Posted by Barry Thornton
The Rotary Club of Perth has celebrated its 90th anniversary with a special lunch attended by 18 former club Presidents and 70 current members and guests

The Rotary Club of Perth has celebrated its 90th anniversary with a special lunch attended by 18 former club Presidents and 70 current members and guests

RCOP was formally recognized by Rotary International on April 15, 1927 and has continued providing a vast range of community services every year since – despite the outbreak of World War 2 and the depression years

“The idea for establishing WA’s first Rotary Club was conceived a year earlier when a group of Perth’s leading citizens organised a meeting at the old Palace Hotel,” said present day President, Larry Hirsch.

“These included luminaries such as former Lord Mayor Sir William Lathlain, prominent architect Lieutenant-General Sir Talbot Hobbs and Anglican Archbishop Charles Riley.

“Sir William was elected President, Archbishop Riley Vice President and the club started with 23 members.”

Mr Hirsch said the foundation club wasted no time creating a niche for itself amongst the people of Perth.
“The club’s first project was to raise 102 pounds to help send Albert Lynch, an outstanding young violinist, to study in Dublin,” he said.

“For the next 90 years RCOP continued to launch an amazing variety of projects helping communities throughout WA and in other parts of the world.”

These included:

+ Helping establish the UWA Medical School

+ Providing emergency accommodation for hundreds of Perth’s homeless kids (Passages)

+ Setting up the Sir Norman Brearley Trust to fund a wide range of deserving community project

+ Partnering the WA Salvation Army in providing a range of services for victims of domestic violence and their families (Path of Hope).

+ Funding for a helipad on the roof of Royal Perth Hospital’s north block.

+Helping building houses for hundreds of homeless Cambodian families (Tabitha Foundation).

+ Raising funds to help find a cure for mesothelioma (Reflections Through Reality Foundation).

+ Partnering UWA in establishing the annual Sir Wallace Kyle Oration

+ Sponsoring dental treatment for thousands of Indigenous children in remote parts of WA (Kimberley Dental Team).

+ Funding for many prominent Perth landmarks including the Peter Pan Statue in Queens Park, Kings Park wishing well, Schools Signature Project and the Millennium Wall Murals as part of developing the Bell Tower precinct.

+ Hosting scores of foreign exchange students from all parts of the world and establishing sister club relationships with the Singapore and Seminyak (Bali) Rotary clubs.

Mr Hirsch said Rotary had flourished in WA since the launch of RCOP with 100 clubs now established throughout the State.
“During its 90 years, RCOP has been fortunate to have had a succession of inspirational Presidents and office bearers who have contributed greatly to our community – here and abroad,” he said.
“Our challenge now is to attract more and more young potential leaders who will help RCOP continue its great work for another 90 years.”

To find out more about RCOP contact  9321 4356 or visit the website www.rotaryperth.org.au

Media Contact

Barry Thornton 0411 557 328