I acknowledge the 70th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Moruya, a remarkable milestone in community service and leadership.

Formed in 1956 by the Rotary Club of Queanbeyan, whose members travelled the then dirt road of what is now the Kings Highway and crossed the Clyde River by punt, the Club’s formal Charter Dinner on 25 June was attended by 200 people from across the South Coast and Southern Tablelands.

Over seven decades, the Rotary Club of Moruya has made an extraordinary contribution to the local community. Its achievements include establishing Quarry Park Reserve and Chesher Park, supporting tertiary scholarships, driver awareness training, youth exchange, science forums, sporting initiatives, and Moruya Christmas Street decorations.

The Club has also supported rural men’s health through the MERV van, carers’ accommodation at the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, and Books for Babies at Moruya Hospital. Internationally, it has contributed to water and sanitation projects in Timor-Leste, Nepal and the Philippines, and continues its work towards global polio eradication.

These efforts are made possible through its strong partnership with the Moruya Jockey Club and connections across the community.

Special recognition goes to Charter member Michel Nader, now 98, sharing in this historic celebration.