In a little-known corner of Browns Lagoon in South Albury, a physical commemoration of Rotarians who have contributed to the community over decades has come to fruition.
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Rotary Club of Albury Hume contracted a local landscaper to build a paved “Reflection Area” around the existing Rotary friendship tree, overlooking the lagoon that can be accessed via Ebden Street.
It’s intended as a place to sit, and as explained by a plaque at the site, “honour the service of Rotarians who are no longer with us”.
Secretary Dennis Martin said the idea for the project came up in 2014 and was originally intended for the corner of Smollett Street and Padman Drive.
“We wanted to put a seat there, and at the time we thought there wasn’t really anywhere to acknowledge our past members,” he said.
“Rotarians Dr John McDonald and Alan Hodge had passed away recently.
“It was decided because of logistical issues, it wasn’t the best place to put it, so with Dave Armstrong at Albury Council we started to look around for other suitable locations.”
Browns Lagoon was suggested, as a Rotary friendship tree had been planted there in 2011 to recognise the international legacy of the organisation.
With a grant from Albury Council and their own funds, Rotary engaged a landscaper who completed a paved area and seating around the friendship tree earlier this year. The $8000 project adds to a community garden and seating at the site.
President Stephen O’Connell said the reflection area also overlooked a sculpture of a superb fairywren installed in the lagoon by Wagga artist John Wood in 2015.
“We love that people can sit, look out at the lagoon and the sculpture and reflect on Rotarians they know,” he said.
“It’s a culmination of a great partnership between council, Rotary and the landscaper.”
The Reflection Area was officially opened today, and deputy mayor Amanda Cohn congratulated the club for their project.
“I find myself at a lot of community events around town and I have to take my hat off to Rotary – they are everywhere,” she said.
“Their efforts go somewhat unnoticed; they often work hard quietly in the background.
“It’s fantastic to have a physical commemoration of the work they have done.”
Mr Martin also reflected on Rotary’s work on an international scale.
“Today is World Polio Day … and every year vaccine doses are delivered to 430 million children,” he said.
“It’s work Rotary is doing that is crucial to bringing down the disease.”
