2024-2025 A Short History of the Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale
The Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Coburg and chartered by Rotary International on the 30 th June 1976. District Governor (Rotary District 279) Keppel Turnour presented
the club’s charter to Charter President, Sam Gandolfo, on the 2 nd of August 1976.
Since 1976, forty-three members have served the Club as President. Charter member Mike Reiner was elected President in 1977-78 and went on to become District Governor (Rotary District 979) in 1985-1986. Many club members have served on District and Regional Committees. Several honorary
members remain actively involved in the club.
Whilst supporting The Rotary Foundation, the club has recognised exceptional service to Rotary and the community by awarding Paul Harris Fellowships to Rotarians and their partners.
Since its inception, the Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale has been involved in a wide variety of local community projects. Significant achievements include the raising of funds for the building of the Edith Bendall Retirement Village in conjunction with the Lions Club of Strathmore, and the development of the Children’s First Foundation. The club has supported organisations such as: The Dorothy Impey Retirement Village, District Nursing Association, Riders for the Disabled, SCOPE (formerly Northern District Spastic Centre). local schools, community youth groups, and individuals and families. Other projects have included the purchase of buses, specialist equipment, and support for activities within the local community Each year we arrange for pre-school children to have their hearing tested. Our aim is to assist individuals and groups within the community. We have provided specialised equipment, including a motorised scooter, specialised beds, and medical equipment, designed to assist community members with physical and social needs, to develop their independence and fully experience a quality of life.
The club’s Annual Awards Program recognises members of the public who have made a significant contribution to the local community through their vocational service and volunteering.
The club has been involved in many programs which assist young people to develop a broader awareness of educational and vocational opportunities. Programs include: Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, Rotary Youth Leadership Award, Model United Nations Award, and Adventures in Citizenship.
Internationally the club supports emergency aid, medical-aid, and training programs for overseas communities. We sponsor students in Africa and the Pacific Area by providing programs designed to improve their education, housing, and medical assistance – especially with the aim of eradicating of poliomyelitis and malaria.
Club members have volunteered their time and expertise to take part in international projects. Members have walked the Kokoda Track to raise money to assist in the eradication of malaria, members have volunteered in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Western Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Fiji on projects that have included the erection of a major hospital, housing, storage facilities for malaria equipment, clean water storage tanks, and maintenance of educational and community buildings.
This year our club celebrates its 49 th year of service.
Reference: Rotary Club of Pascoe Inc. 2024-2025 Directory