By Lorna Gordon

Members of The Inner Wheel Club supporting local organisation Super Tees, which provide special garments for children in hospital.

Inner Wheel Australia is part of an international organisation which brings women together with a shared goal to build friendships give service and make a meaningful difference in their communities. The Inner Wheel Club of Blacktown City is a local chapter of the group bringing together a group of women who prove that compassion, connection and practical action can make a big difference.

International Inner Wheel recently celebrated its 102nd anniversary, marking more than a century since the first club was formed in Manchester, England. Originally established as a sister organisation to Rotary at a time when women were not permitted to join Rotary clubs, Inner Wheel created a space for women, it was started by Rotarians’ wives to give them their own way to contribute, fundraise and support those in need. Today, Inner Wheel has grown into a global network open to all women.

The Inner Wheel Club in Blacktown currently has 30 members and one honorary member, with ages spanning generations, including a much-loved member in her 90s. Members meet regularly to build friendships and work diligently to support local, district and international causes. Official meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at Blacktown Workers Club, while the third Tuesday is dedicated to craft days at the Blacktown Showground. A fourth Wednesday social catch-up ensures there’s always time to connect, chat and support one another.

Rhonda Orr, the current president of The Inner Wheel Club brought me up to date on the causes that they are working with at the moment.

“The Club has donated to the local RFS, provided equipment to maternity unit in Blacktown hospital and blankets to the palliative care unit. We have supported the local women and girls health centre, and have worked with local organisation, Supertees, to help them pack their tee shirts as well as donating to them.

They also have ongoing work that the do all year round, including sourcing good quality used handbag which they fill with toiletries and small items for women in need, at their monthly craft meetings they talk about their goals for the club while cutting up scrap fabric and making pillows for the dogs and other animals at the local BARC centre.

Another focus for the club is the Days for Girls program, an international initiative ensuring girls in developing countries can attend school by providing reusable sanitary kits. Blacktown Inner Wheel members cut and sew materials, creating practical items that are sent to Gosford and distributed from there.

Above all, Inner Wheel is about friendship. In a time when loneliness is a growing issue particularly for women, The Inner Wheel Club offers a welcoming space to connect with other women and contribute while enjoying social time. Membership costs around $65 per year, plus a small $5 contribution for tea and coffee at meetings.

Women interested in joining are encouraged to come along for a chat or meet members at community events and shopping centre stalls. You can also find them on Facebook by looking up Inner Wheel Club of Blacktown City Inc.