By John Granger
Woodend … it sounds like the borough next to Jed Clampett’s place. But, although there are significant forests and some local critters, there’s really nothing here for the clan patriarch of ‘The Beverley Hillbillies’. And alas … no oil!
Woodend is approximately 70km northwest of Melbourne and it actually became known as ‘Wood End’ because it was at the northern end of the Black Forest (also known for a bit of bushranging history). Major Thomas Mitchell first surveyed the area in 1836, and being on a main thoroughfare, it became a key stop for miners and families en route to the Bendigo goldfields in the 1850’s and beyond.
Today, the town, set between Macedon and Kyneton, provides great day-tripper options where scenery, cheerful eating venues and accessible wineries complement a beautiful part of Victoria. The magnificent oak-lined Avenue of Honour est. 1918 commemorates the service of local men and women in ’The Great War. And within Woodend’s embrace is Hanging Rock and ‘The Picnic’ - a mere 8km away and celebrated in Joan Lindsay’s novel and Peter Weir’s 1975 film. A journey to the Rock is special … and there’s certainly a delicious unsettling ‘presence’. But if ‘spooky’ isn’t your thing, then try the New Year’s Day Picnic Races at Hanging Rock … rustic, magnificent and hilarious ... a highlight of the Woodend district experience.
The Rotary Club of Woodend, sponsored by Rotary Kyneton, was chartered on 6th April 1987. It is also the home club of D9800 Immediate Past District Governor, Grant Hocking.
“Community” has been the mantra that has determined many of the Club’s activities. A prime example is The New Woodend Star … not a misnomer, but a Rotary Woodend project commenced in 1997. The original Woodend Star (circa 1880s) ceased production in the 1970s. From humble beginnings, this full colour monthly magazine promotes district activities and news, has great support from local businesses and is a free publication to a readership of over 4000.
As a ‘thank you’ for community support, Rotary Woodend stages an annual Halloween Night, donating free sausages, popcorn and fairy floss to a huge gathering at the local children’s park with attendance of around 1,000 people, and costumed ‘monsters’ are encouraged.
There are no fines at Woodend, but instead, members place non-refundable bids at an auction for a dozen eggs, usually raising over $100 a week. In conjunction with Rotary Box Hill Central, the funds are then donated to assist with the financing of cleft pallet repair surgery in Bangladesh. And, there’s this … during the COVID-19 lockdown, Rotary Woodend increased its membership! Post-COVID, the Club has resumed its weekly meetings at the Victoria Hotel, Thursdays 6.45 for 7.00pm and guests are warmly welcomed.