Serving Hawkesbury for a half-century
by Maryann Jenkins
For 32 years John Killen was the man in the Santa Claus suit who delighted children at the annual Carols in Richmond Park .
He and John Kelly eagerly took to being pushed around in wheelchairs for a week by netballers to help solve mobility access issues in the Hawkesbury - “ a novelty but an excellent result ”.
Volunteering at countless Hawkesbury Shows , hosting student youth exchanges and taking part in graffiti removal projects - all this and more because John is a devoted Rotarian .
John has been a proud member of the Rotary Club of Richmond for 42 years . A past-president and now honorary member , John , his wife
Club organised Monday 22.5.72 Charter approved Friday 2.6.72 Charter presented Wednesday 14.6.72
Charter officially signed Friday 2.6.72 by Rotary International
Charter presented by then District Governor , Eric Blamey , District 268
Charter Celebration night 14.6.1972 at Windsor RSL $ 3.50 per head
District Governor Fred Higgins , DG 72 / 73 , then District 268
Marion , and club members are celebrating the club ’ s 50th anniversary this month .
“ You can achieve wonders through Rotary ,” the former retail account with Waltons told the
Independent .
We all think we choose what path we take in life , who we socialise and mix with , what views we hold . But those decisions are actually shaped by networks of people - David Brooks .
“ Rotary allows whatever your community object is , to get the results you can ’ t get on your own . You have the help of a group of people with the means and know-how to achieve .”
One of
John ’ s favoured causes was fundraising to buy beds for Richmond Community Nursing Home in West Market Street in the 1970s . It ’ s now known as Hawkesbury Living and operated by Richmond Club in March Street .
“ We would hold regular stalls [ in the CWA hut Richmond Park ], sell cakes and plants , hold raffles , run appeals and call for donations , anything to raise money to get those beds ,” he said .
The Killens urge anyone interested in making a difference to join Rotary .
“ An ideal member is around 35 , with an older family or who has a bit of time to get involved in projects . It ’ s a good entry for somebody who has a special cause they want to pursue . It ’ s very rewarding .”
Richmond Rotary is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a gala ball at Hawkesbury Function Centre on Monday , 6 June .
14 ISSUE 145 // JUNE 2022 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT