Ron Mennie (1930–2014)  Square Dance Caller, Club Founder, Mentor, Gentleman

Ron Mennie was a pillar of the Australian square dance community, dedicating over three decades to calling, teaching, and inspiring dancers across the country and beyond. With his wife Jean by his side, Ron founded Mopoke Hollow in Box Hill North in 1964, followed by two more clubs—St Peter’s Square Dance Club and Woodhouse Rounds. Their home even featured a custom-built dance room to welcome beginners.

Ron’s calling career included:

• TV appearances, including Let’s Go Square Dancing (1960)
• Moomba floats, shopping centre shows, and the iconic Penguin Set
• Founding member of the Victorian Square Dance Association (VSDA) and Australian Callers Federation
• Co-convenor of the 24th National Square Dance Convention (1983)
• VSDA Service Award recipient and Life Member of the Victorian Callers Association
• International calling in the USA, New Zealand, Canada, England, and Singapore

Ron and Jean attended 30 National and 26 State Conventions, teaching Hundreds of dancers and building a community they considered family. Their warmth, energy, and commitment lifted every room they entered.

Outside the dance hall, Ron was a passionate model railway enthusiast. His backyard displays were legendary, and he continued to travel with fellow train lovers well into his later years.

Ron passed away in 2014, reunited with Jean, his beloved wife of 41 years.

Together, they made the world brighter, one square, one smile, one set at a time.

This a condensed copy of Ron’s Biography, The full version is available by clicking the button below.