From left Sjaak Kusters, Geoff Double, Adrian Froggatt, Rob Taylor, Darius Mikolajewski, Mike Hildred, Merv Clissold, Joy Kusters, Scott Double, Mark Caulfield, in front, Isobel Caulfield, Julie Allgood, Kerry Bryant, Anna Caulfield, Malcolm Kennedy (partly hidden), Jim Wilson, Josie Wilson, Dianna Nutter, Mick Morland, Eric Boon, John Farr, Gerald Treasure in front, Kay Rankin, Peter Binning behind, Robert Wingrave, Bill Hudson in front, Betty Tudge, exchange student Chris Borsch, Marlene Cooper part hidden, Tim Moore in front, Gary Evans, Gary Cooper hidden, Alf Giesen, Terry Carmichael in front, and Murray Newby.By Jim Mynard
ROTARY Club of Berwick president Tim Moore opened the new Rotary rotunda at Pioneers Park on Thursday, 13 October, as a forerunner to the park’s official opening on Sunday.
Mr Moore said the club built the rotunda as a Rotary International centennial project, with the planning and its construction taking three years.
“We first discussed building a sound shell at Wilson Botanic Park, but the cost was prohibitive,” he said.
“Because we had planned to build a rotunda in Main Street we reverted to that idea. Suddenly, Pioneers Park became available and the idea of a rotunda became a reality.
“We planned a project that involved all members of the club and all members had something to do with its success.”
Mr Moore said Berwick businessman Bill Hudson did not want the site developed for housing and began lobbying to gain some of the property for community use.
“Rotary has recognised his work for the community and because of this we decided he should receive a Paul Harris Sapphire Pin as an addition to his existing Paul Harris Fellowship,” he said.
“None of us would be at this opening except for Bill’s dream for this park.”
Mr Hudson said lobbying for the park began eight years ago.
“We wrote a letter to the council every six months to press for it to be saved. I initially thought we may get some of the land, but not all of it,” he said.
Casey mayor Neil Lucas thanked Rotary for the rotunda and said the name Pioneers Park was chosen because it recognised each generation had its pioneers.
“This is to recognise the pioneers of the 2000s,” he said. “Rotary has done much in our community and this rotunda is an example of what Rotarians do. The rotunda will be seen by people for years to come. The council recognises this wonderful building and is grateful.”
Cr Lucas commended Mr Hudson for his part in obtaining the park and said the sapphire pin was a wonderful reward for what he had achieved.
