50 years of Apex History: building better communities

A YOUNG mans service club that grew old. 

Fellow members of the former Wonthaggi Apex group are holding a 50th reunion at the Wonthaggi Golf Club on October 29 to reflect on the town’s history, and great memories that were formed through the significant community service organisation – Apex. 

Original member Don Burke and the former Apex’s club secretary (1960/61) Vin Tuddenham - becoming the second life member in 1971 - developed life-long friendships through their connection with the Apex Club Wonthaggi, and together they invite former members and/or their families to the 50th reunion. 

But what was Apex and how did it get started in Wonthaggi some might ask. 

“Originally it was a young men’s business club that met monthly, and the ideals of fellowship and service to the community were established and recognised as the main reason for it’s existence,” said Vin. 

The ideals of Apex were to make service the basis of all enterprise, to develop by example a more intelligent and aggressive citizenship, to provide a means of forming enduring friendships, rendering altruistic service, and building better communities, and to promote international understanding and friendship. 

“The Wonthaggi records show that in the 45 years of it’s existence there were over 234 members – some of whom are deceased and can’t be with us to celebrate - they all contributed to the history of Wonthaggi as it stands today.”

The club held its inaugural dinner in November 1954 and the club charter was presented in October 1955 – ‘the start of a very proud history of service to the Wonthaggi community.’

“Whatever happened around Wonthaggi, Apex were at the forefront and often the chief organiser, and there is quite an extensive list of achievements.” Vin said. 

To name a few Apex Club Wonthaggi developed Apex Park in the centre of Wonthaggi, stood up for its vision in the establishment of Mitchell House as a community centre, completing the purchase and fit out of the Neighbourhood Centre that still stands today, campaigned for the Wonthaggi indoor heated pool, established the beginning of the Wonthaggi Citizens Band, and were behind the buildings for the State Coal Mine project. 

Then there were catering efforts that invited in the women to partake – “the Apex club was a men’s club in those days, but we invite the women, and or families to join us for this very special reunion,” said Don. 

“There were many efforts in fundraising that you wouldn’t get away with these days, including the Powlett River raft rally, the bed-race from Inverloch to Wonthaggi – the streets were closed off and we would race the hospital beds all the way through town as a fundraiser for the hospital, and then there was the pole sit corner.

“We stayed out all night, sitting on top of a pole where Bendigo Bank exists today. The town police were all in on it – they even pretended to chop down the pole in the middle of the night with a chainsaw, but of course that was a ‘funny’ stunt to get us down. The town backed that effort, and we raised $5000 for the Wonthaggi pool,” said Don. 

Don and Vin hope to see Bass Coast Shire Council officiate the name of Apex Park with signage in the future – honouring the fellowship that was the key to success of Apex over the years. 

Don and Vin welcome those who were an active part of the community service to join the reunion at the Wonthaggi Golf Club from 1pm until 5pm on October 29, for a light afternoon tea. Bookings can be made via the Golf Club. Call 5672 3697 to reserve a seat.