It is with sadness we note the death of our highly respected Hawthorn member Bernie Walshe. For members who knew Bernie, he represented a time in our history of a Rotary Hawthorn spirit and energy that typified our volunteering spirit and successful “giving” far and wide around the world.
Bernie Walshe joined the Club in May 1992 when Rotary Hawthorn was 39 years of service. He served on the Board for five years from 1997-98. During this time, he held the positions of:
- Community Service Director
- Treasurer and Secretary
- Club President in 2001-2002.
Bernie served as District Governor in 2006-07 and edited the District newsletter which earned the Club two District Bulletin Awards.
During Bernie’s year as President, the club continued to flourish. Its Youth Service activities included hosting inbound student exchanges, supporting volunteers at Lord Somers, funding scholarships for students at Hawthorn Secondary College (now Auburn High School) and Hawthorn Senior Secondary College (now Swinburne Senior Secondary College), and sponsoring students for MUNA and the National Youth Science.
Among other highlights that year, the Club donated over $18,000 to the Hawthorn Community House, Camcare, Camp Getaway, Australian Red Cross, the Cancer Research Institute and other worthy causes.
At a District level, Bernie with the support of other Club members organised the District Conference, the fourth Conference hosted by our Club.
The many memorable aspects of the conference, which was held in Canberra, included a last-minute venue change from the Canberra Convention Centre to the Australian Institute of Sport when the ACT Government closed the former venue for renovations.
Bernie was a worthy recipient of Honorary Membership of the Club for 2023/24. His contribution, leadership and sense of humour will never be forgotten. Thanks Bernie!
PP Anne Scott OAM with Bernie Walshe
PP David Rosback with Bernie Walshe
