The Rotary Club of Grafton was formed in 1933 by virtue of sponsorship by the Rotary Club of Lismore.
There were 27 charter members.
Subsequently, the Grafton Rotary Club sponsored the establishment of other Rotary Clubs in Coffs Harbour (1949), South Grafton (1950), and Maclean (1953).
Rotary has been a constant presence in Grafton and the Clarence Valley since its inception.
Over the years there have been many significant contributions to the community largely because of the tremendous support provided by the community to the various Rotary projects.
Some of the major projects undertaken by the Grafton Rotary Club include the development of See Park with restoration and construction of the facilities there commencing in the 1950s.
The arboretum was planted in 1983 and the two rotundas at each end of See Park were built during the 1980s.
The facilities at See Park and the development of the park itself were largely a result of the member’s work in building and developing the park.
Another very significant contribution to the well-being of Clarence Valley and the New England area around Glen Innes was the leadership provided by Grafton Rotary in raising $86725 in 1985 to purchase and provide for a Life Education Van which became a facility available to practically all school children over the next several decades.
The Wishing Well at Market Square was built in the 1960s and continues to provide a source of charitable donations by locals and visitors towards the many Rotary projects.
Grafton Rotary Club sponsored the development of the Grafton Meals on Wheels program, an organisation that still operates very efficiently today.
The Grafton Rotary Club has been a regular participant in the Rotary Bowell Scan program for many decades before the program was taken over by the Commonwealth Government.
Statistically, we know that many lives were saved by this valuable Rotary program.
Another significant and ongoing involvement by the Grafton Rotary Club has been in the Rotary Youth Exchange program in which the club first became involved in 1964.
The long-term Youth Exchange Program has seen countless students leave Grafton to spend a year being hosted overseas and in return, the Rotary Club hosts youth exchange participants from all corners of the globe to spend 12 months in Grafton.
There is also a variety of youth development programs provided by Rotary and sponsored by the Grafton Rotary Club.
There are many young persons who have benefited by attendance at one or another of these programs.
The President of the Grafton Rotary Club, Richard Pryor said the club is proud to be involved in so many different projects and community events in its 90-year history.
“We look forward to the club continuing this involvement for the benefit of the community for many more decades to come,” he said.
The club will celebrate the occasion with a dinner at the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) on May 6.