Things have changed a lot in 50 years but something that hasn’t changed is Bill Brady and Peter Worthington as friendly faces at the Rotary Club of Gunnedah West.

Club members came together on Saturday for a celebration of the two members who joined in 1975.

The impact these two made on the club was evident in the retelling of adventures that paved friendships throughout decades.

Joining in the celebration was district governor Evan Burrell, who delivered a speech in reflection of 50 years.

“You’ve both been a part of projects that built playgrounds, supported schools, raised funds for hospitals, hosted youth exchange students, planted trees, and brought laughter and friendship to countless meetings,” he said.

“Fifty years in Rotary isn’t just a measure of time – it’s a measure of impact,” he said.

They both witnessed and were actively involved in the history of Rotary. From something as small as picking up a shovel, to travelling to a different part of the world in hopes to help.

Just a few years after the pair had joined, Rotary launched its first major polio vaccination program, the PolioPlus campaign. Mr Burrell said the world is now 99.9 per cent polio-free with Rotary having led the charge.

“Peter and Bill — you’ve literally witnessed Rotary change the course of human history,” he said.

Peter Worthington

Peter was humble in his accomplishments and roles for Rotary, stressing that it was never just the work of himself, but the power of every volunteer.

Mr Burrell reflected on what people saw in Peter, describing his leadership and presence as the “quiet backbone of the club”.

“You’ve mentored new members, guided committees, and always led by example, you’ve even been to Papua New Guinea on a FAIM (Fourth Avenue in Motion) trip,” he said.

“Peter is the sort of Rotarian who doesn’t need the limelight because your light shines in your service.”

Peter was inducted on September 4, 1975 and over that time he has been in multiple roles including presidency in 1995-1996 and district governor representative in 1986-1987.

“I’ve had a wonderful 50 years with the Rotary Club of Gunnedah West working on local and international projects,” he said

He spoke kindly on his time with the club. Projects included fundraising for Alkira in 1982 and later helping put together fencing around a nursing home and village.

He also spoke of the deb ball run by the club for the past 45 years and the ongoing Pensioner’s Hill project.

He was in the team of six that helped build a school in Papua New Guinea and described himself as “lucky” to go on a friendship tour to Tazewell in Virginia.

In his 50 years, he has hosted four exchange students which he found rewarding.

“But most [rewarding] of all was the friendship the Rotary club has shown towards me while I’ve been in it,” he said.

Bill Brady

It may be difficult for the public to imagine a time when these two were not involved in the club but when Bill was still relatively fresh-faced, he helped pull off a raffle that is still talked about today.

He was in the job of community service which in his words is “supposed to make money”.

“That’s how I came up with raffling the aeroplane,” he said.

Of course, one cannot stop at just raffling off a Grumman two-seater Aeroplane – second prize was a Subaru.

“Oh, that took a few years off my life,” he joked.

“It turned into a monster.”

The raffle turned a net profit of $14,500 which, if the Reserve Bank of Australia’s inflation calculator can be trusted, is $91,700 today.

It was a massive raffle that expanded around Australia, with advertisements in The Land and Queensland Country Life.

“The money that came out of Queensland saved the day,” he said.

He has had plenty of rewarding memories, in particular going to Papua New Guinea in 1991 to help build a school.

He also looked after some exchange students.

Mr Burrell recognised Bill’s ability to bring a drive to projects in his speech, showing what ‘service above self’ means.

“Bill, your passion, humour, and generosity have brought warmth to everything you do,” he said.

“You’ve kept this club smiling through tough times [and] rolled up your sleeves for any project.”