Club History

 

The Rotary Club of West Perth had its first positive step towards formation on March 19, 1954 under the auspices of the Mt. Lawley Rotary Club’s Extension Committee.

After a survey of classifications and the formalities for formation the Club had its inaugural meeting on Monday June 14, 1954.  Representatives of 30 classifications were present, none of whom were or had been Rotarians.

As the geographic the area in which the proposed Rotary Club of West Perth was to carry out its future activities was already allocated to other Clubs in the immediate vicinity, it was necessary for the Rotary Clubs of Perth, Mt. Lawley and Subiaco to cede some of their territory to enable its establishment.  The allocated area was to become one of the smallest areas of territory in the then district of 34.

Initially this area was highly industrialised.  This enabled the Club to be established on a sound basis with excellent prospects for development in membership, and the opportunity to promote the principles of Rotary through a wide range of classifications.

Today the nature of the classifications within the Club has changed considerably in keeping with the development of the City of Perth which has extended business and professions into the Club’s territory.  Also the construction of a major roadway and interchange has intruded on much of the area formerly occupied by industry.

The Club’s banner symbolises West Perth, picturing gracious colonial buildings, leafy garden settings and showing the nearby skyline of the City of Perth.

The initial meeting of the Club was conducted on Thursday June 24, 1954.  The Charter Night was held on Monday September 27, 1954.  Importantly, the Club Charter was granted during the golden anniversary year for Rotary International.

In March 1957, the Club was the host for the 6th Annual Conference for the 34th District.  Records show a successful and memorable achievement for a Club which at that time had only three years of service within the district.  The club has provided five Governors to lead our clubs in WA. The first was Jim Murray, a former Lord Mayor of the City of Perth, for D245 from 1958-59; the second was Jim Downie for D245 from 1972-73; John Hollingshead was Governor for D945 from 1989-90, and our club organised a most successful conference at the Observation City Resort. Geoffrey Simpson was Governor of D9450 from 2009-10 and the club organised a second conference at St Mary’s Anglican School for Girls. The following year club member Ian Hutton, the inaugural Governor for D9455, held his conference combined with D9465 at the Burswood Function Centre. Angus Buchanan was Governor during 2014-15It should be noted that very few clubs have provided six District Governors, organised four conferences and had District Governors in consecutive years.

Since its Charter, the Rotary Club of West Perth has been responsible for promoting and completing many successful and rewarding projects in all avenues of service of Rotary, not only within its own territory but also throughout the District.  The Club has maintained an excellent percentage in status for The Rotary Foundation and in International projects.

In the spirit of promoting the ideals of Rotary, the Club made history when its Extension Committee arranged the Charter Night of the Rotary Club of Kings Park which took place on April 22, 1977.  To establish this new club the Rotary Clubs of Perth, Nedlands, Floreat Park and West Perth adjusted and ceded some of their territories.

John Hollingshead

Jim Murray1958/59

Jim Downie 1972/73

John Hollingshead 1989/90

Geoff Simpson 2009/10

Ian Hutton 2010/2011

Angus Buchanan 2014/15

Honorary member (highest club award)

John Fawcett

David Fry (dec)

Vic Hall

Byron Kakulas

Alan Raphael (dec)

Eric Silbert (dec)

Merv Lamb (dec)

Wayan Sukajaya (dec)

Gordon Allen

Vern Wheatley

Joanne Wheatley

John Hollingshead

 

 

              *Deceased

 

 

* Deceased,   ++ District Governor