BIGGEST BOYS LUNCH

 

Thank you once again for allowing me the opportunity to say a few words about the Rotary Club of Pakenham.

 

Last year I gave a bit of an overview of what we had done in Pakenham since our charter in 1961.  Today I will focus on an ongoing long-term project that is a great benefit to our town.

 

In 1992 we had the idea to create a Rotary Park.  We chose a site but the Council had other plans. 

 

In 1997 the Council plans had dissipated so we had another look at the site, which is between the Pakenham Consolidated and Toomuc Creek.  We noted that the school children were walking along the highway to access the sports grounds, which we felt was quite dangerous.

 

In 1998, through the lobbying of relevant authorities and some fund raising we instigated the building of a foot bridge just south of the highway, alleviating the need for the children to use the highway. 

 

We then constructed a gravel walking track on the west side of the creek from the bridge to the railway line. There already being a concrete footpath on the east side.

 

In 2001/2002 we notice at the southern / railway end a makeshift creek crossing had been made of rocks.  This was ok when the water level was low but was considered unsafe, especially to children if the creek was flowing faster, which could happen quite unexpectedly after rain.

 

Again, after lobbying authorities and fund raisin a second footbridge was constructed near the railway line.  Thus creating a complete walking circuit.

 

In 2002 the area was officially named Rotary Park.

In 2003 a picnic shelter was built near the first bridge.

In 2005, to celebrate 100 years of Rotary the Walking track was officially named “Rotary Centennial Walk”.

 

Also in 2005 we also conducted a tree-planting event in Rotary Park and invited primary school children to come along and plant a tree.  The many children who took part all received a certificate to commemorate the event.

 

In 2007, with Ben Cook, I was a consultant with the Shire for the Toomuc Creek Bushland Reserve Masterplan.  Some of the recommendations have been implemented.  Including having a concrete footpath replace the gravel track.

 

1n 2014 with some encouragement from Rotary the Shire constructed a walkway under the railway line connecting Rotary Park to the Heritage Springs Estate.

 

In 2015 we constructed a picnic shelter south of the railway line in Heritage Springs.

 

In 2016 we installed a fitness station in Rotary Park

 

Some previously installed seats had been damaged so we will be installing more seats this year.   The seats will bear plaques in memory

of long serving Rotarians who have been ‘Called to Higher Service”.

 

I recommend that you to do your self a favour and go for a walk around Rotary Park.  An important environmental area that was on the edge of the township, and is now virtually right through the centre of Pakenham.

 

In this months Rotary magazine there is an article about men’s health and it says that more men die from prostate cancer than women die from breast cancer.

 

As a prostate cancer survivor I urge you all do yourselves another favour. See your doctor and get checked.  I did and I’m still here.

 

Public Relations Director, Ken Rook.

 

 

To see photos of the members at work then click on the link below: