The club was launched with a resounding start with sixteen charter members, including a few seasoned Inner Wheel members who had transferred from the thriving sponsor club, Balmain, and other clubs in District A53.

Charter Members with IWA President, Lorraine Hyde and A51 District Chairman, Lesley Hackshall

Guests of honour included Inner Wheel Australia President Lorraine Hyde and husband John, International Inner Wheel Board Director Liz Ralston and husband Gavin, and Rotary District 9750 Governor Glen Wrann and wife Fern.

Past IIW President Lovise Richardson graciously presided over the day’s formalities in her own inimitable style. District A51Chairman Lesley Hackshall warmly welcomed everyone and John Hyde’s response was delightfully witty and deliberately brief!

The highlight of the day was the presentation of the collar and jewel by the President of the Inner Wheel Club of Balmain, Wendy Volpatti, which Charter President Chris Kirby accepted, expressing the new club’s gratitude for the guidance and support of their ‘mother’ club.

With the cutting of the spectacular cake, generously made and decorated by Gloria Franks, the new club was officially launched.

The beautiful celebration cake made by Gloria Franks, IWC Sutherland	L to R:  Charter President, Christine Kirby, IWA President, Lorraine Hyde, A51 District Chairman, Lesley Hackshall and IWC Balmain President, Wendy Volpatti

The IWC of Sydney Inner West already has a solid and growing portfolio of achievements and regular commitments, including providing meals at Ronald McDonald House, Randwick, transporting cord blood from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital to the Sydney Cord Blood Bank, working for Gorman House, a drug and alcohol detox centre, sewing mastectomy bags for cancer patients at Concord Hospital, knitting slippers for the elderly, participating with Dressed for Success to provide suitable clothing for referrals, assisting at a local women’s refuge, raising funds by selling Entertainment Books and working at Bunnings BBQs as well as supporting Inner Wheel Australia's National Coin for a Cord day.