1966 – 67
President: Arch Vincent
The Inaugural Meeting to discuss the formation of the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk was held on 20th July 1966. This followed an approach to the Mayor of Eaglehawk, Cr. Fred Straub, by Rotarian Ken Hesse of the Rotary Club of Bendigo, regarding the establishment of a Rotary Club in the Borough.
The Charter was granted on 8th August 1966 and presented on 5th November 1966.
The Club was initially in District 278.
Charter Directors:
Arch Vincent President
Fred Straub Vice-President
Cyril Chatham Secretary
Ron Lawson Treasurer
Reg Oswald Sergeant at Arms
Doug Arch - Ken Burch - Bill O’Brien
Pierce Grenfell - Tom Rothacher
Rotarian Ken Hesse was always regarded with great esteem by Eaglehawk Rotarians and was considered as the “Father of the Club”.
To commemorate the occasion of the granting of the Charter, the District Governor – Cec Kentish, planted a tree in Canterbury Park.
During November a clock was donated to the Olympic Pool at Eaglehawk.
A Bowls Tournament was held to raise funds to assist the Rotary Club of Bendigo with the construction of a Bowling Rink at the Bendigo Home and Hospital for the Aged.
December –
Combined “fellowship” outing to Vaughan Springs was held with Castlemaine and Daylesford Clubs.
January 1967 –
Bagging of Garden Fertiliser as a fund raising activity was undertaken.
Vin Walshe attended the R.I. Convention in Nice, France.
A competition was conducted to find a suitable design for our Club Banner
The first Inter Club Visit was undertaken with a visit to the Rotary Club of Rochester.
A Group Study Exchange team from the U.S.A. visited Eaglehawk during May. The first for our Club.
A Church Service was held at St. Peter’s Church to mark the end of the first year of the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk. Membership was 32.
A working Bee was held at the Eaglehawk Pre-School Centre.
Correspondence was exchanged with matched Club – Essex, U.K.
1967 – 1968
President: Tom Rothacker
During Education Week in August, Prefects from the Eaglehawk High School were guests of the Club at the weekly meeting and dinner.
A perpetual Trophy was presented to the Eaglehawk Amateur Swimming Club.
A move was made to have a Rotary Wheel erected on Gas & Fuel land at the Job’s Gully bridge.
A survey was taken within the Club relating to participation in the Rotary Student Exchange program.
Establishment of Waste Paper Collection.
Club provided transport and lunch for the “School for the Deaf” picnic.
An indicator was erected at Lightning Hill Lookout.
First monies raised from Waste Paper Collection were donated to Y.M.C.A. to be used toward the erection of Sports Pavilion.
Bicycle racks were supplied and erected at Eaglehawk Olympic Pool.
Rotarian Ken Hesse donated president and Past President badges to the Club.
During March the District Conference was held at Lorne and the Club had a visit to BCV 8.
In April the Club, in conjunction with the Eaglehawk Citizens Band, conducted the first Eaglehawk Band Festival.
A mystery Car Tour was held.
Group Study Exchange Team visited from New Jersey, U.S.A.
1968 – 1969
President: Fred Straub
First Golden Wattle tour held in Whipstick Forest.
Rotary joined the campaign to retain the “Log Lockup”.
First Wood Chop held when 25 tons of wood was chopped and stored for delivery to the needy.
Rotarian Ken Burch installed as Mayor of the Borough of Eaglehawk.
Books titled “The Key to Your Career” were donated to Eaglehawk High School Library and local Primary Schools in October and trees were also planted at Jobs Gully Park.
Christmas weekend attended by 26 children was held at Rotary Youth Camp at Axedale.
Christmas Cakes were delivered to the elderly.
January 1969 – “Year of the Hawk” dinner held with Rotarian Bob Trethewey, M.L.A. as Guest Speaker.
Lemon Tree planted at St. Laurence Court.
First White Elephant Sale conducted.
Family Picnic held at Canterbury Park with Rotarians and families from Castlemaine, Rochester, Kyneton, Daylesford, Echuca and Charlton Clubs.
Public Farewell was held to honour Charter President Arch Vincent and Anne.
A dinner attended by 314 people was held at the Eaglehawk Town Hall with the Prime Minister, the Hon. John Gorton, M.H.R. and Mrs. Gorton in attendance.
1969 – 1970
President: Pierce Grenfell
Rotarian Brian Abe installed as President of Eaglehawk Y’s Men’s Club.
Rotarian Albert Roy installed as Mayor of the Borough of Eaglehawk.
In September another wood drive was held when 30 tons of wood was cut – a further 40 tons was cut in November.
The “Paper Drive” in conjunction with Eaglehawk Citizens Band was commenced for purchase of crockery for new Band room.
Fellowship BBQ held at Lake Eppalock.
Judging of Rotary Garden Week competition – inspection of Gardens and afternoon tea in Town Hall Supper Room.
Donation of $1,000 made to Brotherhood of St. Laurence toward the establishment of Rotary Hall at St. Laurence Court.
In April a tour of the Bridgewater Flour Mill was held.
A Cricket match was held between Rotary Clubs of Eaglehawk and Castlemaine.
Six Table & Bench units were installed in Canterbury Park.
A Scoreboard was erected at California Gully Oval.
Rosalie Grenfell and Russell Dower attended R.Y.L.A. Seminar at Geelong. Rotarian Ken Burch provided transport to Geelong for the participants
1970 - 1971
President: Bill O'Brien
Six students were sponsored to attend the Junior Music School at the Methodist Youth Camp at Mitcham Heights.
The proceeds of the Paper Collection were used to assist in supplying new uniforms for the Eaglehawk Citizens Band.
The 117 year old “Log Lockup” was resited next to the Eaglehawk Court House.
Thirty Christmas cakes were distributed to the elderly, including a very large one to Mrs. Henry’s Rest Home.
The Club purchased a second-hand duplicator for $180-00.
In April “Operation Woodpile”, in conjunction with the Eaglehawk Y’s Men’s Club saw 74 tons of wood blocked and delivered.
Members attended and presented the Club Banner to Rotary Club of Geelong East on the occasion of its Charter Night.
The annual cricket match between the Rotary Clubs of Castlemaine and Eaglehawk was held at Woodstock.
A combined Dinner – Ladies Night was held with entertainment by the Eaglehawk Citizens Band.
A BBQ and Bowls night held at “Fitzy’s Barn”.
Ruebin Stephens was selected to attend the Technical Trainee Awards at Ballarat.
A P.A. system for the Club was donated by Rotarian Tom Hughes.
The Rotary International Convention was held in Sydney, Australia with eight Rotarians and five wives from the club attending.