Established in the 1850’s Werribee, ‘halfway to Geelong’, evolved as a pastoral area, a centre of burgeoning housing construction and a hub of light industry. A railway link via Werribee to Geelong, built in 1857, cemented the town’s place in the development of Victoria.
The Rotary Club of Werribee was chartered in 1968 – Ian Knight and Tino Ballan are the two remaining Foundation members.
This Rotary year sees Michael Redding as the Club’s president, and, like all Rotary club presidents, he has been confronted with the challenges around committees under COVID-19. So, Club President Michael has charged all members with choosing the particular club projects in which they wish to engage.
Michael’s nominated major project for the Rotary Club of Werribee is the Beyond Blue Cup. In its second year and coordinated by the Club, this event seeks to highlight youth depression and suicide, and takes the form of a football match between two Under 18 teams, Werribee and Hoppers Crossing. The event also incorporates a dinner with guest speakers from within and beyond the football community. Young people are encouraged to engage with peers and ask: “Are you OK?” As the project gathers momentum, the Club is looking to extend the format to ensure young women are included.
A significant international project undertaken by the Rotary Club of Werribee involves Uganda. Originally sponsored by the Club, Ugandan Chris Ochaya spent three months in Australia learning various farming techniques. This relationship has continued and, in conjunction with agricultural businesses here, funds and expertise have been provided to assist with Ugandan initiatives that include constructing a bore water facility and building a chicken shed on a site now established as the Tamarind Community Farm.
Another Werribee Club project that was conducted in conjunction with RC Laverton Point Cook was the preparation of kits with essential items for distribution to firefighters and evacuees involved in the devastating bushfires last summer. Recently (May), Club members and volunteers spent a day planting 1200 trees in Rosslare Court Reserve, Hoppers Crossing.
The Club has provided District 9800 with two District Governors, Ian Knight (1987-88), and Colin Muir (2009-10).
The Rotary Club of Werribee has celebrated a Golden Jubilee celebrated and has decades of Service Above Self to come!