The Bombala Apex Club was initially formed back in the 1950’s and celebrated their 50^th anniversary at a changeover dinner on August 30, 2005.

Former president of Bombala Apex, Neil Hennessy said a lack of member numbers caused the club to close about 10 years ago.

“It was a great organisation and in its prime it had about 28 members, all the service clubs in town were strong at that point of time.

“Bombala Apex was the first to start Australia Day celebrations and have had the longest running celebrations in Australia,” Mr Hennessy said.

Initially the club celebrated Australia Day, but then it was renamed to the Wool and Wood Festival, that included shearing and wood chopping competitions. Years later it was renamed back to Australia Day celebrations.

During its history Bombala Apex also painstakingly moved the engines of Apex Park to their current location during the 1970s.

“Members travelled a lot to conventions and interclub debates,” Mr Hennessy said.

At the 50^th anniversary Changeover Dinner former president of three years, Scott Ingram handed over the leadership of the club to Scott Moreing. James Coates was inducted as secretary and Brad Degues treasurer.

A few years later the club was disbanded as membership dropped, but club members stayed in touch.

In 2012, a group of former Bombala Apex members caught up at Shoalhaven Heads. Each person had made a significant contribution to the Bombala community during their time with Apex and everyone appreciated the significant impact that Apex membership had had on their lives.

The tradition of catching up continued with former members catching up in Batemans Bay on Sunday.

Other former presidents of Bombala Apex include, Tom Kennedy, Joe Ingram, Jim Stubbs, Neville Murphy, Merve Platts and Jim Adamson.

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