Senior Citizens
This plaque is located outside the Senior Citizens Hall, cnr Victoria and Parrott Sts.
The first meeting of the Cobden Senior Citizens Club took place on Monday 9th October 1967.
Thirteen years later, in 1980, the organisation’s name was altered to the Cobden and District Senior Citizens Club as membership grew to 143.
Between 1967 and 1980, the club’s home was the RSL Hall but plans for their own rooms started to take shape in 1975 when the chance to apply for two-for-one grants became available.
And, conveniently, the Heytesbury Shire had a location in mind – the site of the old saleyards which ceased to operate in 1974.
A building fund account was set up back in 1968 so the members were ready to take advantage of any opportunity. From the first
day of the club’s establishment, money had been raised through donations from organisations and individuals, street stalls and card nights.
Finally, in 1978, Shire president Cr John Blake and Shire secretary Merv Whelan announced a Federal Government grant of $82,000 had been received and the building of the clubrooms began on March 19th 1979. Just over ten months later, on January 28th 1980, the keys were handed over.
Federal Minister for Social Security Margaret Guilfoyle officially opened the building in April 1980 with Corangamite MHR Tony Street and Polwarth MLA Cec Burgin in attendance.
Mr Street presented the club with an Australian Flag and a national anthem cassette with a portrait of the Queen Elizabeth II to arrive later.
Membership cost 50 cents in 1967. Fifty-five years later, it has risen (slowly) to $5 per annum.
Longer-term executive members have included Nola Mackay (president), Jim Mounsey (secretary), Bill Rasmussen, Charlie Body, Ollie Cowley, Albert Pegg, Jim Donald (all treasurers) and Mrs Joyce Roberts (secretary and treasurer).
Over the years, club activities have included inter-club visits, birthday celebrations, day outings, five day trips, regional picnics, music afternoons and guest speakers at the luncheons while indoor bowls and cards have always been played.
Christmas dinners have always been enjoyable but, since 1990, Santa Claus has not been sighted. Maybe, he figures the members are too old . . . or have been too naughty?
In 2016, the Cobden Technical School VCAL group joined in club activities as part of their studies.
New members are always welcome at Cobden’s Senior Citizens Club. You can join when you turn 50!
