby, cricket
at provincial level, golf, field hockey. He coached cricket at the
Epping YMCA for 5 years.
Margie Dudley
Pete and Margie Dudley are the only husband and wife members
in Epping. They have lived in Epping for 20 years and joined
Epping Rotary in 2010 with the aim giving something to the local
community
For the past 20 years Margie has been working for PJ Russell, a
small accounting firm in Epping. She is a good swimmer and still
enjoys going to the gym.
They have two children and two grandchildren.
John Fenessy
John joined Rotary 22nd June 2009, sponsored by Peter Tugwell.
He has been the Club’s Membership Director for the past 2 years.
His classification is Executive Recruitment and managing his
own executive recruitment business
John is married to Eszter a Medical Practitioner in Epping and
they have two boys.
His key accomplishments in Rotary has been to effectively
promote membership and raise the profile of membership, link
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events to membership and effectively communicate with
community minded individuals. John’s efforts resulted in seven
new members 2010-11 and also seven new members to date in
2011-12.
Interests include performance in community theatre, assisting
with production of plays and a modest wine collection.
John Fry
John joined Epping Rotary in 2006. His classification is Property
Management, having been involved in strata management for 26
years and real estate for 15 years. Currently licensee for an
Epping real estate agency and until 2011 part owner and licensee
for a strata management business.
He has been Club Treasurer for the past 4 years, and is a great
supporter of the club.
Originally from Wales, John is married to Sue and they have a
son. He has worked in Epping for 18 years and lived in Epping
for 7 years. His interests are regular exercise, golf the theatre and
travelling.
Craig Gallagher
Craig joined Epping Rotary in 2004. His classification is legal
services, formerly running his own legal practice in Eastwood
and Epping for approximately 25 years and is now a Partner at
Hunt & Hunt Lawyers at their North Ryde office.
He has been on the Club Board on several occasions. As
International Director he arranged the purchase of a bus for an
orphanage in Siberia. He has organised the club’s involvement
in Clean Up Australia for the past 3 years and arranged Pride of
Workmanship awards for 3 years.
Craig was Deputy Chairman of the Sydney Olympic Park Sports
Trust for a period of 17 years. Has been a member of Parramatta
Stadium Trust for 13 years, Chairman of the Finance and Audit
Committee for 6 years and Chairman of the Trust for the last 6
years. He has recently been appointed Chairman of the Council
for Western NSW venues and a Director of Venues NSW.
He is currently a Director of Bendigo Bank North Epping and a
Director of the Centre for Disability Studies.
Craig is married to Diana and they have 2 sons.
PP John Goddard PHF
When approached by Ken Dobinson to join him at a Rotary
meeting John was immediately impressed by the calibre of the
members and the projects they were carrying out, so he decided
to become a Rotarian and was inducted on 2nd November 1981.
His classification is Merchant Banking. He is a member with over
30 years of continuous service. John been a member of the
Vocational Service, International Service and Community
Service committees on numerous occasions and President in
1988-89 and again led the Club as President in 2003-04.
He is married to Margaret
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John was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997. He is also a Director
of Bendigo Bank, North Epping.
Liz Grey
Liz joined Epping Rotary in 2010. Her classification is Primary
Education.
PE Bruce Jacob
Bruce Joined Epping Rotary in 2010. His classification is
Education. He was Educated at Tamworth High and The
Armidale School (TAS), went to University of New England
(UNE) and graduated with a BA and Dip Ed. He began teaching
in 1973 at Bega, then Narrabri and Wee Waa.
In 1989 Bruce moved to Epping Boys where he met his partner
Louise and her son who now works for the global consultancy
company, McKinseys. In 1998 his daughter was born.
His father was a very proud Rotarian with Carlingford Club, and
was the catalyst for his joining Rotary. Bruce records it as one of
the best decisions of his life. Currently Bruce is Club Public
Relations Director and President Elect 2012-13.
Presently Bruce enjoys part-time teaching where he is fortunate
enough to engage in two of his passions, Economics and Rugby
at EBHS.
June Heinrich AM
June is currently the CEO of Macquarie Community College, a
community organisation which provides adult education in
Northern and North Western Sydney. Prior to this June was the
CEO of Baptist Community Services for 16 years.
June joined Epping Rotary in December 2011. In 1992-93 she was
a member at Ryde North Rotary. June and her husband Bill are
involved in a range of family and community activities and
enjoys being involved and helping to make a difference.
Virender
Kamboj
Virender joined Epping Rotary on 25th June 2007. His
classification is Pharmaceutical Services. He is currently working
as Pharmacist Manager at Frenchs Forest Night Pharmacy and
previously worked as Pharmacist in charge at My Chemist
Epping.
He is married to Poonam Kamboj and has two children
He has been living in Epping for last 5 years. And his interests
are travelling and DIY projects.
Justin Kang
Justin joined Epping Rotary in 2009. His classification is Legal
Services.
He has lived in Epping for almost 20 years and works as a
solicitor in a Sydney commercial firm. Although Justin would
not describe himself as a natural athlete, his sons have
introduced him to the world of elite sport, including a stint at
managing the local soccer team. Justin plays tennis socially and
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is also in training for a 200km bike ride to support a cure for
cancer in August 2012.
Jessica Keast
Jessica joined Rotary in 2011. Her classification is Pharmaceutical
Research. She is Technical Director for a pharmaceutical
company, managing the registration activities, ensuring that
products are fit for their intended purpose.
Jessica is married with two adult children.
Her interests are travelling, bushwalking, and reading.
Sudath Karunaratne PHF
Sudath was inducted into the Rotary Club of Epping in May 1988
in Paul Clune’s Presidential year. He practices as a local Dentist
in Epping and holds this classification at our club.
Married to Sajotha, with two adult children, Sudath has been an
active member of our club, serving as the International Director
on two occasions when he was able to organise, contribute, and
dispatch a number of containers to overseas destinations
through Donations in Kind, or directly through our club.
For a number of years Sudath and his family have contributed to
Austerity Night. He received a Paul Harris Award in 1998.
He enjoys sport, especially Cricket and is actively involved with
the Sri Lankan community and family affairs.
Taj Mawas
Taj joined Epping Rotary in 2011. His classification is Retail. He
and his wife run the North Epping Supermarket.
Bob Nash PHF
Bob joined Epping Rotary on 11th of November 1968 on the night
of District Governor John Moon’s visit. His classification is
Plumbing Services trading as Nash brothers first with his brother
until December 1999 and then until his retirement in December
2004. He is married to Wilma and has a son and daughter.
As Community Service Director he enjoyed the challenge of
purchasing two buses for Karonga Special School at Epping and
enjoyed his involvement with the Rotary catering caravan the
flea markets and fashion parades. As Fellowship director and
vice chairman of the Fellowship committee he organised various
men’s weekends away including Bendalong, Green Patch Jervis
Bay, Sofala and Hill End in caravans on Jim Hawkins farm at
Ginghi, sailing weekends in members yachts, fellowship outings
and picnics, wine tastings and Woolshed dance, dinners at the
Burning Long restaurant, many barbecues and evening cruises
at Christmas time.
His interests include holidays and travel, caravanning, bush
working and maintaining his home.
Bob is Epping Rotary’s current longest serving member.
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Chris O’Brien President
2011-12
On a flight to Melbourne in 1993 Chris sat next to the editor of
the RDU magazine. In conversation he found himself saying that
“I was thinking I really ought to give back more to the
community”. He received a phone call three days later, shortly
after became a member of Epping Rotary. His classification is
Information Technology.
Over the years he has served on the Board as Community, Youth,
Club Service and International Director; last year as President
Elect, and in 2011-12, with the honour of President.
He is married to Sue and they have two children who have both
participated in Youth Exchange. Youth Exchange has played a
significant part in the O’Brien family lives – seven students and
seven countries!
Interests include travel, bushwalking and sport of almost any
variety.
Betty
Ockerlander
Betty has supported Epping Rotary since 2008 and finally
became a member in 2010. Her classification is Real Estate.
She is an active member and loves contributing to the
community by giving financial support to many of the schools
and local charity events each year. She joined Rotary to be able
to help with other worthwhile causes that are bigger than what
she can handle through her business or at a personal level.
As an event within the Epping Street Fair, Betty created a Push-
Up competition which is promoted each year before the Fair. For
every push up done on the day, Betty donates an amount to
Rotary and the numbers and dollars have grown continuously
over the last 4 years.
When not working or helping others, Betty enjoys keeping fit by
going to the gym regularly, doing weights, swimming, cycling,
kayaking, hiking and camping with her husband Oliver. She also
enjoys spending time with their two grown children, their
families and her 2 beautiful granddaughters.
Ken Owler
Ken joined Rotary on 14 February, 1994, classification General
Law Practice. The next Rotary year he was Sergeant, a job he held
3 times, and was Club Services Director in 2006-7. For several
years Ken has set the questions for the Club's trivia nights.
Ken commenced studying law in July 1975 was admitted as a
Solicitor on 19 December 1979 and remained in practice until 31
August 2001. His first job was with the Public Trustee, then with
Burns Philp Trustee Company. He worked at Law & Milne,
Solicitors and in 1984 started working for L G Scott & Co
(Epping) acquiring the practice in May 1987.
His interests are trivia, current affairs and reading.
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Heather Pinto
Heather joined Epping Rotary in 2008. Her classification is
Community Services. She is the CEO of Christian Community
Aid.
Heather has served on the Board on several occasions including
Club Administration and Rotary Foundation.
She is married to Reg and they have two children
Estelle Rogers
Estelle joined in 2011 and works for herself and is currently with
OfficeBuzz Pty Ltd – involved in bookkeeping, account
preparation, payroll and admin services for a wide range of
clients.
She was a volunteer with Aids Council - home nursing to allow
those affected with HIV and aids related illnesses to die with
dignity in their own homes
She lives in Rydalmere with her mother who has lived with her
since being widowed in Feb 2006, and a dog.
John Royer
John became a member of the Rotary Club of Epping on 17th
April 2003 with the classification of Data Processing
Management. John retired from the data processing
management field in 2005 and is now working as a Data Analyst
with the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
John is married to Rosemary and has two daughters.
John held the position of Foundation Director during 2010-11
and has been Sergeant-At-Arms for 2008-09, 2009-10 and
currently for the 2011-12 year.
He travelled to Vanuatu in 2004 with Rotary as part of the
RAWCS team to build an eye hospital at Port Vila. During this
time he learned many new building and plumbing skills.
John's interests include walking, an occasional game of golf,
travelling, reading, cooking and gardening.
PDGMonica Saville
PHF**
Monica joined the Rotary Club of Epping on 20 September 1993
she was inducted as the third woman to join the club.
Initially Monica has held a number of Board positions including
Director of Community Service, Director of Club Service in
1996-97 and Club President in 1997-98.
In her 19 years of Rotary membership, Monica Saville has also
had wide experience at senior levels in District 9680
administration and beyond the District for Rotary International.
At District level her responsibilities have included District
Governor in 2007-8, District Adviser in Club, Community and
Youth Service, Assistant Governor, District Trainer, Committee
member and District Chairman of Australian Rotary Health,
Chairman of the Rotary Foundation Scholarships Committee,
Chairman and member of the DG’s Nominating Committee,
Chairman and member of the District Administration
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Committee and the selection panel for GSE team leader and
team members. She is a Day Manager of Rotary’s Youth Driver
Awareness program. For 4 years Monica conducted a weekly
Rotary radio program which was broadcast on 5 metropolitan
community radio stations.
In 2009 the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
appointed Monica for a 3 year period as an Assistant Regional
Rotary Foundation Coordinator with responsibilities for the 3
Sydney Districts and Tasmania. For 2012-15 the Trustees of the
Rotary Foundation have appointed her Regional Rotary
Foundation Coordinator for Zone 7B and part of Zone 8.
Monica is also Services Director on the Host Organising
Committee for the Rotary International Convention to be held
in Sydney in 2014. Monica is also the District 9680
representative on the 2013 Council on Legislation.
Monica has been a keynote speaker at District Conferences,
District meetings, clubs and institutes across Australia and in
New Zealand.
Monica and her husband, Geoff, have travelled extensively
throughout the world with Rotary groups participating in
humanitarian and educational Rotary activities and attending
Rotary International Conventions. In 2010 they participated in a
National Polio Immunisation Day in India.
Monica has been recognised for her commitment to Rotary
service and ideals with a District Community Service award.
She is a Gold Companion of Australian Rotary Health and has
multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognitions. Monica and Geoff are
Major Donors to the Rotary Foundation.
Monica is a former School Principal and Senior Executive
Officer of the State Department of Education. She has an
Honours degree in Science and a Master of Arts degree in
Education.
Monica enjoys bush walking, theatre, music and travelling.
Ian Stephenson
Ian was a member of the Rotary Club of Taipei from 2001 to
August 2003, and joined Epping Rotary in Jan 2010.
He is a Human Resource and Marketing Consultant working in
both Australia and Asia specifically Taiwan. Ian is married to
Wendy Wang.
He was Chair of English Speech Contest in Taiwan and Clean-
Up Taiwan coordinating international involvement in this
special day. At Epping he has assisted with the Pride of
Workmanship Awards in 2010.
His interests are Chinese and English history, stamps, rugby, and
golf.
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PP Graham Stevens
PHF**
Graham joined Epping Rotary in June 1991 after many years as a
member of Eastwood Apex Club. He served on the Board as
Director of Vocational Services, Youth, Community and Club
Service, as well as serving as President in 2000-01 and 2009-10.
At District level Graham has been an Assistant Governor,
Community Service Adviser, District Conference Chairman,
Aide to District Governor Tony Castley and Chairman of the
District RYDA committee. He received a Paul Harris Fellowship
in 2003 and subsequently two sapphire pins.
Graham is married to Carol and they have two married children,
who were both Rotary Youth Exchange students.
He has been the initiator of many of the clubs community
programs, and a participant with Carol in a number of the clubs
international goodwill visits. Graham led the first Epping
RAWCS team to Vanuatu in 2004.
Graham was for many years the Head of Taxation for major
multinational companies Digital Equipment Corp and BOC
Limited.
His interests are golf, travel, walking and cycling.
PP Peter Tugwell PHF
Peter joined Epping Rotary Club during the 1993-94 Rotary year
under the classification of Electrical Engineering.
When he joined the Club he was working for a consulting
practice at Drummoyne. At the end of 1996 Peter started his own
consulting engineering business and has operated it from a home
office since that time. The work involves the design of electrical
lighting and power for commercial buildings.
Married to Elizabeth they have three children He has filled the
positions of Vocational Service Director 1996-97, Community
Service Director 2001-02 and became Secretary in 2003-04 for a
period of 4 years. He has also been editor of the weekly
newsletter RIM.
In 2008-2009 as President of the Club, the Rotary Theme for the
year was "Make Dreams Real". In 2010 Peter was recognised by
the Club as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Peter was President of Epping District Cricket Club Juniors for a
number of years and enjoyed involvement in coaching and
managing cricket teams.
He enjoys keeping relatively fit through walking and swimming,
and has developed an enjoyment of drawing and sketching over
the last few years.
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Pam Waugh
Pam joined in December 2011, she is a Rehabilitation Counsellor,
a Nurse and a Remedial Massage Therapist and works with
people who have chronic physical or mental illness or injury, and
people who are socially marginalised or excluded because of
their age, biological difference or ethnicity.
She was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by
The University of Sydney for her research in chronic workplace
stressors, and best practice in rehabilitation.
She also completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences
(Rehabilitation Counselling) Honours degree in 1997. In addition
to being registered with The Nursing and Midwifery Board of
Australia, within The Australian Health Practitioners Regulation
Agency, Pamela is also a full member of The Australian Society
of Rehabilitation Counsellors (MASORC).
Pamela is also experienced in Raj Yoga and Laughter Yoga
techniques.
Stephen Wright
Stephen joined Rotary in 2007. His classification is Financial
Planning and is a self employed financial planner operating out
at Epping. He lives and works in Epping and is married Karen.
They have two children.
Stephen has served as a Board member for 4 years. He was the
Public Relations Director for 3 years and during this time actively
promoted Rotary Activities through the press and had many
articles published in the local paper. He has also organised the
annual Pride of Workmanship Awards for 4 years running
Currently Vocational Services Director and organises guest
speakers in relation to vocational related areas.
His personal interest includes running, reading and philosophy
Honorary Members
PP Paul Clune PHF
Member and Honorary
Member 1984 ongoing
Paul joined Epping Rotary in 1984 and was President in 1987-88,
having served on the Board on numerous occasions. He was
Chairman of the District Committee for Operation Hope for three
years, and a member of the District Apprenticeship Committee.
He has been an enthusiastic member and stalwart of the Club
retiring in 2010. He was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in
1995 and appointed an Honorary member of the Club in 2011.
Paul and his wife Joan, also a PHF recipient, have been tireless
workers for the Club who can be relied on to add value to all
service activities and Rotary functions. Paul’s talents are as
diverse as cooking sausages in the catering caravan, clearing
bushland in Terrys Creek, supervising young drivers at the
RYDA program, selling raffle tickets, or initiating fund-raising.
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All of these are achieved while maintaining appropriate sartorial
standards.
He is one of those refreshing individuals prepared to challenge
the status quo and express an opinion. When he prefaces his
remarks with the phrase “not wanting to appear picayune” you
know to prepare for some incisive observation in the interest of
the Club.
Paul and Stan Ledger have together been the custodians of the
Club history and Paul has recorded the activity for each year and
has been a monumental contributor to this volume, both in the
sections he has written and the contributions from past members
he has been able to solicit.
See also Past Presidents
PP Algy Morris PHF
Member and Honorary
Member
1968 ongoing
Algy joined Epping Rotary in 1968 and was Club President in
1974-75 for many years he operated a cake shop in Scotts Arcade
at Epping. He was made a Paul Harris fellow in 1990. He retired
from the club in 2004 and was appointed an Honorary Member.
For many years Algy was regarded as the epitome of a club
Sergeant, with his disarming manner and rapier wit. His
Sergeant’s Sessions always gave great humour and warmth to
each meeting when he was presiding It was not easy to escape
his gaze and not be caught in his net. Much laughter ensued
when he was on board. All, in an air of good fellowship. Algy
ensured that our meetings were enjoyable occasions and we
gladly paid each fine he levied. No hesitation. Algy was and is
an amazing and unique Rotarian!
He has been a great supporter of the Club over many years and
despite a number of personal setbacks particularly, the passing
of his beloved daughters Jenny and Elizabeth and so soon
afterwards his lovely wife Del, he has continued to support the
ferry cruise with his scones and the Street Fair with books.
The giant-sized cake he made and sent to our Sister Club
Ikebukuro Sunshine Tokyo for a celebratory occasion is well
remembered .It caused quite a stir at Customs in Japan. It was
so unusual, yet, so special!
He is an active member of Probus.
See also Past Presidents
PP Bob Paisley PHF
Member and Honorary
Member 1970 ongoing
PP Bob Paisley PHF, a lawyer and well known in the Epping
Community, was inducted as a member during April 1970, with
the Classification General Law Practice.
During recent years he has been a resident at Chesalon, Beecroft
and although not well has a very sharp mind.
He has very fond memories of his forty two years of membership
which includes, Treasurer for four years 1971-72 to 1974-75,
Secretary for two years 1976-77 and 1977-78, Club Service
Director 1980-81 and President 1981-82.
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During his long years of Service above Self to our club and his
community, was also our legal adviser from time to time.
In 1995 he was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Bob resigned in January 2000 and was re-inducted as an
Honorary member during April 2000 and has continued on in
that capacity.
He generously supported the John William Langston Epping
Memorial Scholarship Award for a number of years. This award
is an annual competition conducted by our club between local
Primary Schools to determine the most outstanding student for
the year. “Bob Reminisced about the wonderful experiences he has had serving in
Rotary, especially, the professional approach and commitment of his
colleagues, the great atmosphere of Fellowship that pervaded the club
throughout the years, whether it was working at our flea markets (a record
financial result during his year as President), making a donation to the
Microsearch Foundation or contributing to Poplars Hospital, fellowship
was there in abundance.
Memories of Christmas Functions he organised at his residence at Stanley
Street are quite vivid. For many a year members enjoyed Christmas Faire,
played some tennis, enjoyed the wonderful surrounds, the garden and
engaged in many a conversation about palm trees. A must was a tour of the
original house on the property.
Bob maintained an interest the development of International Goodwill, in
particular, through supporting needs beyond our shores, especially, our
club’s support for programs in Fiji, India and Malaysia. He also
maintained a significant inventory of flags of other countries, which he
always was glad to have on show at International functions of the club.
Rotary has certainly played a significant role in his busy and successful
life. Paul Clune
See also Past Presidents
Greg Smith SC MP
Member for Epping
Honorary Member 2008
ongoing
Greg Smith SC was elected MP for Epping in 2007 and was
appointed an Honorary member of Epping Rotary in 2008
After the 2011 NSW state elections, he was appointed Attorney
General and Minister for Justice – having been opposition
spokesman on those matters since 2007.
Greg graduated from Sydney University in 1973 and worked as
criminal lawyer for federal and state agencies, before he was
called to the Bar in 1987. Greg was appointed a NSW Crown
Prosecutor in the same year. He was promoted to Deputy
Director of Public Prosecutions in April in 2002 and was
appointed a Senior Counsel in 2004. He has prosecuted hundreds
of criminal trials and made frequent appearances in the High
Court and other appellate courts.
116
David Taylor
Honorary Member 2005
ongoing
David was born and raised in the NSW Riverina town of
Narrandera.
He joined his father’s agricultural products and farm machinery
business on leaving school and that commenced a 47 year
working career that included major companies such as BHP
and Sunbeam Victa where he held senior sales and marketing
executive positions. David visited many overseas countries
during his working life and retired in 2003 as General Manager
of Daken Pty Ltd.
He has held the position of Board Chairman and President of
The Epping Club since 2004. The club has some 15,000 plus
members. Elected to the Club Board in 1997 he has also served
as Vice President Finance and the Club Vice-President.
He is a Vice-President of the Epping RSL Sub Branch having
seen service as a National Serviceman in the Army.
He was made an honorary member of the Epping Rotary Club
in 2005 and has an active interest in the RYDA and Epping
Street Fair programs.
Diane Walker PHF
Honorary Member 2010
ongoing
Diane had been a tireless worker and supporter of the Club since
its Charter. She is a keeper of its knowledge and experience. Her
many talents have added immeasurably to the clubs activities
and functions
For all the years Rotannes was in existence she was an active
participant.
See Walker Family
117
Appendix 3 Epping Treasures
PP Wal Cooper PHF*
Charter Member
1962-2010
Past President Wal Cooper was inducted into our club as a
charter member on June 15 1962, and was the last remaining
member of that elite group of local professional, business and
tradesmen who formed the club.
Wal was an outstanding Rotarian who in his personal and
Rotary life lived out the great Rotary motto of Service Above Self.
Whatever he undertook he carried out without fanfare yet with
the utmost competency and in a generous spirit for which he was
always noted. A can do man and an effective man in the truest
sense of the word. Of course he was supported over many years
by his beloved wife Elizabeth.
Wal was an initiator. In the club’s first year he organised books
for children receiving attention at the Poplars Hospital. In 1966
he recognised that there was a community need to support the
elderly and arranged a picnic for elderly people at Bobbin Head
and this continued in various guises for many years.
He organised the first High School Debate between Epping Boys’
High School and Cheltenham Girls’ High School in 1971 and that
has continued for the past 29 years.
He organised Carols in Forest Park and later at Channel 7 and
when Carols were revived in Boronia Park, Wal was involved
again.
He was a Director of the Club on 5 occasions taking on most of
the areas of responsibility. In 1972-73 Wal was elected President
of our Club. He said that the highlight of that year was “The
wonderful fellowship and sense of achievement enjoyed through hands
on projects and the formation of the Rotary Club of Carlingford.”
Wal also saw the need to more formally involve the wives of
members in Rotary operations and decided to form a group for
the ladies. So, the Rotannes group was formed.
Wal was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1993 and in June
2002, received a second Paul Harris Fellow Recognition.
For quite a number of years our club has entertained residents
from Yallambi, Shalom, Dorothy Henderson Lodge and
Willandra with a Rivercat Cruise along the Parramatta River. In
2001 this was renamed “Captain Wal’s Golden Oldies Cruise”.
In April 2003 he led a Rotary Group from our club to Japan to
visit our Sister Club, the Ikebukuro Sunshine Club of Tokyo. Wal
loved to organise and he loved to travel and when he was not at
Rotary meetings he was organising tours for his Probus group.
PP Wal had great ability and effectiveness and possessed so
many wonderful qualities. He led the singing in our club, which
without him was very dull indeed. Whether he acted as waste
Manager at the Epping Street fair, ensuring that the Cec
Chambers Memorial debating trophy was polished and in good
shape or opening his home for a Rotary social evening, he carried
118
it all out with efficiency, warmth and goodwill and that no
trouble smile of his.
Wal passed away in June 2010.
See also Past Presidents
Stan Ledger PHF
Stan served his country overseas during World War II, with the
Air Force in Radar operations, flying with the 24 Liberator
Squadron as a Radar Operator/Air Gunner. Post war he rose to
become General Manager of a leading Insurance Company. Stan
was inducted into Epping Rotary in December 1971 and served
Rotary and his community with distinction for thirty nine years
to his retirement from Rotary in 2010.
His classification was Insurance and he was the insurance
adviser and expert for the club during his service. In addition he
was appointed Vocational Director for the Rotary year 1976-77,
Secretary 1980-1982, Treasurer for the years 1982-1986 and 1988-
1990. Stan was also the club’s historian; he maintained its
archives and compiled the club’s history from its charter to the
present, prepared year by year. It is now recorded on the club’s
website and is a very useful club resource.
Stan was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1995 and
recognised an Epping Treasure in 2010.
Sadly he lost his beloved Beverley in 2005. Beverley was a very
active member of Rotannes and a strong supporter of the club.
She was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2002.
Stan is a much admired Rotarian, always committed to the motto
of Service Above Self and lived out the Four Way Test. Indeed,
an outstanding Rotarian! “The most enjoyable period of my life, was the well nigh on forty years service
I had, serving our community with so many outstanding and committed
characters and individuals of our Club. It was also a privilege to serve as a
Director, Secretary, Treasurer and Club Historian for a number of years during
that time.
The wonderful fellowship and camaraderie, the contributions made by our
Rotannes during the time we all worked at our great flea markets, was always
an enjoyable experience for me, as were our progressive dinners, our hands on
activities, sausage sizzles at Dalmar and other places, also, bucks weekends
away, especially, those I had the privilege to organise at my holiday home at
Budgewoi. These all played a significant role in my family life.
I was indeed honoured to be recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow, along with my
beloved Beverley, who was also so recognised for her work during her years as a
Rotanne and in other capacities.”
119
PP Horrie Mendham
Member and Honorary
member 1965 to 2000
Horrie Mendham, Past President and Honorary Member,
educationist and much admired School Principal, was inducted
into our club in 1965.
Horrie served the Club and his Community with distinction. He
was President for the Rotary year 1967-68, served as Club Service
Director, Bulletin Chairman, Musical Director, Sergeant, and
also as a member of the Rotary Information and Probus
Committees.
It was during his year as President, the club entered the world of
Rotary Youth Exchange, when we sponsored and sent overseas,
our first Exchange Student Narelle Sonter, to Canada. This was
the beginning of our long and successful involvement in this
great program of contribution to the lives of young people.
As Bulletin Chairman he was outstanding in so many ways. Each
week he ensured that the production of the club’s weekly
bulletin RIM was carried out efficiently. He rostered members of
his committee to record the comings and goings of members,
details of the happenings at each meeting, especially a summary
of the speaker’s presentation. This information was sent away
for typing, printing in time for handing out to members at our
registration desk the following Monday. RIM was a much
sought after journal in each Rotary home. Horrie ensured that
this system worked well so that members and families were kept
up to date with club news.
It was his role as our Club’s Mr Music that endeared Horrie to
the members. He was an enthusiastic pianist with a repertoire
rooted in the halcyon days of music hall and each week Horrie
would chose a song for the members to sing. The words were
included in the bulletin and Horrie would play as members
joined in a hearty rendition, some good quality, some not so!
Nevertheless, it was a much enjoyed segment of the evening, and
it certainly helped to set the tone of the meeting. Although such
singing, especially songs of yesteryear may seem strange to
members of today, it was an approach that bound the club
together in an atmosphere of great fellowship. The singing of
Grace and The National Anthem with Horrie at the piano made
all the difference!
Horrie made a significant contribution to the life and success of
our club He was made an Honorary Member in 1991 and was
recognised as Paul Harris Fellow in 1992. Sadly he passed away
in December 2000.His wife, Linda, predeceased him, some years
prior.
He was a very wise, well respected, talented and committed
Rotarian who lived out the ideals and motto of Service above
Self.
See also Past Presidents
120
Mal Mitchell
Member 1970 - 1996
As a young lieutenant Mal Mitchell was an Infantry Platoon
Commander in New Guinea in World War II. He was competent
businessman conducting a successful business in sales
promotion and displays and was inducted as a member of
Epping Rotary in February 1970.
Mal served our community and the Club so very well in so many
different ways, during his 26 years of Service above Self.
The formation and charter of the largest Rotaract club in the
Southern Hemisphere, in October 1970, was a milestone for Mal
and a proud moment for our Club.
It was Mal who started Our Annual Pride of Workmanship
Award presentations to members of our community. These
events have continued on most successfully to this day.
Past members will remember the wonderful Spring and Autumn
Fashion Parades with Mal at the helm during the eighties. They
were unique in so many ways. Members and friends of the club
acted as models and local fashion houses provided the latest
fashion apparel. Special, printed programs guided the evening
along. Models paraded along a stage as they do at such garment
promotions .As MC, Mal’s commentary was professional,
intertwined here and there with his natural and sometimes
unknowing humour. Needless to say to the enjoyment of all.
They were most pleasant successful occasions, filled with
interest, laughter and warm fellowship.
He was an outstanding Program Chairman, not only in the
selection of speakers, but his attention to detail in organising the
attendance of a speaker, and his personal contact ensured a
smooth visit for each one. Many remember the visits of
Ambassadors and Consuls to the club, especially the Soviet
Ambassador in 1989-1990, when Perestroika and Glasnost had
taken hold and just before the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Functions at his home were always delightful occasions, he,
together with Lois, a friendly and engaging wife were very
welcoming and generous hosts.
Mal was recognised as a Paul Harris fellow in 1991. He passed
away in December 1996 and Lois more recently.
Truly, a dedicated, accomplished and remarkable Rotarian.
PP Roy Sadler OAM PHF
Member and Honorary
Member 1978-2010
Past President Roy Sadler was inducted as member of the Rotary
Club of Epping 13th November 1978 after having served as
President of the Rotary Club of Lidcombe. During the
subsequent years he served the club and the wide world of
Rotary with distinction, contributing so significantly to his local
community and certainly to the world at large.
Early into his membership at Epping Rotary Roy and his wife
Heather became involved with the youth of Epping and that was
to be their passion in the ensuing years.
121
He was the Youth Service Director of our Club in 1986-87 and in
1991-92 he was appointed a member of a Rotary District Group
Study Exchange Program Committee. In 1991 Roy was
recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow for his contribution of Service
to Youth and the wide world of Rotary In 1995-96 he helped set
up an Epping Rotaract club, sponsored by our Rotary club.
Roy had a dream to get primary students involved in debating
and, in 1998 Roy introduced his much loved Primary School
debates to the Club. He was the, instigator, inspiration and
driving force for the debates.
The encouragement of Youth in our community was indeed
Roy’s focus and when he first encountered young people
through a Rotary program he followed their progress. What
young person about to sit for the HSC did not receive a letter of
goodwill, advice and encouragement from Roy in that
wonderful copperplate hand writing? So many young people
moved ahead to success in life assured of his interest and words
of wisdom. Those letters and notes, we hear, are treasured
possessions. Even Rotary Presidents benefited from his counsel
and kind words.
For years Roy, with Neil Anderson sat at the front desk of our
club at meetings offering a firm hand and a warm welcome to
each arrival, members and visitors alike. His attention to detail
was outstanding and he has left a legacy of extensive notes on
the Youth Exchange students and other activities with which he
was associated. They were always clear and precise and always
readily forthcoming.
In 2000 he was honoured by the Australian Government and
presented with an Order of Australia, an OAM for Service to
Youth through Rotary International. An honour and award he
so richly deserved. Margaret Shaw the former Principal of
Cheltenham Girls recorded how Roy worked with the school on
so many Rotary youth programs and guided and supported the
exchange students under his care.
In December 2006, at eighty eight years of age, following a long
and distinguished service to his community, Roy retired from
active service with our club. In June 2007, he was inducted as an
honorary member of the Club
Roy was called to Higher Service in May 2010 and will be
remembered fondly by all who knew him. He was a person of
great character, of the highest integrity, who quietly, yet,
effectively achieved so much. He was truly a gentleman and a
gentle man. The Rotary Motto of Service above Self was his
personal motto also, as was the Four Way Test of Rotary. He was
and is an outstanding role model for all to follow. We are so glad
that we met him and enjoyed his fellowship along the way.
122
Appendix 4 The Walker Family – a 50 year continuous link
PP Arthur Walker
Charter Member
1962 to 1973
Arthur Walker was a member of Ryde Rotary club for many
years and left to form their daughter club and became a charter
member of Epping.
He was Epping Rotary's third President 1964/65 and Secretary
1967-70. During his year as President he inducted his son Ken as
a member, which made along with son and charter member
Russ, three members from the same family.
The major project for 1964-65 was building the Epping Girl
Guides hall, valued $11,000 during which Arthur broke his
wrist. The hall was dedicated to a charter member Rev. Bert
Parker who had died tragically in road accident. The official
opening was featured on the evening news, as TV personality
Mavis Bramston made a guest appearance.
Epping club received the first Paul Harris award from Rotary
International for the most significant project in District 268.
Arthur and his wife Dot joined one of the first Rotary goodwill
tours to New Guinea in 1967.
Arthur encouraged involving the whole family in Rotary
projects and outings. He lived and worked in the Epping district
since his youth and was well known as Epping's local electrician.
He had a particular interest and love of the Poplars Hospital, as
he had been their electrician since its inception. He served as a
board member when it became a Community Hospital. His
grandchildren all born there, thought it was called “Popa's
Hospital”.
When Arthur died September 1973, Epping Rotary members
donated and installed a drinking fountain in his memory in the
front garden of 'The Poplars'.
See also Past Presidents
PP Ken Walker
Club member
1964 to 1987
Ken Walker joined Epping Rotary in 1964 and is elder son of
charter member Arthur Walker, the third President of Epping
Rotary. Ken worked as electrical contractor for many years and
prior to his retirement was in charge or maintenance at Poplars
community Hospital. He retired from the club in 1987. His
highlight as President is recorded as” The honour of being
presented with the District Governor’s shield at the Canberra
conference on behalf of the members and our ladies”
See also Past Presidents
123
PP Russell Walker PHF*
Charter member and club
member
1962-2009
Russ with his father Arthur was a Charter member of Epping
Rotary in June 1962.
During Russ’s 47 years of Rotary Service his contribution was so
widely spread, from Community Service Director in 1975-1976
to Club Service Director in 1984 -1985 and President during 1985
-1986 when our membership reached a total of 72 by that years
end – the highest that it has ever been! The history of our club
also records that Russ noted that the highlight of his year as
President was “the satisfaction of inducting eleven new
members and introducing them to the World Fellowship of
Rotary and the presentation of a First Aid Van to St John
Ambulance”
Russell was an active and tireless worker for the club. In
particular he and his wife Diane managed the club catering van
from its original construction in 1976 until its sale in 2009.
His 100% attendances every year were amazing and this
achievement has been admired by all.
For his Service to Rotary and the Community, in 1983 he was
recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow. In 1997 he was presented
with a Sapphire Pin to add to the recognition.
Russell passed away unexpectedly in May 2009 and in May 2010
Epping Rotary dedicate a plaque on the Epping Guide Hall as a
lasting memorial to Russell and his contribution to Epping
Rotary and the wider Epping Community. The citation reads “PP Russell Walker PHF Sapphire Pin
1940 to 2009.
Charter member of the Rotary Club of Epping Inc
Erected by his friends in recognition of his significant contribution to the Epping
Community as a member of the Rotary Club of Epping from 1962 to 2009”
See also Past Presidents
Dot Walker PHF
Doris (Dot) Walker was the wife of Charter member Arthur
Walker, and mother of Ken and Russell, and the matriarch of the
Walker family. She had been a member of Ryde Inner Wheel for
many of years. She became the first President of Epping
Rotannes in 1972-3, a group for wives of Epping Rotarians
formed to support the activities of the club and foster friendship
between families. This enthusiastic group proved very
successful for 33 years. Many a Rotanne will not forget the
contribution she made over the years, or those amazing and
wonderful scarves she produced and warmly distributed from
time to time.
For her untiring service to Rotary and the community, in 1981
she was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow. An award she so
richly deserved.
Dot would have celebrated her 100th birthday on September 25
this year. Sadly she passed away in January 2012. She was an
outstanding achiever and well respected lady and will be sadly
missed by each one of us in the years ahead.
124
Diane Walker PHF
Honorary Member
2010 ongoing
The then Diane Trayor’s first experience with Epping Rotary was
when Russell Walker asked her to accompany him to a Rotary
meeting at Everglades reception centre, shortly before the
Epping club was chartered in 1962.
Diane was heavily involved with the Rotannes group which
added a dimension for fellowship between partners, and whose
members providing willing support for any projects the club
undertook.
Diane was a partner in all activities in running the Rotary
Catering van, Russ’ pet project, built by members, during his
year as Community Service Director. For 33 years Russ was
responsible for bookings and towing, and Diane made sure it
was clean and provisioned before each use, and was always
there serving and cleaning up after its use.
Until recently she and Russ coordinated and catered for the
members’ Christmas party held in the Presidents’ or others
members’ houses. A wonderful meal eagerly anticipated.
Her floral bouquets were a high point at many Changeovers and
inductions.
She was the originator and coordinator for the wonderful table
decorations for the District Conference in 2008
Diane was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2000 and was
made an Honorary Member of the Club in 2010
Diane continues to give generously of her experience and talent
for any Rotary project she is involved with.
125
Appendix 5 History in photos
Charter president Lloyd Gollan 1962
PE Arthur Walker and President Cec Chambers 1964
Meeting Exchange Student Huri Kojima 1971
Epping Railway Station 1971
President Wal Cooper (right) presents the keys to the
Karonga Bus 1972
Christian Community Aid Bus
Chartering the Rotary Club of Carlingford 1972
President Eric Wade centre
Fellows weekend November 1973
126
Commencing the Epping Rotary Caravan 1976
Completed Epping Rotary Caravan 1977
Australia Day at the Breckenridges 1979
Rotannes Dot Walker, Lillian Gollin, Bev Ledger 1980
Market Day 1980
127
President Fred Arthur and the 1979-80 Board
Charter Member Doug Rae 1980
Ryde Hospital Coronary Care Unit 1984
Members 1985
Ron Turner, Ian Dence, Don Townsend, Alan Emery, Wal Cooper, Keith Chinchen, Mal Mitchell (front)
St John Caravan Presentation 1987
Ted Philpott and Arch De Pomeroy, Macquarie Market Day
1987
John Goddard, Ted Philpott, Paul Clune, Russ Walker,
Macquarie Market Day 1987
Macquarie Market Day 1987
128
Ken Beacon, John Hayes, Graham Simons, Dalmar Fete
Oct 1989
Bob Paisley,the Soviet Ambassador and Ron Hinton 1989
Fellows weekend Budgewoi 1989
(Back) John Goddard, John Niccols, Peter Patrick, Stuart Beck, Wal Cooper
(front) Bruce Edwards, Doug Rae
Lois and Mal Mitchell Christmas 1989
1989 Pride of Workmanship Awards
Athol McCoy , Ron Hinton and Cees Thurmer 1992
PHFs for Alan Thomas and Max Breckenridge 1996
Ray Hosking and John Hayes Monza Ovest Sister Club launch 1998
129
David Stewart Christmas 1996
David Stewart and Exchange Student Lita Adriani 1996
Spanish Senioritas Wollongong Conference 1997
Epping Gondoliers Mudgee Conference 2006
Ikebukuro night 2002
Algy Morris demonstrates dining Teppanyaki style
130
Terrys Creek Walk opened March 2002
Work for Dole Coordinators Grant Wilson , Ray Burgess,
Hornsby Mayor Steven Pringle, Coordinator Sonny Anderson at Terrys Creek Walk Opening March 2002
Past Presidents at 40th Anniversary Dinner June 2002
Beverley Ledger and Joan Clune receive PHF Awards 2002
131
Catherine Johnson and Anne Dally Vanuatu 2003
Ross Hinton, Graham Stevens,Catherine Johnson and
Bruce Edwards Vanuatu 2003
Terrys Creek rest area upgrade 2004
Eastwood Falls on Terrys Creek
Ryde Mayor Terry Perram (centre) Terrys Creek September 2004
132
Primary School Debate Finals 2006
Neil Anderson and Roy Sadler at the attendance desk
Wal Cooper, Stan Ledger and Russell Walker
“Captain Wal’s” Cruise Meadowbank 2008
Wal Dover,Peter Slattery and Greg Smith MP
Meadowbank 2008
Wal Cooper leading the singing 2008
Pete Dudley, Ian Bittner,
John Fry, Liz Grey, Michael Cuthbertson 2011 Cruise
Poonam Kamboj, Joan Stewart,Joan Clune,Carol Stevens,
Di Walker, Margo Simons
Rosemary Royer, Margaret Goddard, Di Walker, Sue
O’Brien, Joan Clune Wives play a key role in the Meadowbank Cruises
133
Bob Nash Terrys Creek Clean up 2009
Wal Cooper Terrys Creek Clean Up 2009
Epping Rotarians Cleaning Up Terrys Creek 2009
Street Fair 2010 - Peter Slattery and Paul Clune
134
Sandra and Tony Castley visit a school in Laos
Tony Castley at India National Polio Immunisation Day
2009
Peter Tugwell and Monica Saville with the 2008 Langston
Awardee Sophie Inwood
Supporting The Shack in 2010
Graham Stevens, Jacki Pettit (The Shack) , Bob Nash
John Fry and Monica Saville Collecting for the Queensland
Floods 2011
Cheltenham Girls High and Epping Boys High Debating
Teams 2011
PDG Monica Saville, Ian Bittner President 2010-11, Liz
Grey
Japan Tsunami Trivia night 2011
135
Appendix 6 Epping Members 1962 to 2012
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
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