Now, this year’s co-presidents Steph and Dom Dean are facing the mammoth challenge of addressing a large generational gap of volunteer base.
If they don’t, the club is at risk of falling apart.
The pair watched as the Nathalia branch closed its doors in January this year after 61 years serving the community, after its six remaining members were unable to elect a president and fill board seats.
Now in a similar position, the fear is becoming a bit of a reality – but one they’re hoping to remedy.
“(Folding) is a real fear we have,” Dom said.
“(Kyabram Rotary) is really small compared to some of the other clubs around the district,” Steph said.
“Basically, we are one of the smallest.”
This year, they’re set to shake up perceptions, proving Rotary isn’t just for older folks and inviting the next generation to join the action.
“Kyabram is growing something chronic at the moment, with new families that are becoming residents of the town, so we just want to get on the bandwagon of that,” Steph said.
“We’re trying to change the shape and change how the Rotary Club looks to a young person, as an organisation more than anything.
“We’re trying to show you can have a family and still go and do something and needing those younger people to help run events and attend a meeting or two.”
The pair is extending the invitation for members to smaller towns in the district who don’t have a Rotary club, like Stanhope, Girgarre, Lancaster and Tongala.
“There are so many little towns who don’t have clubs to meet like this, so we just want to let them know we’re open to everyone.”
Steph said they were looking for community minded individuals to get involved with events they run such as the Australia Day ceremony, the Easter Egg hunt, the Spring Markets, and helping out with a barbecue here and there.
“We’re not looking for someone who will come to every fortnight meeting and doing every community event – it’s about what they can bring to the team,” she said.
“If they can help out with only a couple of barbecues, well that’s their contribution, but it’s all about what you can help give back to the community in whatever way, shape or form that might take.”
To get involved with the Rotary, email your interest to stephhorton1995@hotmail.com or message the group on its Facebook page.
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