Mobilong Rotary celebrates 40 years

Past and present members of one of Murray Bridge's two Rotary Clubs have gathered for its ruby anniversary.

Mobilong Rotary celebrates 40 years

This post was contributed by Bob England of the Rotary Club of Mobilong.

Graham Hallandal, Bronwyn Heard, Ken Zadow and Perrin Kuchel cut a cake commemorating Mobilong Rotary’s 40th birthday. Photo: Sharon Pratt.

Former and current members have gathered to celebrate the 40th birthday of the Rotary Club of Mobilong.

The club was chartered in the Blue Room at the Bridgeport Hotel in February 1981 under the foundation president, the late Harry Stephen.

Three charter members shared in the celebration by cutting the occasional cake on Sunday, February 28: Ken Zadow, wearing his charter suit coat, Graham Hallandal and Perin Kuchel, all of whom were present at the start.

Current president Bronwyn Heard welcomed all to the gathering and indicated her pleasure at the number of past presidents who had returned.

Past presidents Paul Willoughby, Adrian Pergalini, Ken Carter, Perin Kuchel, Bob England, Jill Reddin, Fred Toogood, Brian Rainey, Hanley Pullar, John Meers, Aub Kretschmer, Dale Manson and Claude Minge; and, in front, Warren Pratt, Pam Luke, Elizabeth Minge, Bronwyn Heard, Barry Stacey and Simon Gliessert. Photo: Sharon Pratt.

Research had shown that more than 150 members had contributed to the club over its 40-year history.

Current members did their best to publicise the occasion as widely as possible.

Greetings to the club came from across the world, with former exchange students each recalling their year with the club in Murray Bridge.

Repeatedly they highlighted the impact the exchange had had on their lives and that their links with Australia were strong to this day.

Matters to stick in the minds of students included the opening of McDonald’s in the town and witnessing the Crows’ premiership.

Some current projects were also presented, although service clubs have had restricted fundraising opportunities in recent times.

The Super T project, a club priority program, continues to empower young people facing serious health issues.

In closing, president Bronwyn observed that the enthusiasm apparent in the celebration would provide energy and enthusiasm for the coming years for Mobilong Rotary.


You can help keep local stories like this one free for everyone to read. Subscribe to Murray Bridge News today and support your locally owned news outlet, plus get access to exclusive stories you won’t find anywhere else, for just $5.50 a month.