FROM gripping blockbusters to homegrown films and international gems, the GV Film Club has been uniting and entertaining film lovers in the Goulburn Valley for almost 50 years.
Integral leaders of the GV Film Club, Adrian Sumner and Louise McDade Carty have contributed 104 years of concurrent service to the club; Adrian contributing 66 years in various capacities including president (five years), secretary (35 years), and treasurer (26 years), and Louise contributing 38 as president.
Recognising the impact of their efforts in bringing a variety of movies to local people, the Kiwanis Club of the Shepparton Sunrisers presented their 31st annual Community Service Award to Adrian and Louise at the end of 2024.
Usually, the Sunrisers invite the award recipient to its changeover dinner. However, Jill Myers, who presented the award on behalf of the Kiwanis Sunrisers explained, “In this instance, we felt that bringing the award to the Film Club members would be most appropriate. They would be aware of the huge commitment that Adrian and Louise have given the community.”
The club began in the late 70s operating out of Shepparton South Tech and has had various other locations but found its long-term home at GOTAFE’s Harder Auditorium. The GV Film Club is one of the oldest operating film clubs in Victoria, and it is regarded as one of the largest with approximately 89-100 attending members.
Louise said the reason they have kept going with the GV Film Club for so long was simply that it has been a whole lot of fun to be part of it. This enjoyment is clearly shared by the club’s members, who, like the Kiwanis Sunrisers, deeply appreciate the tireless efforts and enduring commitment of Adrian and Louise to their film-loving community.
“I think we measure up pretty well!” said Leona Stirling, a club delegate who attended an information day for Victorian Film Societies, “I think Adrian’s brochure is way ahead of any of the others who brought theirs. It made me realise just how much we depend, and are indebted to, Adrian and his considerable expertise and knowledge in this regard.”
