Brief history of the Rotary Club of Parramatta
Parramatta was not the
bustling city it is today in 1926 when Rotary came to the then market
town. The highlight of Parramatta's week was the weekly auction sales on
Mondays and Thursdays of livestock, vegetables, fruit and goods of all
kinds. Businesses were locally owned and business leaders lived in
Parramatta making it a fertile place for Rotary ideals.
Representatives from the
Rotary Club of Sydney came in 1926 and met
prospective Rotarians at the historic Woolpack Hotel. Twelve prospective
Rotarians were identified and a further meeting was arranged for the
next week. HW Sheppard and JC Browning worked tirelessly during this
week and the twenty members required were achieved. A submission was
made to Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Parramatta was
officially admitted on 20 June 1926 with HW (Hank) Sheppard a well
respected local solicitor being Charter President.
The Club supported local
needs but its greatest efforts during its early years were directed to
supporting the Rotary Club of Sydney's great initiative in establishing
the NSW Crippled Children's Society. The Parramatta Club established a
class for crippled children in Parramatta using the hall at St Andrew's
Presbyterian Church and volunteer Rotary drivers for transport. The
Northcott School for Crippled Children later absorbed this class.
One of its unique features
was the great fellowship and the singing of members. Two members, Jack
Ritchie and Harry Grainger, who had fine voices, provided leadership and
it is recorded in notices that the Club choir met for practice on Monday
evenings in preparation for the Wednesday meetings.
The Club did not live unto
itself. It soon sponsored new clubs at Bathurst and Burwood. Despite
this it grew to over one hundred members because of the large area
covered. It continued to support the growth of new clubs, two of which
are in Parramatta. Parramatta North (now Parramatta City) in 1972 and
the joint sponsorship with Parramatta City of the Rotary Club of
Parramatta Daybreak in 1992.
There was no greater
occasion in the early life of the Rotary Club of Parramatta than 10
April 1935 when Paul and Jean Harris visited the Club. The Carolean
Reception Centre and Roxy Theatre were the scenes for Rotarians and
spouses (separate of course as was the custom of the time) to greet
Rotary's founder and his wife - it was a grand occasion for all. A tree
planted by Paul on that day in Prince Alfred Park bears testimony to
this visit.
After World War 11 the
City of Parramatta changed from its earlier market day, semi-rural image
to a thriving financial, retail and administrative centre. Many
residences of earlier years were acquired and Rotarians tended to move
to adjoining northern suburbs. This has changed the earlier residential
family centred club to a more business centred club with both male and
female members. The Club has continued to sponsor other clubs rather
than maintain its once large membership.
All aspects of service
continue to be strongly emphasised with rewards for vocational
achievement, a steady flow of exchange students, interest in the worthy
causes of the city and meetings that are always worthy of the Object of
Rotary. One of the highlights of each year is the highly respected
Public Speaking Competition for the ES & AM Clift Shield. The late EM
Clift, the donor of the shield, was a member of the Club continuously
for 63 years (1928-1991). This competition for secondary students has
greatly assisted many students in the art of public speaking.
In 2001 the Rotary Club of
Parramatta celebrated seventy five years of service to the Parramatta
community and worldwide programs of Rotary with a special very well
attended function, when a host of memories were recalled and there was
an opportunistic dedication to future service. The Rotary Club of
Parramatta has been an important part of the life of the City of
Parramatta and will continue, in conjunction with the other two
Parramatta Clubs to remain a positive and enriching influence in that
city's future and the wider programs of Rotary.