IN 1940, the Rotary Club of Leeton was formed amid World War II and now, 80 years on, the organisation is celebrating its milestone anniversary among the backdrop of a global pandemic.
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The club's 80th anniversary celebrations were meant to be a large gathering in 2020, but these plans had to be changed to accommodate public health orders on gatherings.
Instead, a smaller event was held last week to mark the occasion, celebrating the club's rich history in Leeton shire.
This history is now on display for one and all to see as well thanks to the club putting together a display within the Leeton Museum and Gallery.
The exhibition is now open to the public and is expected to continue over the coming weeks, complementing other exhibitions already on show, making it the perfect place to spend time during the festive break.
Rotary Club of Leeton member and past district governor Greg Brown said the organisation had achieved plenty over the past eight decades.
"The traditional way of celebrating these events with Rotary usually means a big dinner with lots of speeches, but because of COVID we decided to scale it down," Mr Brown said.
"So we decided to put together this snapshot of a display which shows the story of our club over the years.
"That way we can still share this achievement with the community.
"It's an opportunity for people who have been involved in the past and everyone else to come along and look around, there's a book people can sign and leave their comments as well."
The Rotary Club of Leeton started meeting in November, 1940, but the official charter shows December 16, 1940 to be the official date the organisation was formed.
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Monique Owen has been a member of the club for many years. She's soon relocating with her husband and said she would miss the Rotary club, its members and the friendships made along the way.
"Just in my time here the club has achieved so much, whether it be the shade sail project for the playground near Gralee School, becoming a Rotary peace community or hosting Rotary exchange students over the years, it's really been so fantastic," she said.
The Leeton Museum and Gallery is open every day from 10am to 3pm, except Sundays. Entry to all exhibitions is free.
