It was the end of an era for the Rotary Club of Wallacia – Mulgoa Valley last month, with the club closing after serving the local community for 20 years.

The club was formed in 2002 by the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains. They started with 22 members, which decreased in later years.

“Rotary is mainly known for its BBQ’s, but its more about some wonderful people who are passionate at helping others. The shared friendships, working together for a common cause, our many interesting guest speakers and of course helping our community” explained Jan Bradley, founding member of the Rotary Club of Wallacia – Mulgoa Valley.

The work that the club has done for the community over the past two decades has been immense, with many organisations and individuals on the receiving end of their generosity.

In 2006, they enhanced the cenotaph at Warragamba, with the addition of two flanged brick walls, a stencilled concrete walkway in the centre of which is the flagpole and associated plaques commemorating the different wars.

The club conducted fundraising BBQs at the Luddenham Uniting Church Markets at and Harvey Norman in Penrith for many years. They manned the admission gates at the Luddenham Show for over 5 years.

They came together to raise thousands of dollars in donations to the drought-affected farmers in the west during one of the State’s worst natural disasters.

Local schools, charities and other causes have received donations thanks to their hard work and dedication.

As a Rotary Club, they participated in the Rotary Youth Exchange project, by hosting two debutante balls for their youth members and contributed to several Rotary projects and causes.

Some of the community organisations they have helped include Destiny Rescue, Mama Lana’s Community Foundation, The Ross Hutchison Foundation and Police Legacy.

“We are sad that this has come to an end, but we will be continuing with Rotary as members of one of their local clubs in Penrith, St Marys, Penrith Valley, South Penrith, Nepean Club and Lower Blue Mountains,” said Jan.

On behalf of the local community, thank you Rotary Club of Wallacia – Mulgoa Valley for all that you have done.