Mooroopna Rotary Club member Ken Faulkner believes volunteers are the backbone of a community.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Few people in a town can look at a monument, a building, or a park and say, “I made that happen”.
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But if you take a stroll with a Rotarian, you will hear this quite often.
For over 60 years, the Rotary Club of Mooroopna has been a driving force behind numerous local projects, making a tangible difference in the lives of others and showcasing the profound impact that volunteers can have.
They were the catalyst behind the Mooroopna cenotaph upgrade.
They raised over $1 million to construct the Rodney Park Retirement Village, now known as Mooroopna Village.
They were major supporters of the WestSide Performing Arts Centre.
As Ken Faulkner sums it up, “We are the movers and shakers”.
Ken joined the Rotary Club of Mooroopna 36 years ago and has since committed himself to the belief that volunteers are the backbone of any thriving community.
One of the club’s most significant contributions is the Mooroopna New Year’s Eve festival, a free family event that has united the community for over four decades.
In the past couple of years, the raffle alone raised $92,000 for the club and other community organisations involved in ticket sales.
Half the proceeds support the club, while the rest goes to the participating groups, enabling them to reinvest in their communities.
“The fact that it brings these communities together really shows the power of what can be done by a community group,” Ken said.
Beyond local events and during times of crisis, the Rotary club has always responded to the call.
Following recent floods, they coordinated financial assistance for organisations, including the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre and St Vincent de Paul, distributing vouchers to those affected.
Listing everything they’ve accomplished would fill a book.
However, one thing is clear: a community cannot function without volunteers.
“If you look at what Mooroopna Rotary Club has done in this town for over 60 years, it’s magnificent,” Ken said.
“A lot has been achieved in the town, and a lot of people have been supported.”
With membership dwindling from 40 to 25, Ken stresses the need for new faces, countering misconceptions about Rotary being an “old men’s club”.
“It’s an organisation for people, men and women, to make a difference within the community they live,” he said.
“Volunteering is very important in a community – it doesn’t have to be Rotary, but for me, it’s Rotary.”
HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Those interested in joining the Rotary Club of Mooroopna can reach out to board member Ken Faulkner at 0408 253 501 or via email at info@rotarymooroopna.com.au
Mooroopna Rotary's Richard Speedy, Ken Faulkner, Graeme Wood and Kelvin Rogash at the Mooroopna Rotary Charity Golf Day.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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