THE Kiwanis Club of Gawler has held its final meeting, after more than 32 years of comradery, friendship and giving to the community.

Local members came together for a ‘last hurrah’ dinner, on Tuesday, December 8, at Nixon’s Function Centre.

They were joined by Kiwanis Australia District governor elect 20-21 Phil Schmaal, Kiwanis Australia past governor Geoff Holmes, members of neighbouring clubs and several sponsors of the Terrific Kids program.

Making an address Mr Holmes said the club can be proud of what it has achieved for the community.

“It is so important that you reflect on those positive parts of what you have done over all those years,” he said.

“I’m sure many of the projects brought great satisfaction and you would have had great fun doing them.”

The Kiwanis Club of Gawler was started in June, 1988, by the Rostrevor Campbelltown Club, with 25 initial members and under the inaugural presidency of Bruce Townsend.

Projects over the years have included planting 3000 trees and building a shelter at Dead Man’s Pass, sponsoring children through World Vision, bringing flowers to the mothers across the local nursing homes each year, and various fundraising drives in their member-made barbecue trailer.

Since 2002 the club has overseen the Terrific Kids program in local schools, which awards students with a book, and a copy with their name in it for their school library.

Fortunately, the program will continue to be run locally by the Barossa Kiwanis Club.

Gawler Kiwanis Club secretary and inaugural president Bruce Townsend said it was a sad evening, with the Kiwanis almost a way of life for him and wife Nancy for the past 32 years.

“Our fundraising was mainly through barbecues at Woolworths, Bunnings, at the Gawler Village Fair, swap meet, and Gawler Show car parking, which brought in a lot of money for us,” he said.

“With COVID restrictions these of course all ceased to operate.

“With ill health of members and partners it has now come to a point where we are unable to operate in Gawler.

“We thank the community for allowing us to have fun and fellowship, while serving them over the past 32.5 years.”

President Margaret Hague, who joined Gawler Kiwanis 15 years ago, said, “I’ve been the president for a total of four years in all and I must say I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did without the wonderful support of all the members who had so much confidence in me.

“I also appreciate and thank the other clubs for your support over the years in attending our handover dinners and inviting us to yours as well.

“…A huge thank you to the Barossa club for agreeing to look after our Terrific Kids program for next year.”

Certificates of appreciation were handed out to sponsors of the Terrific Kids program, as well as Nixon’s Function Centre, who has long-hosted the club’s regular meetings.