Club History
Rotary International was formed in 1905 by Paul Harris. Harris had a law practice in Chicago. He organized the first Rotary Club with three clients, Silvester Schele, Gustavus Loehr, and Hiram Shorey. His initial goal was to create a club of professional and business men for friendship and fellowship. But he realized that Rotary needed a greater purpose and, while he served as president of the Chicago Rotary Club in 1907, the club initiated its first public service project, the construction of public toilets in Chicago. This step transformed Rotary into the world's first Service Club.
The Rotary Club of Werribee was officially admitted to Rotary International on 16th August 1968. The sponsor club was Bacchus Marsh. Twenty-nine local business people became the first members of the club. Today, two of those members still remain in the club. They are Ian Knight and Tino Ballan.In our 46 year history, we have been involved in many hands-on and fund-raising projects that have benefited the local and international communities. We pride ourselves on our efforts to help those in a less fortunate situation. At the same time, we enjoy each others company at weekly meetings.
The following charter members were inducted at the club's first meeting:
| Member | Job Classification |
|---|---|
| Wal Boyd | Accountant |
| Jim McPherson | Agricultural Science |
| Allan West | Baking |
| Tony Middleton | Banking Trading |
| Bob Blair | Banking Savings |
| Jack Gardiner | Dairy Farming |
| Laurie Earl | Dairy Products Manufacturing |
| Alan O'Toole | Dentist |
| Harry Griffiths | Real Estate Development |
| Baden Powell | Grazing |
| Frank Purcell | General Law Practice |
| Norm Minns | Local Government Administration |
| Kevin Thompson | Insurance Life |
| Geoff Storey | Poultry Farming |
| John Wilkinson | Veterinary Schools |
| Ian Knight* | Authorised Newsagency |
| Jim McClure | Road Transport |
| Jack Frost | Clothing Manufacture |
| Rom Lamaro | Hotels |
| John Flynn | Architect |
| Norm Thompson | Diesel Engineer |
| Bill Carnie | Furniture Retailing |
| Vic Mayall | Electrical Equipment Retailing |
| Eric Burgess | Groceries Retailing |
| Tino Ballan* | Butcher |
| Tom Powell | Hardware Retailing |
| Hinton Lowe | Pharmacy |
| Rex Spencer | Hospitals |
| Mick Mantello | Automotive Retailing |
* Remaining members of the club.