Genesis of Club

Genesis of The Rotary Club of Warrnambool

The Rotary Club of Warrnambool had its birth in 1929 as a result of the efforts of Mr. Tom Buchan, Secretary of the Rotary Club of Geelong. During 1928 and into 1929 Mr. Buchan made numerous investigations into the possibilities of forming a Rotary Club in Warrnambool.

Following his investigations a Melbourne Rotarian Mr. Harry Osborne made

a survey of Warrnambool and his inquiries led to a meeting at the Warrnambool Technical School on the 9th September, 1929. Rotarian Ivor Evan of the Rotary Club of Melbourne, addressed the 19 citizens who attended the meeting. Apologies were received from nine other citizens.

After general discussions and questions it was resolved , "that those present form themselves into a provisional Rotary Club". After the election of the Board of Directors of which Dr. H.I. Holmes was elected Chairman, it was also resolved that a weekly luncheon be held each Tuesday.

The next step on the formation of the Rotary Club of Warrnambool was the adoption of a constitution and by-laws. Invitations were then sent to 35 selected citizens inviting them to become Charter Members of the Club.

At an adjourned meeting of the Board of Directors held on the 11^th October, the names of 27 members were submitted and the President was authorized to sign the Charter list in support

of the application of the Rotary Club of Warrnambool for membership into Rotary International.

In 1929 there were 26 Charter members with W. (Les) Marfell as an additional member. The first luncheon to be held was at the Cooee Team Rooms in Liebig Street on the 8^th October. The 24 members who attended were read greetings from Rotary International and 13 other Australian Rotary Clubs.

On the 27^th January, 1930 the Club held a Charter night in the Warrnambool Town Hall Supper Room. Eighty nine Rotarian from throughout Victoria were at the function including the District Governor, Alfred Holtz who presented Charter No.3237 to the Club.   

At the time the Warrnambool Club was formed there was only one Rotary district, the 65th for the whole of Australia. Since then Australia has been divided into  eight districts and the Warrnambool Club has had the distinction of providing two district Governors: Dr. H.I. Holmes and Mr. Fred Bennett.