At your service

Rotary District 9820 governor Don Ripper, assistant governor Allan Collier, inaugural club president John Peck, and district governor elect Janne Spiers.

By Casey Neill

Greater Dandenong officially has a new Rotary club.

The Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong held a cocktail party at the Dandenong Club on Saturday 28 April.

It brought together the Dandenong and Dandenong South East clubs.

The inaugural president John Peck said the combined club, with larger numbers, would continue to support the many community projects in Dandenong.

About 80 guests attended the launch including Greater Dandenong Mayor Youhorn Chea, Councillors Matthew Kirwin and Angela Long, Rotary District 9820 Governor Don Ripper and District Governor Elect Janne Speirs.

Cr Chea acknowledged the outstanding contribution Rotary had provided in Dandenong and said the council looked forward to working with the new club on community projects.

The new name was registered using the original Rotary Club of Dandenong charter from 1935.

Dandenong was among a few clubs that boasted Rotary founder Paul Harris at its first meeting.

Rotary Club of Dandenong South East had served the community for 50 years.

The event included an extensive display of history from both clubs.

Past district governor Ken McDonald spoke on Dandenong’s history and Honorary Rotarian Colin Ferns spoke about Dandenong South East.