Doug Mills Reserve
In 1987 as the club celebrated its 50th anniversary, in association with the council, the Doug Mills Reserve was created, to commemorate a tireless worker for Rotary and the community.
Doug joined the Rotary Club of Footscray in 1970 and was President 1975-76 and District Governor 1981-82.
Apart from his work with Rotary, Doug demonstrated a strong commitment to the community, in particular education, sporting clubs and health.
Having graduated in engineering from the University of Melbourne he began work with the State Electricity Commission before embarking on a teaching career that culminated in his appointment as Director of the Footscray Institute of Technology (now VU) where he had oversight on a major redevelopment.
He was involved in local football, the boat club and on the board of Western General Hospital.
The reserve sits on the banks of the Maribrynong River near the boathouse. Trees were planted there in 1987 and a plaque was struck and displayed, recognising the club Presidents over the first 50 years.
In the club history published for the 75th Anniversary Lawrence Atley wrote of Doug Mills: “His integrity and ethics were beyond reproach”.
We now have an opportunity to help revitalise this reserve and by planting a new crop of trees once again commemorate a local leader and significant Rotarian.
