COLLIE Rotary Club celebrated 60 years of serving the community at a glittering event at the Harris River Estate on Saturday night.
About 80 past and present members and dignitaries attended the proud milestone to enjoy an evening of toasts, fine food and wine and dancing.
Rotary district governor Brian Eddy, Collie shire president Wayne Sanford, Collie MLA Mick Murray and Forrest MHR Nola Marino joined club president Bob Grieg and members in toasting the occasion.
A highlight of the evening was cutting of the cake by the club’s only surviving founding member, Eric Knight.
The 97-year-old Mr Knight made the trip from Perth back to Collie to attend the event. He proudly took part in the official ceremony ably supported by Mr Grieg.
Rotary assistant governor Robyn Yates was master of ceremonies for the evening, describing the club’s milestone event as both proud and memorable.
“It was terrific to see so many past and present members attend,” Ms Yates said.
“We are all proud of how the club pulled together to make it a fantastic night.”
The evening kicked off with a welcome and grace by Mr Greig, and was followed by a delicious locally produced meal by the Ridge Restaurant including chicken breast and lamb rump and wine produced by Harris River Estate.
Shire president Mr Sanford led with a toast to Rotary International, with a response from Rotary District 9465 governor Mr Eddy.
Mike Booth proposed a toast to the club with past district governor Keith Hopkins responding.
There were a number of prizes presented during the evening. The most anticipated was the door prize – an actual door polished and emblazoned with a Rotary emblem donated by Keith and Libby Hopkins. The coveted prize was won by Roy Philbin.
An Australiana quiz was held following the dinner, with local newsagent and member Peter Reuben generously donated prize packs for quiz winners.
Quiz which included Peter Reuben’s donation of $10 worth of scratchies per person & chocs was a Rotary Quiz. The Austaliana quiz was held to enable more prize winners Lucky spot prizes of hand made scented candles were donated by me.
Collie Rotarians donated raffle prizes for the evening. Doug Gulvin donated a beautiful hand turned wooden bowl, Lyn Smith a set of plush monogrammed towels, Barbara Jones a travel goods hamper and John Vlasich a set of pottery tableware.
Each table had a delightful floral centrepiece created by Collie Florist which were raffled off at the conclusion of the evening.