40 years of Inner Wheel Echuca

By Lua Ikenasio

Apr 10, 2025

The Inner Wheel Echuca Club marked 40 years since receiving their charter on Monday, April 7.

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Members from the local club and other Inner Wheel groups around the region came together in Echuca to celebrate the milestone.

The celebrations kicked off at the club from 11am and ran for most of the afternoon.

The ladies also took the chance to recognise Margaret Doorman and Barbara Watson, who were two of the Echuca club's founding members.

Barbara Watson, Di Owen and Helen Dubourg enjoyed the atmosphere of the celebrations. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Inner Wheel Echuca Club president Dianne Owen spoke highly of the club and what they do.

“It’s wonderful. I obviously haven't been here for 40 years, but I’ve been involved for 3 or 4 years, so I'm a newbie as such,” she said.

“It’s just lovely the friendships and everything that comes with it, they're all such a lovely group of ladies.

“It’s a really nice organisation, and you get to do something for the community at the same time — it’s just a wonderful feeling.”

Denise White, Lyn Ward, Jan Tozer, Kerrie Henson and Carol Guille were all smiles during the event. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Inner Wheel is an international women's organisation that has ties to the Rotary Club.

During World War I, women within Rotary Clubs were known to help their male counterparts with various projects.

In 1924, these women eventually formed their own club, it’s emblem representing the inner wheel of the Rotary Club’s emblem.

Word of the club and their work quickly spread to Australia and the first group was then formed in Ballarat, Victoria in 1931.

Since then, the group has continued to grow within Australia, with Echuca’s own club amassing a total of 21 members, with more set to be finalised later this year.

Lesley Glover, Lori Fisher and Linda James looked lovely in their floral outfits. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Mrs Owen said she has enjoyed her time as president for the past two years.

“It has been most enjoyable, I’ve met so many lovely people,” she said.

“Once you've been to a national conference or a district conference, and you meet these people from all the different clubs, you've got a whole new group of friends that you'll have for the rest of your life.

“It's been a real blast as such ... you'd be surprised about what they've achieved in their years and what they've done over the years ... they're just so inspirational.”

Anyone interested in joining Inner Wheel Echuca can call Lyn on 0418 502 799 or Di on 0408 543 938