Two rotary clubs merge to become one

The merger process, which will be completed by Christmas at the earliest, was confirmed at a combined changeover gathering on Monday, July 20 at the Goulburn Workers Club.

New Argyle president Richard Kearins and Mulwaree president Grant Pearce were welcomed on the night by rotary area governor Philip Byrne, taking over from Doug Walker and Graeme Neil respectively.

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Both presidents will lead their club separately, then join forces to lead the merged club, which is yet to be named, before a newly elected president takes over from July 1, 2021.

Mr Kearins said the reasoning behind the merge was that the new club would be able to run more effectively.

"In common with many community service groups, the rotary organisation has not been the best marketers of what they do," Mr Kearins said.

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"They have struggled to get the message out about their activities and to attract new members.

"To revitalise and make a bigger splash in Goulburn, the clubs have agreed to move towards a merger.

"Members have been extensively consulted and are in favour while the Rotary Club of Goulburn is also thinking about joining this merger."

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The night also celebrated the achievements and activities of both clubs over the past 12 months.

"In a COVID tough year, the two clubs raised funds and made cash donations of over $65,000 to local and rotary charities and beneficiaries and conducted many community projects including the Remembrance Trees Avenue on Wheeo Rd, a youth project supporting PCYC's Fit 4 Life project and completion of the Aboriginal Sensory Garden and Yarning Circle at Goulburn High School," he said.

Some 60 people attended the dinner including Goulburn Mulwaree Council mayor Bob Kirk, member for Hume Angus Taylor and Goulburn Club president Bruce Hammond.

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