NOTE: In this week’s print edition of Wyndham Star Weekly, columnist Kevin Hillier wrote that the Hoppers Crossing Apex club was closing. This was incorrect. It was, in fact, the Werribee Apex Club that is closing. Star Weekly apologises to all members of the Hoppers Crossing Apex Club for the mistake. Mr Hillier will also apologise in next week’s print edition of Wyndham Star Weekly.
The Apex Club of Werribee is no longer, after 48 years of service to the community. That’s unfortunate, but they’ll go out with a bang with a dinner at Hoppers Crossing Sports Club from 6.30pm on October 25. For details and bookings call Darren Hellmann on 0413 607 645.
The club has succumbed to dwindling numbers and, basically, lack of interest. It got me thinking about the relevance of service clubs in this day and age. I was a Rotarian for many years but when the commitment interfered with my family life I resigned. I acknowledge the work and benefit that service clubs like Apex, Lions and Rotary have given, and continue to give, to the community. It’s a body of commitment that is to be commended but you have to wonder if it’s still relevant these days.
Clubs have changed the joining criteria to include older and younger members and have included women to boost membership and to become politically correct. Attendance parameters have been relaxed to accommodate the changing work conditions we all face, yet clubs still struggle or, as in this case, fold. So are service clubs relevant? If they exist to serve the community I say an overwhelming Yes. If they’re there to allow business people to network and promote their businesses, I say No. Unfortunately, I see a lot more of the latter these days.
Nobody can deny the great work done by clubs such as Werribee Apex Club which, in its time, has donated more than $500,000 to local people and organisations. The club helped on various projects like building a playground at the old hospital, co-ordinating Daffodil Day, tree-planting, selling Christmas trees … the list goes on. Many of my closest friends are still members of service clubs and I hope they continue.
I also hope those clubs keep to the charter they were founded on and don’t lose sight of what they’re there to achieve. While I see reasons for aid to other countries, I have to say my personal priority now is to help those closer to home. I welcome your thoughts.
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■ If you have any news or events, let me know at kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au
