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Brief histories of the "australiaclubs.org" Clubs

Rotary Club of Hobart

Rotary International District 9830

Rotary Club of Hobart – History A visit by two Ambassadors from the Rotary Club of Melbourne led to the formation of the Rotary Club of Hobart. Professor Osborne of Melbourne University and Walter Drummond, Secretary of the Melbourne Club, came to Hobart armed with a list of 25 names who were regarded as prospective members of a new club Among those listed was Sir Henry Jones, a local industrialist who was the Chief of IXL Limited, a company of international reputation. Sir Henry agreed to be the founding President of the Club. The first meeting of the Club was held at the Imperial Hotel, Collins, Street, Hobart in the presence of the original 23 charter members on 29th February 1924. The list of charter members read like a record of the Hobart “establishment” which was to ensure that the aims and ideals of the Rotary movement were in good care to guarantee its success. By the end of the first year, membership had grown to 45 members. The Club had become very active developing income to assist in providing amenities for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb Society and giving support to the Boy Scout movement. The 1927-28 year was notable for the fact that the Club was part of the founding membership of the 65th Rotary District comprising 17 clubs from Australia. In March 1935 the Club was honoured to receive a visit from Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, and his wife, Jean. During his visit Paul planted a tree in Hobart’s St David’s Park. The tree, which bears a plaque recording the visit, still flourishes and has grown to very large proportions. Club activities continued to support local projects too various in nature to enumerate. The intervention of the Second World War had its affect on membership numbers. Nevertheless, the club allied itself to the Australian Comforts Fund and played a substantial role in the provision and packing of parcels for the support of members of the armed forces.

After the Declaration of Peace such efforts were directed towards support for the Food for Britain Appeal to ease the plight of residents of “the Old Dart”. When conditions were normalized the Club developed a camp at Taroona to provide a holiday facility for under privileged children. The camp operated for many years until such time it outlived its usefulness. The property was sold for $35,500.00 and the proceeds were invested to provide income to support youth projects. The capital has grown considerably over the years and the income is put to good use. In 1963 the Club paid a leading role in the establishment and building of the “Sixty and Over Club”. This facility is located in the Hobart CBD and was the forerunner to other amenities for the support of our elder citizens. The Hobart Club has participated in the extension of 6 other clubs in the area. Our own membership, which peaked at 123 in 1985, now hovers around the 95 mark, which is more manageable for a lunchtime club. In recent years the Club pioneered the introduction of a programme to assist small enterprises which need expert guidance to steer them through a difficult period. This is achieved through assistance rendered by volunteers who in the main are retired businessmen or women who freely give of their time to those who are struggling. This mentoring has been taken up by other states with equal success. Another initiative of the Club is the support given to surgeons from Pacific Island countries, wherein the techniques of plastic surgery are passed on to them during a period of residency in Hobart. Club member, Dr Miki Pohl, who is skilled in this field, has played a leading role in this programme. In taking a leading role in the introduction of new ideas and ongoing support, the Hobart Rotary Club is very proud of its contribution it has made to the local community in its 78 year history. Active participation by members in club projects is the very core of Rotary ideals and we are grateful to those members who by their participation have worked tirelessly for the benefit of all. This page was compiled and provided by History Fellow, PDG John Louttit

Paul Harris, founder of Rotary being ambushed by Hobart Rotarians in March 1935.