Jaycees to reunite after 70 years

By Bree Harding

Nov 27, 2024

A Jaycees meeting on February 19, 1958, which saw Don McPherson, Gordon Daniel, Keith Sutherland, Ellis Austin, Mr. Trevaskis, Alan Dainton and Laurie Connors attend. Photo by Contributed

It’s been almost 70 years since the Shepparton chapter of Jaycees — a junior chamber of commerce — was established in 1955.

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Though it folded in 1995, the revamped version, Junior Chamber International (JCI), which has a presence in more than 100 countries, has hinted it may reignite JCI Shepparton in 2025.

A reunion for Shepparton and the Hume Region Jaycees will be held at the GV Hotel this Friday, November 29.

The movement was started in the US in 1933 as a network of dedicated young leaders aged 18 to 40, focused on business development, management skills and community service.

Jaycees Graham Thomson, Ray Dethridge, Perce Leak, Don McPherson and Alan Dainton building a shed in December, 1957. Photo by Contributed

Past Shepparton member and president in 1976 Richard Green said other past presidents included many well-known local identities, including Allan Dainton and Don McPherson.

“Our local chapter produced a couple of national presidents and a national secretary, too,” Mr Green said.

“Shepparton hosted the (Jaycees’) National Convention in 1975 when we had 1000 guests in Shepparton.”

He said members from Benalla, Murchison, Mooroopna and Kyabram would also be at Friday’s luncheon.

Dr Chik Chua is the guest speaker at the event and will discuss “getting old gracefully” with the help of advanced care and preventative medicine.