History of Taree Rotary Club

History of the Taree Rotary Club:

With a population of 4,500, and against a vastly different background to to-day, the Rotary Club of Taree was Chartered by Newcastle Rotary Club on the 25th of September, 1937. There were 19 Charter members. In the first year another 10 members joined. At that time there was no Martin Bridge and the highway was gravel. The southern and western entrances to Taree were by punt at Glenthorne and Tinonee. Dairying was Taree’s main industry. Rotary quickly grew in the Manning Valley and, while still with only one Club, membership grew to a peak of 80 business and professional men.

Over the years, Taree Club has had chartered 6 new clubs, commencing with Kempsey in 1938, Wingham in 1944, Port Macquarie in 1947, Forster-Tuncurry in 1956, Taree North in 1967 and Taree on Manning in 1991.

Probus Clubs in the Manning have been sponsored by our Rotary club. Probus is an organization of professional and businessmen and women 55 years of age or over who are retired or semi-retired. There are 3 clubs in Taree and clubs in Old Bar and Harrington, with a total membership in excess of 500.

The Rotary Club of Taree has always endeavoured to be aware of the needs of the community and has responded to those needs to the best of its ability. The promotion of goodwill among nations is important with Taree Club supporting the countries of the South Pacific and South East Asia. World Community Service and Fourth Avenue in Motion (FAIM) has had active and extensive support by Taree Rotarians over the years.

The aims of these are to promote educational and cultural facilities for underprivileged people and to render practical service of volunteer work and, at the same time, to train people in selected countries in appropriate skills. This has been done over the years with members making almost 100 visits to assist in these countries. Taree Club has led the way on many occasions. It must be noted that the Hospital at Kokoda was built under the guidance of our member, Past District Governor Bob Young.

The top recognition award from Rotary, Paul Harris Fellow, has been awarded to 41 Rotarians or members of the Community by the Taree Club.

Kokoda Memorial Hospital

This recognises outstanding service to the community and is a richly deserved award. Six of our members are second generation members, and one lady is a third generation Taree Club member. It is noted that ladies were first admitted to membership of Taree Club in 2001.

Report compiled by Peter Dahdah