At a time when many societies are struggling to survive, The Illawarra Rose Society is flourishing. The Rose Society will celebrate 50 years with a lunch at the Kiama Leagues Club on Saturday June 22. 

“The Society has survived because of its ability to change to meet changing circumstances,” said longtime member and NSW Rose Society State President Colin Hollis. 

“The Society has seen many changes since it formed in June 1974 with 19 members. It now has more than 100 members from throughout the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.”

The Society grew out of The Auxiliary of Dapto Methodist Church, and each year as part of the Flower Show they also had a Rose Show. This became The Illawarra Rose Society in 1974. 

All the original annual Rose Shows were held in the Dapto area, but in 2003 moved to Kiama for three years and since 2006 has been held in the Jamberoo School of Arts, except for two years when the hall was being renovated and the annual show moved temporarily to the Gerringong School of Arts.

Although members come from all over the Illawarra and Shoalhaven the bulk of the membership comes from the Kiama area. The Australian National Rose Championships have been held twice at the Kiama Pavilion in 2009 and after being postponed for two years because of Covid, and again at the Pavilion in 2022.

Over the 50 years rose growing has significantly changed with new gardening techniques, smaller garden space, changing leisure patterns as well as changing weather conditions. 

A more recent challenge has been the government restrictions imposed during the Covid pandemic, which had the unintended consequence of destroying many clubs and societies. 

Despite all these challenges the Illawarra Rose Society has survived, as has the enthusiasm for the world’s favourite flower.

Over the 50 years there have been 20 presidents – the longest serving (from 2004 – 2012) was Colin Hollis who is now the State President. The current president, since 2019, is Kristin Dawson.

The first Secretary was Judith Oyston OAM who was Secretary from 1974 to 1977 then became President from 1977 to 1979. Judith has filled many roles at both State and regional level and is still active in the Society. She was part of the Committee organising the 50 year celebrations.

A special commemorative booklet celebrating and recording the 50 years has been published. A copy will be given to the more than 100 guests attending the celebratory lunch. 

The Illawarra Rose Society is proud of the past 50 year and looks to the future with confidence.