From humble beginnings with an interest meeting held last year, Warrnambool’s journey to Charter culminated with a Gala Dinner on
22 May 2010.

Twenty three charter members (including one honorary member) were welcomed into District A60 and Inner Wheel Australia.   IWA President Lorraine Hyde and husband John were special guests.

IWA President Lorraine, A60 District Chairman Bernadette Storer, Past A60 District Chairman Rhena King, President IWC of Geelong East, Lyn Fleet	A60 Council Member Erma Hoare, IWA President Lorraine Hyde, President Kaye Slater, A60 District Chairman Bernadette Storer and A60 Extension Committee Member Lyn Ward.

The Mayor of the City of Warrnambool, Michael Neoh, Warrnambool Rotary President Judy Ross (who is also a Warrnambool Inner Wheel charter member), Rotary District Governor’s Representative, Brian Trenery and A60 District Chairman, Bernadette Storer, were all welcome guests who strongly supported the new Inner Wheel Club of Warrnambool.

The Inner Wheel Collect was led by A60 Treasurer Jean Hutchinson and President Lorraine was invited to light the Flame of Friendship.  Rev Dr Elizabeth Nolan recited a beautiful Grace, and charter member Betty Suggett proposed the Loyal Toast.

A60 District Chairman Bernadette gave an official welcome and introduced the club's guests.  Mayor Councillor Michael Neoh responded and said how he appreciated the display of the city’s famous emblem of the “Loch Ard Peacock” on the celebration cake and programmes.  A60 District Secretary, Gwen Barrett, gave the Roll Call of all members by Club. There were so many who attended from outside District A60 to congratulate and celebrate the 150th club chartered in Australia.

The beautiful dinner was served amid a happy atmosphere of anticipation, excitement, friendship and fellowship as guests mingled together and caught up with friends.

Charter President Kaye Slater and A60 District Chairman Bernadette Storer	President Kaye Slater  and Past IWA President Fay Cox

The highlight of the evening came when Council Member Erma Hoare and District Chairman Bernadette Storer presented the Inner Wheel Charter to Warrnambool Charter President, Kaye Slater.  IWA President Lorraine and Extension Committee member Lyn Ward joined them on stage and the new members were inducted and presented with their Inner Wheel badges.  Warrnambool Rotary Club President, Judy Ross, presented the Collar and Jewel to the new President, who responded with enthusiasm in the knowledge that the journey to Charter was now complete.

The beautifully decorated celebration cake, made by member Lyn Burns was ceremoniously cut by charter President Kaye Slater and the Warrnambool Rotary President Judy Ross, with lots of photo opportunities of the occasion, and happy group photos of the new Club en masse!    An animated recitation by A60 District Executive members, Lyn Ward, Gwen Barrett, Sandra Pearce and Bernadette Storer, of an “ode” to Warrnambool Club was performed, albeit slightly off beat!  IWA President, Lorraine, then formally welcomed members of Warrnambool Club to Inner Wheel Australia.

“Dame Edna Everage” aka Charter Member Carolyn Monaghan, giving the Toast to the Gentlemen

A brilliant “Toast to the Gentlemen” was given by 'Dame Edna Everage' who, from the heart, gave assurance that Queen Elizabeth was devastated not to be able to be present, but sent her best wishes through Dame Edna.  Charter member, Carolyn Monaghan, (after shedding her wig, boa and gladdie) thanked the gentlemen for their support.

Rotary District Governor Representative Brian Trenery, in response, abandoned his formal speech and said he was lost for words! 

The charter celebration of the new Inner Wheel Club of Warrnambool was a great occasion!

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