ESSCI was formed in Eden in 1994 to provide an opportunity for members to put something back into the community whilst enjoying the fellowship that comes with volunteering and working towards a common goal.

This sentiment is reflected in the Club’s constitution where ‘The Purpose’ of the club is expressed as ‘To provide a means for “like minded” people to meet in a socially pleasant atmosphere with the aim to serve the EDEN community’.
 

Constructing the Mural Wall at the Eden Killer Whale Museum in Sept, 1997

The name ESSCI derives from Eden Service and Social Club Incorporated and does not have any relation to the familiar esky although members do enjoy the social conviviality of sharing a drink after a hard days work.

A dinner meeting is held on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Eden Fishermen’s Club, 6:30pm for 7:00pm and usually features a guest speaker. In common with many other service clubs the Sergent- at- arms attends to club discipline with a fine session at which he levies a nominal 20c fine on members who have attracted his attention.  Members are kept up to date with issues through the Club bulletin, ’ESSCIPADE’.
 

Constructing the Whale Watching Platform in October, 1997

Informality is a cornerstone of the Club and it is left to members’ discretion to attend meetings and working bees, as they are able. Financial obligations extend to an annual fee, and monthly dinner fees of about $18.00.

Rather than raising money for charitable donations the club provides its labour and expertise to contribute to many projects around the town. With a Club membership hovering around the 25 mark the club has contributed around 500 hours of community work each year that is valued at over $7000.
 

Constructing the walkway at Hosies Road in June, 2002   

Projects have included landscaping work at the Special Needs Group, assisting individuals in need of some manual help, building the Aslings Beach pathway, constructing barbecues at Cocora beach and helping the Lioness’s construct their barbeques, the Hosies Road viewing platform and Board Walk, gardening and fencing work.

The Club has also provided a barbeque for events such as the Whale Festival, otherspecial events, organised the Christmas late night shopping with the Chamber of Commerce and helped with Australia Day ceremonies. A feature of these events has been the Club’s Fairy Floss machine that is a favourite with the young and young at heart.

Whilst not committed to fund raising for themselves the Club actively supports other organizations in their efforts to raise funds.  The Clubs Chocolate wheel is in steady demand from other groups to assist them in their fund raising activities.

The social side of the Club’s activities is closely tied to our working bees.  However we have a couple of BBQ meetings during the year as well as a Christmas party to which wives and partners are invited.

Membership is by invitation and if you are interested in joining or would like more information please contact either the President (Jim Chenhall) on 6496 1720 or Secretary (Graham Gray) on 6496 3641.

For more information and photos on ESCCI projects, please click here.