Club History
Introduction - A BRIEF HISTORY
 
The Rotary Club of Yea was admitted to Rotary International on May 1st of 1986. With an initial membership of 23, the Charter was presented in Yea Shire Hall on July 5 1986, under the guidance of Reg Scott of Molesworth; the District Governor's special representative. The Rotary Club of Alexandra sponsored the Yea club. A leading role in this sponsorship was played by three Rotarians; Reg Scott, Roy Fox and Bill Hewitt. Of the original Charter group, two are still members; Gary Fitzgerald and Les Hall. Our sponsor Roy Fox is still a regular guest. Alexandra members, John Sinclair and Doug Zerbe, were inducted into Yea in that year and also remain members. In 2010/2011 we have 35 members, nine of whom are women.
 The Yea club has always promoted the established programs of Rotary International and of our district. We have had a continuing involvement in RYLA and, over the years have sponsored Youth Exchanges and such activities as the National Youth Science Forum. Yea has fielded teams in the Rotary Debating competition and has supported such endeavours as the Moira Kelly Children First Rotary Farm in Kilmore and the Bone Marrow Foundation and Cancer Council Victoria. It is a matter of pride to be associated with the world- wide programs like the eradication of polio.
 
 Local activities are dear to the heart of Yea Rotary and, over the years, we have taken an active role in more projects than could be mentioned in detail. Local sports clubs, schools, land service groups have all received grants from time to time. We have supported the renovation of the Yea Railway Station, the local Tourism Association, the Rosebank Hostel and the Agricultural Show. Two outstanding projects in the early years of the club were the Livestock Industry Appeal, which raised funds for the Community Centre at the High School and the raising of $10,000 for the Emergency Section at Yea Hospital. Recent `hands on' projects have seen Rotarians leveling and sowing parkland areas at the entrances to Yea and preparing the approaches to the Yea Wetlands swing bridge, planting trees and clearing trees and erecting fences. This `contribution in kind' is the recognised profile of Rotary in the Yea community. In 2010 10 members spent two weeks in Mando PNG working to install water tanks, re assemble classroom furniture as well as providing classroom support.
 
 A key part of Rotary work is raising the funds to support these many and varied activities. Over the years, Yea has run all manner of fundraisers, from Calcutta nights to `Music Hall', from Trivia nights and raffles to Auction sales and stalls. Our 'Flagship’ activity has been and continues to be the Rotary Art Show. This project was taken on by the Rotary Club when, after 15 years, the Chamber of Commerce could no longer continue. Since 1986, it has gone from strength to strength, sponsored by the Shire of Murrindindi and now attracts artists and buyers from across the state. In 2008 significant sponsorship was provided by the Hargrave Family Trust which has seen a boost in the quality and calibre of the artists’ entries. This sponsorship has been provided for 5 years duration and is much appreciated by the Club.  More than a money raiser, the Art Show has become a part of local life and is always associated with the Australia Day BBQ, also run by Rotary, (previously with the Lions Club), as part of the traditional celebrations.
 In compiling this brief report, it is timely to recognise the fantastic tradition of Service in the Rotary Club of Yea. Whatever the job, `You only need to ask' has become the measure. It is also appropriate to acknowledge the work done by Charter Member David Evans in preserving the lively memory of activities, since its induction, of The Rotary Club of Yea. His work forms the basis of this history.
 
Birth of Rotary in Yea
 
On the 19th of February 1986 a list of names was drawn up of possibly interested men who may be interested in forming a Rotary Club in Yea.
 Reg Scott of Molesworth who was the District Governor’s special representative at that time held a meeting at his home at Molesworth. This was followed by a meeting at St. Luke’s hall in Yea where the numbers had increased.
 Our first dinner meeting was held at Beaufort Manor and it was agreed we form a provisional Rotary Club of Yea and hold weekly meetings with 23 interested members,
 Yea Rotary Club was admitted to Rotary on May lst. 1986 and the Charter presentation on July 5th 1986 was in the Shire Hall.
 The Rotary Club of Yea was sponsored by The Rotary Club of Alexandra and the most active in the forming of the club were Reg Scott, Roy Fox and Bill Hewitt.
 Reg has since passed on and Roy is still a visitor to our Club, a Rotarian who has the ultimate respect from all our members
District Governor   Leo Gorman
District Governor's Special Representative Reg Scott
Formed March 1986                          
Admitted to Rotary May lst 1986
Charter Presentation July 5th 1986
 
 
Charter Club Members:
 
Name
Partner
Classification
 
 
Basser Philip
Faie
Medicine General Practice
 
 
Bell Ian
Sarah
Education Secondary
 
 
Beer Neil
Jan
Automobile Retailer
 
 
Bryant Ross
Lynne
Stock and Station Agent
 
 
Broadbent Graeme
Beth
Law Enforcement
 
 
Callander Daryl
Heather
Steel Fabricating
 
 
Clements Graeme
June
Municipal Water Service
 
 
Dale Tim
Prue
Prime Lamb Production
 
 
Davison Clarry
Lyn
Hotels
 
 
Evans David
Judy
Electrical Contracting
 
 
Fitzgerald Garry
Elizabeth
Heating Appliance Manufacturing
 
 
Hall Les
Wendy
Farm Management
 
 
Hauser Peter
Val
Vealer Production
 
 
Lawson David
Lois
Piano Tuning
 
 
Lawson Don
Jennifer
Agricultural Consultant
 
 
Lockhart Bob
Margaret
Stud Sheep Ryelands
 
 
Long Ash
Fleur
News Papers
 
 
Long Ric
Ryhl
Stud Cattle Herefords
 
 
McCormack John
Margaret
Beef Cattle Herefords
 
 
Quinlan Bernie
Mary
Farm Machinery Retail
 
 
Sier Adrian
Marie
Horse Breeding Thoroughbreds
 
 
Tainton John
Lois
Meat Retail
 
 
Watson Ray
Alison
Restaurants