By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THIS anniversary was more than a special one.
Narre Warren Senior Citizens Club members celebrated their club’s 30th anniversary last month with a two-day festival on 17 and 18 September at which all 230 members were invited to commemorate the day.
“Although we come from 22 different countries with different cultures, we are all united because of a common desire to belong, to support one another, so that being a senior does not mean you are alone,” president Cyril Gonsalvez said during his welcome speech.
In 1984, the Narre Warren Rotary Club held a meeting of a small group of seniors with the intention of forming a seniors’ club.
Interest grew and the first committee was formed on 30 August.
The first meeting, which attracted 39 members, was held in a shed in Malcolm Court in Narre Warren.
In August 2000, the club’s current premises at 192-196 Centre Road became available as a permanent meeting place for the group.
It was, and still is, leased to the seniors by Casey Council.
During the anniversary celebrations a minute’s silence was observed to honour members who have passed on, specially the most recent loss of past president Trevor Robinson.
Another past president Dale Abbott presented 17 life membership recipients with badges and certificates.
In his closing speech, Mr Gonsalvez recognised and thanked the committee, all activity group leaders, and all the others who gave their time and effort to make the celebration a success.
