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About Alex Rotary

Our Meeting Details

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 6:45 a.m.
Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club
167 Alexandra Parade
Alexandra Headland , QLD 4572
Australia
Enter from the beach side, next to coffee kiosk. Magnificent morning views of the sun rising over the South Pacific Ocean. RCAHsecretary@gmail.com
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What We Do
Solstice Swim Video
 
Rotary helping you transition to work
Here is a link to the complete WorkLife booklet developed by Alex Rotary as a mentoring guide to anyone starting work for the first time. (Also not a bad read for anyone going back into the workforce who would like a bit of inspiration and advice. 
 
We've also found that local businesses use it as a friendly support for their employees to help discussions along on the importance of work, (and how to be happy at work while making the boss happy!!)
 
 

Welcome to the Rotary Club

of

Alexandra Headland

Club activities 

Welcome to the 9th Annual Sunshine Coast Solstice Swim Event! 

Sunday 21st June 

 
Register on this link:
 
...and this will take you to this page.....
 
Presented by the Alexandra Headland Rotary Club and Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club, the Sunshine Coast Solstice Swim is a healthy and fun community swim event, run "by the community for the community". The swim is all about camaraderie, no pressure, just good vibes and fun!

Did I mention it's also a great way to start (and staying) in shape through winter?

There are swim distances of 50metres, 500metres, 1km, 3km and 5km. 

50 metres is recognition that Sunday is in fact the solstice date, and we've put on a very short course where you can get nearly naked and have a dip to celebrate the start of new celestial year. No race, no pressure, just a dip you want, but nearly naked i.e. NO wetsuits....but you do get a T shirt to commemorate your efforts!

500 metres is for regular swimmers more comfortable with a shorter course swim that is perfect for younger or first time competitors or folks wanting to get acclimatised to ocean swimming.

1km and 3km are our more popular dIstances, and is only for swimmers who have swam these distances before. 

5km - we have some amazing regular athletes who do this swim every year. Not for the faint hearted. 

Know your capability and there is absolutely no problem if you decide to go down a swim length on the day. 

Are you up for the challenge?

All swim legs are chaperoned by the Alex Headland Lifesavers on boards and jet skis. 

All events commence with a safety briefing on the beach by the AHSLC swim captain.

We are continuing with our relationship with Multi Sport Australia and will be supplying timing anklets to all swimmers, to provide peace of mind and that all important personal best time. 

Note: No anklets will be issued for the 50m "nary naked" swim....its just a fun event to celebrate the actual date. 

On the day ........

Swim times: (TBC - swims will be in this order but for general advice only)

50m "nearly naked swim"

6.46 - assemble on beach for swim briefing 

7.00 - swim starts - out to first buoy and return. 

5km

7.50am – assemble on the beach for swim briefing

8.00 am - swim starts

500m 

8.10am – assemble on the beach for swim briefing

8.15 am - swim starts

3km

8.25am – assemble on the beach for swim briefing 

8.35 am - swim starts

1km

8.45am – assemble on the beach for swim briefing

8.55 am - swim starts

Late entry and on the day pricing applies after 12 noon on Saturday 21st June. 

For more information or questions, please check the FAQs or email us.

Gear storage

Available adjacent to the registration desks

Parking

Parking is available in Mari St car park opposite the SLSC, behind the Mandolin Beachfront resort high rise.

Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre Project

Three Rotary Clubs, Sunshine Coast Council and Maroochydore RSL combine to create a cafe precinct and add $8,000 to the Neighbourhood Centre funds to create opportunities for folks to become barista’s.

Alexandra Headland Rotary with support from Mooloolaba Rotary, Glasshouse Country Rotary, Maroochydore RSL and Cr Joe and Rosanna Natoli from Sunshinecoast Regional Council, saw the opening of the new outdoor café and shelter at Maroochydore Neighbourhood Centre (MNC)

In addition to the delivery of the cafe area, the club made a presentation of an additional $8,000 to provide additional support.

MNC CEO, Mark Ellis  thanked all for their support and talked about how this surprise donation will help the many programs that are run out of the Centre to help the community. This follows on from a previous donation of $11,500 from Alex Rotary for the “One Roof” project for the homeless.

This new outdoor café is a place where a friendly chat over coffee can make a difference, and will enable training of barista’s. 

"The cafe precinct will be a huge improvement for the Neighbourhood Centre where folks can learn to be Barista's, and will act as a casual meeting place for our amazing volunteers and friends" said Mark. 

Alex Rotary President Wendy said "Alex Rotary is honoured to be be able to continue our help around the region, from Peregian to Nambour to Landsborough. I encourage anyone who wants to "give back to the community" to pay a visit to their local Rotary Club and see if there is something for them to participate in that will “make a difference to folks less fortunate.”

“At the moment we are interested in hearing from folks who would like to help with our big summer Kombi show or our Winter Solstice Swim, as well as our regular community programs.”

 
Sandra, Peter, Wendy, Mark, Joe and Rex with the $8,000 cheque presentation

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Barista Mark did the honours 

 
 
The flash new cafe where you can get a flat white for a gold coin donation..
 
 
 
 
Background
 
Following the clubs successful breakfast morning with sponsors, supporters and beneficiaries we followed up with the Neighbourhood centre to see how things were going, and if they needed any help.
 
It turned out text there was big renovation about to start (Thanks to O'Brien industries) and the place was being given a makeover. It was on Channel 7.... only a certain scribe missed it. 
 
Anyway, great job guys, but of course there is always more to be done, and so when Mark told us that his dream of having a small cafe with barista training, and a quiet meeting place for the MNC clients need a concrete slab, and shade and some furniture the club sprang into action. 
 
So Alex Rotary has reached out to all local Rotary Clubs to see if they would like to put their shoulder to the wheel and join Alex in sponsoring the project.
 
 
Later news: Mark told us at Fridays BBQ fundraiser, that the sleep bus is nearing completion...bit of a hiccup with registration but nearly there with this facility that will be shared between Nambour and Maoochydore. More to come.
 
Here's a plan of the area. 
 
 
 
...and in the news The Maroochydore RSL has got behind this project with a magnificent $5,000 donation. Here is Wendy and Angela acceoting the cheque on behalf of the club. 
 
 
 
..and here's the latest progress...slab and supports are now down. (Thankyou David from Hamer Concreting) with shade on order. 
 
 
...and Now work is complete and the Neighbourhood centre has put these pics up on their FB page,
 
 
BIG BIG shout out to Maroochy RSL, Joe Natoli Sunshine CoastCouncil, Glasshouse Rotary and Mooloolaba Rotary who also got behind this project. 

Brightwater Presentation 

Here's an end of year pic from Stephen at Brightwater school where the Salvation Army and Alex Rotary were thanked for their involvement in the hugely successful bike project. 
 
 
 
 

Sunday morning gardening help

Helen, Erwin, Phil, Ray and John headed off to Glasshouse on Sunday morning to help out Susie and Tim, who are caring for their granddaughter, Leah who has neurofibromatosis type one. It used to be called Von Recklinhausen’s disease in the olden days and is characterised by multiple tumour formations, with a possibility that some may turn malignant. 
 
Tim's not so mobile these days, although he is a bit of a character and keeps himself busy in what must be one of the nicest gardens and outlook in the town. Here's some pics. Notice that everyone seems to have a tool, except for one Rotarian...wonder who that is?
 
Erwin, Phil, Ray, Helen, Tim and John ...well done guys. 
 
John and Ray (in background) diligently working away...not entirely sure what Phil and Helen are doing. laugh
 
..and a thank you from Michael
 
I just wanted to reach out to send a huge thank you to you both for your support in helping out Tim and Susie with their gardening over the weekend. I spoke to Susie a short while ago and she expressed immense gratitude for you Philip and the wonderful helpers who visited the property and completed the work so well. She was also very touched that the group brought some morning tea to share.
 
Thank you both for the amazing work you do. I hope you both found some time on the weekend to get some rest.
 
Sincerely,
 
Michael Low
Kinship and Care coordinator
IFYS
 

These chairs are on their way to a kindy in the Pacific Islands thanks to Okinja ELC in Alex

 
When Kristy and Nikki from Okinja Early Learning Centre attended the club's 25th Anniversary little did we know that they came bearing gifts and ideas.
 
Above are the refurbished gifts of kind chairs, which have now been refurbished and booked in with the Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment group in Brisbane to be shipped off to the Pacific Islands where they will find a new home and get the kids off the floor in their classrooms. Thanks Okinja ELC, and Ray for transport, and John for what refurb work. 
 
The Early Learning Centre has also suggested that we hold a Trivia Quiz night round about Easter time in 2026. Likely venues are being talked about. Not forgetting that in mid December we'll be catering via our trailer BBQ for the ELC mums, dads and staff.  
 

Alex Rotary helps the Fight to defeat Motor Neurone Disease

 
The club was pleased to be invited again to provide the catering for the amazing team of MND fighters at Rotary Park on Sunday morning. On offer was gourmet sausages, with hand cut onions, fresh woolies bread and a selection of condiments - which was surprisingly reminiscent of Fridays Bunnings BBQ for Inclusive kids. laugh
 
Anyway business got underway once customers got used to the shock of "no bacon and egg burgers?" and before too long the walk was underway ...see pics below. Mayor Rosanna was there and our very own federal MP Andrew Wallace, but the star of the show was Dr Anthony Winkel, neurologist at SCUH who spoke from his personal experience about the need to support MND research, to defeat this terrible disease. Anthony gave a very emotional talk about his frustration and desperation when folks are diagnosed with this disease, and no cure. 
 
So from Alex Rotary its a real privilege to turn up with our trailer and snags for a few hours to help out and donate (with a bit extra) to this worthwhile cause. 
 
 
Heading off....
 
 
The walk raised over $30,000 - much needed as this cause receives NO state funding and relies entirely on community fundraising. 
 
 
The gang...BIG THANKS to John and Elizabeth who joined the club stalwarts ....Wendy, Megan, Tony & John 
 
 
 
 

Patrice from Rotary Health comes to visit - and collect a donation

Past District Governor and Director of Australian Rotary Health, Patrice Robinson, joined us for breakfast and accepted a club donation towards the great work that Australian Rotary health is doing with mental illness and other health programs, all supported by volunteer physicians donations from like minded Rotary clubs and community associations. 
 

 

July in review

Change - Over dinner......new board ..with fresh faces

Here's our board for 25/26 Wendy, Philip, Ray, Jo-Anne, Monique, Graeme, Tony and Megan....
 
 
BIG thanks to the Alex SLSC for an amazing evening and brilliant service.
 
 
Fiona, Mike, Wendy, Jo-Anne, David, Mark Williams - District Governor.
 
We welcomed in the new Board in July with some fresh faces. Michelle and Past Presidents Mike and John stepped down, and Megan, Jo-Anne, and Graeme have joined the board. So we now have 
President & Treasurer - Wendy
Secretary - Phil
President Elect - Ray B 
Public Image - Monique
Membership - Jo-Anne
Youth Director - Graeme
Director - Tony
Director - Megan
 
In addition, Wendy has wasted no time in appointing leaders from the club in several of our areas....(Wendy stresses that wherever any member wants to make a contribution that would be very welcome, all members are encouraged to participate in the club)
 
So if you have a an idea, or a passion to help a particular area of the community, just let the Board or one of the leaders below know.  Or bring it up at one of the club assemblies during the year. (Aug, Nov, Feb, May)
 
Social : Megan, Tanya, Michelle
Breakfast : Veronike / Margot 
Facebook; Ray S, Monique, Jo-Anne
Guest Speakers : Michelle/ Monique
Youth Protection/ Raffle : Angela
Welfare: Tony/Margot
Mentoring and Mock Interviews : Mike
RYDA; John L
BBQ's: Craig 
POW: Helen
Projects/Website/Grants : John M
25th Anniversary : Wendy

Solstice Swim "Wash up" ....pun intended

Great attendance at the "Sponsors and Beneficiaries" breakfast this month. It was great to see most of the folks who made our annual fun fundraiser such a special morning. 
 
The club distributed $46,000 to the 4 areas that the club wanted to support. Homelessness, Feeding the the disadvantaged, Supporting Domestic Violence victims and supporting mental health initiatives. 
 
A BIG thanks to those sponsors who supported the Club in fundraising, that means so much to us, to know that there are community minded organisations out here who, like Alex Rotary, want to"make a difference" and share Rotarian values. Also a BIG thanks to our Beneficiaries, we wish we could do more to support you folks day in day out as you provide services to all sorts of folks on the Coast who need a hand up. Our club is so proud of you and the work that you many volunteers do in the community. 
 
Of course, the swim could not happen without our many volunteers and especially the Alex SLSC lifesavers who make it all happen on the water. Alex SLSC has a strong reputation as a community club, and we are extremely grateful of the support that the SLSC gives Alex Rotary. The two brands of our respective clubs carry a strong message of improving our community. Special mention must be made to Lex and Chris the swim captains who had many sleepless nights worrying about the changing weather conditions. "Challenging" was a word that we were not used to in describing the expected surf conditions. Normally perfectly calm at Solstice time, this year the weather gods were not kind to us and a turned   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Huge thanks to the amazing Alex SLSC. Here's Helen accepting a small token of our appreciation..
 
...and the team at Mooloolaba Rotary represented here by Charles, a big thankyou.
Councillor Natoli has a long history with Rotary and many other service clubs on the coast, Thank you for your support Joe.

Ben and the team from PISA were GOLD sponsors of the swim and a great help on the day. The club is delighted to welcome

PISA as corporate members to the club, so we hope to see more of Ben and the fantastic team at our meetings, working bee's and events.

Finally, earlier in the month our swim ambassador, long distance swim legend Susie Maroney OAM came to the club to talk about her experiences.

Mock Interviews at Maroochydore State High School 

Great morning at Maroochydore State High School again, with a very strong turn out from all areas of the community to provide sage advice to high school students during their "mock interviews". Thanks Tony for organising the volunteer participants to support this great MSHS initiative. 
 
In case you are wondering how Alex Rotary became the organisers for the High School, you need to know that for many years Mock Interviews was led by Steve Hind of of Maroochydore Rotary. When that club was wound up  Steve approached the club as he knew Alex Rotary also had a strong culture of mentoring kids transition to work through our WorkLife Project. You can read more about that on our website. 
 
Here's the group that helped Liana and team at the Mock interviews. Note the extensive demolition of the AMAZING morning tea in the foreground, and Alex Rotary was well represented by Angela, Megan, Philip, Graeme, John and Tony, not to mention a couple of "ring ins" aka Steve Newton and Bob Thompson. 
 
 

Bunnings on Friday 

We seem to have almost a permanent fixture for Bunnings Fridays, members support is much appreciated although it is straining our resources, we are able to meet this and the funds raised will find its way to our community causes.
 
So a BIG thanks for Craig and the regulars who are meeting the challenge. The club is also looking at offering this fundraising opportunity to other "front line" volunteer clubs who are interested in joining Alex Rotary at a Bunnings. Stay tuned.
 
Another fundraising day sausage sizzle. We had a very excited customer this morning who couldn’t wait to eat his sausage.
We love a happy customer !
 

Membership continues to grow 

We are always looking to welcome new members to the club. If you want to "make a difference" to the community why not think of joining Alex Rotary? We are a breakfast club who meet every Wednesday morning (a few exceptions) at Alex SLSC which has without doubt the best views on the coast to say hello to the other +30 members and listen to interesting local speakers. You'll also be made very welcome by other Rotarians and find out what a busy club like Alex Rotary gets up to. 
 
We offer local business owners who want to be associated with Rotary a corporate membership deal, that allows them to send employees along to our meetings.
 
All meeting are entirely voluntary, come as often or as little as you like. The only requirements is that you want to help the community in whatever capacity you can.

Club helps out at Garden Show

 
Isn't this the friendliest traffic warden you ever saw.? Jo-Anne and members team provided traffic duties to the hordes at the Nambour show an managed to raise $990 for the local community while maintaining some sort of order in the car park. Well done everyone. 

Pride of Workmanship - planning starts 

 
 
No, you aren't seeing double, his is Helen making a "call to arms" as we prepare for another Pride of Workmanship this year, to attract more business connections to Alex Rotary. 
 
 
 
 
 
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Who helps our club to "make a difference"??
Here's some of the amazing folks who help us with our community fundraising. ..
 
The Sunshine Coast is blessed with businesses small and large who want to give back to folks "doing it tough" and we would love to hear you if you are already supporting a local cause (we maybe can help) or of you are looking for cause to support.
 
We generally support Sunshine Coast VOLUNTEER organisations who have some amazing locals just looking for a hand up with their project activities. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Who we've helped...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUNSHINE COAST
 
Rotary / USC Community Fund
 
 
 
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