The historic milestone was celebrated at a formal dinner at the Goulburn Workers Club on Monday night where Dick Kearins was inducted as the inaugural president.

Talks began six months ago to unite the Goulburn, Goulburn Mulwaree and Argyle Rotary Clubs, due to declining membership. In July, Mulwaree and Argyle merged and in August, Goulburn elected to join. The merger brings together 55 members into the Rotary Club of Goulburn.

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Mr Kearins said it was an important step in sustaining the organisation.

"The merger of the three clubs brings together the youthful vigour of our younger members and the wisdom of our longer serving members," he told the gathering.

"Our younger members are now a measurable group. A group that was difficult to see when they were spread across three clubs.

"Our new club will be more attractive to younger people who have an interest in community service because they can see people of their own age making a contribution..."

Some 42 people attended the function, including Mayor Bob Kirk and Rotary District 9705 Governor Dr Michael Moore and Area Governor, Phillip Byrne.

Mr Kearins said the clubs had a long history of improving people's lives, whether on the local or international front. Goulburn Rotary was formed in 1930 with 19 members from business and professional ranks. It became a member of Rotary International in May of that year.

A professional business classification system applied and restricted membership to one person from each category. Only education services and religion were excluded.

"The list was quite extensive, however, applicants often had to wait, sometimes several years, until a vacancy occurred within their profession," Goulburn Rotary publicity officer Alex Oliver said.

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The formation of Goulburn Mulwaree Rotary Club in 1966 opened up more opportunities to join. It received its charter from Rotary International the following year.

Then in March 1980, the Rotary Club of Goulburn Argyle received its charter. The first president was Barry Rolfe and the three clubs often worked together on community projects.

Mr Oliver said it wasn't until 2004 that the classification system was cancelled, allowing multiple members of the same profession.

The movement was started by Paul Harris in Chicago in 1905 initially as an outlet for "fellowship and friendship". But it soon grew to take on a greater purpose, that of community and international projects. There are now 1.2 million members worldwide.

Harris came to Goulburn in 1935 where he paid a visit to the Goulburn Reformatory. Its Governor was Rotary member George Smith and his club hosted a meeting and dinner at the facility. There, Harris inducted Sidney Laws and Wallace Weetman as members.

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On Monday, Dr Moore said the organisation had been very busy on the international front, helping to rid polio from many countries, including South Africa. It was now only active in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"How proud we are to be members of this brilliant organisation?" he said.

Mr Byrne said the local clubs' merger was an example of goodwill and a "great credit" to all concerned.

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Mr Kearins said key fundraisers such as the Goulburn Swap Meet, Rotary Parkside markets in Montague Street, Goulburn Speedway catering and assistance at the Goulburn and District Race Club's Ladies Day Out would continue.

The Science and Engineering Challenge, Goulburn Street van and completion of a sensory garden at Goulburn High School also remained on the agenda.

"Our future is bright and I look forward to leading the merged clubs through to the end of June 2021," Mr Kearins said.

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Dr Moore divested former Goulburn, Goulburn Mulwaree and Goulburn Argyle Rotary presidents Bruce Hammond, Grant Pearce and Dick Kearins of their 'collars.' He also inducted Mr Kearins as the president of the united 'Rotary Club of Goulburn.'

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