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Cobram Rotary turns 70

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Rotary Club of Cobram co-president Ellie Stephens, Secretary Neil Kerr, and co-president James Cornish. Photo by Owen Sinclair

At least 50 Rotarians past and present assembled at the Top Pub on Station St on the evening of Wednesday, October 16, to celebrate the Rotary Club of Cobram’s 70th birthday.

Cobram Rotary Club co-president James Cornish said the event went very well.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves,” he said.

“Everyone was pretty jovial.”

Brian Walsh and Cobram Rotary Club co-president James Cornish at the club's anniversary. Photo by Owen Sinclair

He said the club is made special by the diverse livelihoods and vocations of its members.

Club secretary Neil Kerr spearheaded the celebration by organising the advertising, invitations, and assembling a history of the club’s past twenty years.

The handbook was compiled by Mr Kerr with assistance from fellow Rotarian Karen Brown.

“A lot of things happen in twenty years,” Mr Kerr said.

Rotarians gathered at the Top Pub to celebrate the club's 70th birthday. Photo by Owen Sinclair

He said it was an excellent evening.

Former Cobram Secondary College assistant principal and Rotary district governor Malcolm Kerr presented a speech which recognised the hard work and passion shown by members of the club since its inception.

Mr Kerr spotlighted the club’s achievements and past members, including its swap and meet and many fundraisers to donate towards worthy causes.

District Governor of District 9790 Malcolm Kerr. Photo by Owen Sinclair

Kevin Bourke, alongside one other Rotarian, was recognised for 55 years of service to the club.

Since its founding in 1954, the club has been a cornerstone of the Cobram Barooga community.

In its early years, Mr Cornish said, the club initiated the Ottrey Lodge before it was acquired by Cobram Regional Care.

The club also helped refurbish the Cobram hospital.