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.

Here is a photo of the charter meeting in 1968: