The Phillip Island Senior Citizens Club began in 1971, and 51 years down the track, it is still going strong.
The Club came into being those five decades ago thanks to the advocacy of the only resident doctor, Ben Weiss, servicing Cowes and San Remo at the time.
Dr Weiss, aware that a number of elderly people living on Phillip Island were undernourished, suggested that a meals on wheels service should be established.
The council of the day was amenable to the suggestion. In order to access a government subsidised Meals on Wheels program in the community, the rules decreed that an Elderly Citizens Club must be formed, through which the meals could be delivered.
A public meeting at the old shire hall was called to float this idea, and explain the need that existed to the community.
Several welfare officers from Melbourne attended and outlined to a full hall what needed to be done. The concept was embraced.
The first step was formation of an Elderly Citizens Club election of a foundation committee.
The Club was provided a basement room in the old Shire Hall to hold meetings, and activities were held upstairs in the old hall.
Club members worked tirelessly to raise funds for the necessary equipment.
The official opening of the first Elderly Citizens Club Rooms in the old shire hall – complete with a Meals on Wheels kitchen – occurred on August 9 1971.
During the next ten years in the old Shire Hall many happy times were had. Members worked hard to raise money with numerous functions (concerts, Christmas parties, dinners) and outings arranged. They played indoor bowls in the upstairs hall , though they had to move the mats quickly when it rained, because the hall roof leaked.
The kitchen used to prepare Meals on Wheels boasted a woodstove, hard concrete floor and not many items to work with. The first cooks were May Webster and her sister June Stephens – great cooks and tasty meals were always underway.
The meals were delivered five days a week by volunteer drivers around Phillip Island.
A name change in 1974 saw the word elderly dropped in favour of a new name Senior Citizens Club.
In the same year, the Club made an application to the Council to erect new club rooms.
A large block of land in Lion’s Court was purchased from the Lions Club by the Phillip Island Shire Council, to facilitate this.
The Council made an official request to the Government for a building grant in 1974.
The grant was approved, and the resulting building came under the jurisdiction of the Health Department, which required a kitchen to also be built into the new Club Rooms for the preparation of Meals on Wheels.
A hot roast meal served each week was also a requirement - plus installation of under floor heating.
The Council set money aside in their budget for the provision of a Meals on Wheels kitchen and equipment - $260,000 in 1975 and 1976.
Building commenced in 1979 – and the new Senior Citizens Centre in Lion’s Court was officially opened on Monday January 14 1980 by His Excellency the Honourable Sir Henry Winneke - Governor of Victoria.
The adjacent Melaleuca Village Housing Units were opened on the same day. The centre was to be used for providing services and recreation facilities for all senior citizens in Cowes and surrounding districts.
A well supported club
The senior citizens of that time worked very hard to make this Club what it is today - with various donations, dinners, street stalls, and lots of hard work to raise funds to equip the building.
The Club purchased crockery, furniture, floor coverings, curtains, sound systems and so on.
As the club grew in strength and numbers the committee realized the need to become an incorporated body.
This occurred on September 15 1989.
A $17,000 annex was added at a later date, built with a state government grant.
A new billiard room was built in 1994.
Various committees have subsequently worked hard over the ensuing years maintaining the various activities.
The Club’s craft and sewing ladies do a wonderful job, turning out wonderful items for sale.
The social activities of indoor bowls, snooker, billiards, five hundred cards, crazy whist and hoy provide much pleasure to members.
In the early 90s, a "Day Care" group was formed through council to bring elderly and perhaps lonely people together.
It was named the "Evergreens".
It commenced at one day per week, but was extended to three days, that grew into three days, with various activities, including outings, keep fit, craft and mental stimulation enjoyed by its members.
