Community
17 July, 2026
GALLERY: Dick’s end of an era at Rotary
While it did come as a surprise to some Rotarians and guests present last Tuesday night, Mr Bray said it wasn’t for him.
AFTER 57 years, Dick Bray informed the Rotary Club of St Arnaud he would be handing back his badge at the end of last week’s Changeover Dinner.
If only he could get it off his jacket collar.
While it did come as a surprise to some Rotarians and guests present last Tuesday night, Mr Bray said it wasn’t for him.
“All good things must come to an end,” he told the crowd.
“It’s just my time.”
During his more than five decades with the club, Mr Bray has a lot of fond memories.
“My favourite would have to be our old mock weddings,” he said.
“I was meant to be the bride, but I was told I was one of the ugliest brides some had ever seen.”
Mr Bray is known for his hard work and dedication to the club, with it leading to his Senior Citizen of the Year award for St Arnaud last year. During his time, he has overseen a number key projects such as the creation of the Rotary House accommodation at St John of God, Ballarat; construction of St Arnaud Aerodrome; providing $40,000 to the community through the club’s Drought Funding Program; and renovations to the sheep pavilion at Lord Nelson Park. Mr Bray and his wife Jean were awarded a number of little gifts for their work within the club.
THE dinner had the Shire Cafe full of laughter and memories as the club celebrated another year of Rotary.
Peter Marland presented Simon Burge with the $400 cheque, the money raised for the St Arnaud CFA Group fire brigades at the annual “Thank the Firies BBQ”.
The club also celebrated the EnviroClub Bronze award Russell Steel successfully applied for, rewarding the club’s environmental work.
Members of the Kerang club also visited on the night.
Read More: St Arnaud