On the 5th May this year, the Campbelltown Art Show and sale celebrated its 40th Anniversary. This has been a project of the Rotary Club of Campbelltown, who have partnered with the Campbelltown City Council to deliver this popular community event.

Article by IPDG Jeff Neale

The running of the art show requires the support of many sponsors. The principal sponsor of the art show for all its 40 years, has been Paradise Mazda and the Neale family. Their sponsorship includes the major prize for the winning artist and also catering for the opening night event. At the opening of the art show this year, the Rotary club of Campbelltown presented Paradise Mazda with a plaque in recognition of their 40 years as the major sponsor of this exhibition.

The Rotary Club of Campbelltown was chartered in 1956 and has over 70 members. It is a strong club which is very active in the Campbelltown area. Apart from the Art Show, the Rotary Club of Campbelltown is also heavily involved in many other community projects.

The history of the Campbelltown Art show and sale goes back over 40 years, when the Mayor of City of Campbelltown was Max Amber. Max approached Reg Neale, a charter member of the Rotary Club of Campbelltown and owner and founder of Paradise Motors. He asked if he thought the Rotary Club of Campbelltown would be able to assist in running the art show, a new venture for the council. Reg assured Max that the Rotary club of Campbelltown was quite capable of fulfilling this obligation.

At the same time, he also asked Reg if Paradise Motors would sponsor a Mayoral reception for the opening night. Obviously, the answer was yes and this is how the partnership with Paradise Motors, the City of Campbelltown and the Rotary Club of Campbelltown began.

In the early days, all of the catering was prepared by Reg’s late wife Shirley and a team of very dedicated friends and partners of the Rotary Club of Campbelltown. The food was prepared over a couple of days and served on the evening by these wonderful helpers.

Today, Paradise Motors, now Paradise Mazda, is managed by Reg’s son Jeff, also a member of the Rotary Club of Campbelltown and PDG of District 9510. His wife Jenny has taken responsibility of the catering, after a long apprenticeship with Shirley. Paradise Mazda and the Neale family are proud of their relationship with the City of Campbelltown and the Rotary Club of Campbelltown over the last 40 years and will continue to support them.

For 40 years, this project has showcased Rotary in the community. The Rotary Club of Campbelltown has engaged the local council, local businesses, partners, and friends of the club, whilst providing an opportunity for local artists to share their artwork with the community.