Our history

Our work in the community over the decades  

 
Our first club meeting was held on 16th April 1973. The Club's charter night was then held on the 21st July 1973. The Charter was presented by the then District Governor, Bob Johnson and Past District Governor, Steve Turtle. At the time the club had 24 charter members.
 
Since then the  Club has developed a rich tradition of involvement in the local community, from its award winning restoration of Rodd Point and the Cross and Tomb, to participation in many local projects and events.

Almost a million dollars has been raised and distributed to organisations and charities supported by the Club during these years including:
 

Health and Medical 

  • Children's Hospital at Westmead 
  • Sydney Children's Hospital Network
  • Concord Hospital
  • Balmain Hospital 
  • the Australian Rotary Health and Research Foundation 
Local community groups
  • Abbotsford Sea Scouts 
  • Dobroyd Aquatic Club
  • Handital
  • Sailability
  • Rose Gallagher Centre
 
 
Educational
  • Rivendell Youth Mental Health Program
  • the Lucas Gardens School (Five Dock) 
 
General
  • the Red Shield Appeal  
  • Clean up Australia Day and many other activities
Other community activities have linked us with the Blaxland Ridge Rural Fire Brigade, the Walk Against Drugs, The Olympic Torch Relay, and the Paralympic Movement.

Rotary Youth Programs

The Club has supported all Rotary Youth programs and developed strong ties with our local schools. It has hosted many inbound and outbound exchange students. It has been involved in local school fetes, the local scouts groups.

 

Many members have served on District Committees and others have served on offshore working teams. The club helped send two containers of goods to a mental health facility in Fiji.

In the area of Vocational Service the club has hosted annual Pride of Workmanship Award nights enabling local businesses to give special recognition to employees.

Time keepers

 

Many will recognise the ‘Five Dock Rotary Clock’ as a central feature of the suburb’s main shopping strip. It was donated by our club in 2005 to commemorate the centenary of Rotary International and its global contribution toward the eradication of the polio.


Twice a year two of our diligent members change the time, marking the coming and going of ‘daylight savings’.