Meryl Barraclough is keen to attract new members to Griffith Rotary Club. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Social worker Meryl Barraclough has become the first woman elected president of the Rotary Club of Griffith Inc. in the organisation’s 82-year history.
The volunteer service club, which raises thousands of dollars each year for local charities and community projects, traces its roots to an international organisation founded in 1905 as a men-only club. Women were only admitted to Rotary after a landmark 1989 rule change.
Since the Griffith branch was established in 1944, the presidency has been held by many of the city’s best-known figures, including Alan Hewitt, Ron Dalla, Rick Schwarzer, Jack “Jock” Donaldson and Greg Collier.
Breaking new ground
Now Ms Barraclough has finally shattered the club’s glass ceiling, taking over the role from WIN Television’s Greg Murphy late last month.
“There’s only three women in the club, so I never considered becoming president,” she said.
“A few of the guys told me they’d like me to run. I thought they were joking, but they were serious and reassured me I could do it.
“It’s a bit daunting, but I think women can do anything men can do.
“I’m a bit of a feminist. I take after my mum, who was in the CWA, involved in the school and church, and worked full-time while raising four kids. I figured if she could do it, so could I.”
Griffith homecoming
Ms Barraclough grew up in Wilcannia before moving to Griffith at age 12 when her father Peter took a job for Bob Fletcher as a foreman in the earthmoving industry. Although she later lived in various parts of Australia, she returned to Griffith a decade ago to care for her mother.
It was singer and counsellor Lorraine Sutton who encouraged her to join Rotary.
“I needed a social life. It’s hard when you’re a single woman unless you like going out to clubs, which I don’t,” she said.
“As a social worker, I’ve always liked helping people too. Through Rotary, you meet great people, a lot of them influential in the town. We’re an interesting group from all walks of life and you meet people you probably never would have otherwise.”
Meryl at a barbecue for the Lifesource Church Community. Photo: Supplied.
Building on a legacy
The 72-year-old said she hoped to build on the proud legacy of those who had led the club before her.
“You look at someone like Jock Donaldson. He was a builder who used to spend six weeks every year in the Pacific Islands building hospitals, houses and schools, all on a voluntary basis.”
Griffith Rotary raises about $30,000 annually through fundraising activities, with the proceeds distributed to local charities and community groups. The club is perhaps best known for its weekly Sunday markets at the Griffith Showground.
There have recently been suggestions the markets should relocate to Memorial Park to increase foot traffic and help revitalise the CBD. But Madame President is happy to leave them where they are.
“We have them at the showground because it’s covered and the ladies can leave their craft there during the week. Parking is also easy, so there are a lot of advantages. We do very well there and a lot of produce is sold.”
Like many volunteer organisations, Rotary is grappling with an ageing membership and the young’s distaste for volunteering, so attracting new members will be one of Ms Barraclough’s key priorities.
“It’s a great thing to do and we have some wonderful members. Sarah Dore, who is studying to become a nurse, is our youngest member at 36. She’s hoping to do some Rotary work in Nepal later this year.
“I’d encourage anyone to come along, find out more and join us.”
