2025 Solstice Swim - All you need to know 
 
 
  • Proceeds to Sunshine Coast charities
  • Rego opens in 1 March 2025 
  • Early bird rego at last years rates
  • Anklets and GPS timing this year 
  • Regular 1km, 3km and 5 km chaperoned swim 
  • This year with 500m swim 
  • More info for you ? CLICK 
  • Interested in being a sponsor? CLICK
 
 
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December 2024
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Rotary News Feed
A Rotarian astronaut lives her out-of-this-world dreams

Rotary member and astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti dreamed of space travel since she was a kid. Now, she’s sharing the cosmic awe with her fellow earthlings

Finding family in France

Rotary Youth Exchange alum Athena Trentin shares her advice for young travelers

No limits with accessible travel

Long overlooked, travelers with disabilities are finding fewer barriers

Crowd control: Rethink the way you travel

Throngs of tourists are overwhelming the world’s most popular destinations. Here’s how to rethink the way you travel — and an alternative bucket list to get you started.

Keep the Buzz going to fight polio

Unexpected bumps fail to dampen Bashar Asfour’s epic road trip around Europe in an electric VW Buzz to raise money for polio eradication

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!!)
 
 
2025 Solstice Swim - All you need to know 
 
 
  • Proceeds to Sunshine Coast charities
  • Rego opens in 1 March 2025 
  • Early bird rego at last years rates
  • Anklets and GPS timing this year 
  • Regular 1km, 3km and 5 km chaperoned swim 
  • This year with 500m swim 
  • More info for you ? CLICK 
  • Interested in being a sponsor? CLICK
 
 

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland

Club News
 

Another Successful Pride of Workmanship Awards!

The Pride of Workmanship awards evening on Wednesday 30th October was a great evening.  Well done to all involved and a BIG thank you to the Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club for looking after everyone so well.
The award recipients are pictured below with our club representative John Malloy and MP Fiona Simpson.

Left to right:
Matt Champion (BOSS Australia), Tascha Quinn (CFT Security), Nathan Andrews (IFYS Limited Youth Transition Services), John Malloy (Alexandra Headland Rotary Club), Tania Gonzales (Bank of Qld Maroochydore), Amanda Johnson (Maroochydore State High School), Fiona Simpson (MP Member for Maroochydore), Kath Walgers (Maroochydore State High School).
 
The below excerpt is from an article that is expected to be published in My Weekly Preview shortly, thanks Caitlin.
 
Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland spokesperson, Mike Storkey, said “The Pride of Workmanship Award is designed to acknowledge an employee, irrespective of age or vocation, who, in the eyes of his or her employer, displays outstanding qualities in terms of dedication and commitment to their work.”
 
This year’s seven awardees represented a range of different industries from the Sunshine Coast business community including education, banking & finance, building maintenance, security and community support.
Rotary Club spokesperson, Mike Storkey said “Our club is proud to present the Pride of Workmanship awards and acknowledge these individuals who have made a valuable contribution to their organisations and the Sunshine Coast community.  Being able to recognise some of the amazing work being done each day by every day workers is truly an honour,” he concluded.
 
 
...and from around the tables (thanks Jo-Anne)
 
 
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

World Polio Day - October 24th

 
Rotary continues to advocate for the eradication of polio.  Did you know that around the world Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralysing disease?
 
As shown in the statistics below, polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan and the recent polio outbreak in Gaza is also causing concern.  In response, Rotary is committing US$500,000 towards a dedicated Polio Outbreak Response Fund.  This contribution represents Rotary's sustained support to the World Health Organisation in combatting polio globally.
 
 

Rhiannon and Mair from Rotary Global Water Safety come to visit

Our club was delighted to welcome Rhiannon and Mair from the Global Water Safety & Drowning Prevention Rotary Club to one of our meetings during October. This amazing group have a mission to eliminate the largest cause of preventable deaths of kids...and that is drowning. So with Alex Rotary's help they have started a program called "Rhythm of the Water" to get kids up to scratch with water safety.  

Alex Rotary was pleased to donate several dozen swim costumes and various water related accessories for the kids in the program.

Australian Rotary Health - promoting healthier minds, bodies and communities 

 
 
Earlier in October we had Patrice Robinson, Director of Australian Rotary Health visit our club to talk about the fantastic research, awareness and education programs that the group has been doing since it was formed more than four decades ago.
 
Initially established as a charitable fund in 1981 and looking into SIDS research, the group had its first funded program in 1986 which led to a significant reduction of 80% in SIDS-related deaths.
 
Australian Rotary Health went on to assist many other causes and in the year 2000 decided to concentrate research on mental health.  A panel of 9 Professors was established to consider a large number of applications, with grants provided to the most worthy applicants.
 
To read more about the inspiring and important work being done by this fantastic group of Rotarians visit Australian Rotary Health
 

Crazy Hat Day for our members - Lift the Lid on Mental Illness

 
This crazy hat design was judged as the winner.....Well done Veronika!
 
Our members enjoyed a bit of banter and fun in support of a very worthy cause, Lift the Lid on Mental Illness.  Everyone wore crazy hats, bought raffle tickets and won some great prizes including a massive meat tray from Cotton Tree Meats, and a fabulous hamper donated by MP Fiona Simpson.
 
Mike 
Wendy
Craig and Phil
 
Lift the Lid on Mental Illness is another important initiative of Australian Rotary Health.  100% of proceeds from Lift the Lid will go towards research into prevention, treatment and in some cases, cures for mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders and Alzheimer's.
 
 
An incredible 650 cubic metres of near new school furniture is making its way to deserving schools in the Pacific Islands
 
Thanks to a chance conversation between Alex Rotary and our friends at Brightwater Primary School, we became aware of a major refit of several schools in Queensland.  This led to arranging a project that was to become a win-win situation for those in need in the Pacific Islands.
 
So the new furniture for the Queensland schools is being delivered over the school holidays, and the old furniture (still in great condition) needed to find a home. 
 
Step in Rotary Recycling group (RARE) based in Brisbane and "Someone Who Cares Group" also in Brisbane. Both have extensive contacts with the Pacific Islands and gladly received the furniture and will dispatch to those in need. BIG thanks to Adam Maker at Ventia who arranged the transfers and drop off of these seven semi's of furniture and to John Paskin, Phil Saxby, (RARE) and Del Cole (Someone Who Cares)....and especially Brightwater School who started off the conversation that has led to a wonderful outcome. 
 
 
 
Message from RARE..
 
"Some of these were loaded into a container that is on its way to Manus Island, many are in a container awaiting shipment to Fiji, and also many stored, awaiting further containers to be shipped to other locations in the next couple of months. Some items were also loaded into 2 containers going to Bougainville for 13 schools there. 
 
Many thanks for your assistance in organising these supplies for us, the need for educational equipment and books is very great in some of our neighbouring countries."

 
 
Membership News
 
 
At a recent meeting we were delighted to listen to the member profile from one of our newest members Jo-Anne Hart. Originally from Melbourne, Jo-Anne spent her early years working at various Victorian hospitals before joining Monash IVF in 1993 where she worked managing their Public Relations and Marketing for the next 20 years.  Jo-Anne is not new to the world of Rotary, having first joined six years ago and she was also Joint President in 2022 for the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly.  Jo-Anne relocated to the Sunshine Coast earlier this year and has been a welcome visitor to our club ever since before officially becoming a member in July.
 
Welcome Jo-Anne and thank you for the ideas, energy and enthusiasm that you bring along to our meetings each week.
 

Inclusive Kids Kitchen Visit 

Paul Morton from Inclusive Kids was proud to show the Alex Rotary members how their hard-earned donation from this year's Solstice Swim is being put to good use towards the "Fuel for School" program and helping disadvantaged children on the Sunshine Coast.  Pending final regulatory approvals, it is hoped that the newly fitted out kitchen for Inclusive Kids will be fully operational in 2025.
 

Paul giving a demo on one of the machines used for packing the Fuel for School packs 

Sample of the dried fruit Fuel for School packs that are going out to Sunshine Coast schools

 

Rotary Club of Maleny Charity Golf Day

Four members from Alex Rotary participated in the Maleny Rotary Club Charity Golf Day. While they didn't make the winners podium they acquitted themselves admirably and the funds raised were for two good causes - Beneficiaries for the day were Sam “The Travelling Jackeroo’s” charities and Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine.
 
Pictured left to right: Craig L, Dave W, John M and Ray S.

 

 

Alex Solstice Swim Sponsors and Supporters Thank You Breakfast

We were delighted to have some of the swim sponsors and supporters join us for breakfast at the Alex SLSC recently and hear from IFYS Inclusive Kids Paul Morton about how the funds raised from the swim are being used. Here's some pics, including Paul Morton presenting Club President Geoff East with a recognition award for our fundraising efforts.
 
 
Some of the great community supporters..
The wonderful Naomi..
Mayce and Rip Curl were just fantastic

Alex Rotary BBQ Breakfast Kicks Off the Sunshine Coast Walk to Defeat MND

Our wonderful Rotary volunteers were out bright and early on Sunday 14th July with our BBQ trailer at Parkyn Parade in Mooloolaba to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association of QLD Walk to Defeat MND.  Delighted to say that the morning was a great success with more than 230 people participating in the walk. Our club donated all the profits from the BBQ and also gave a cash donation to this very worthy cause.

Membership corner

August is membership month. So now is your chance to spread the word, and encourage an acquaintance to "make a difference" to the community. 

Getting to know each other better - Over the coming months the Membership team will work with members to gather short stories on WHY each member joined Rotary and these stories will be included in our monthly newsletters. 

What is your WHY for joining Rotary?

Let’s get the message out to everybody that joining a service organization like a Rotary Club can offer many benefits:

  1. Community Involvement: It provides an opportunity to give back to the community and make a positive impact through various service projects and initiatives. Rotarians provide community service to both local and international communities. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else and to sense the self-fulfilment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one's own life. It is richly rewarding.

  2. Networking: Rotary Clubs often consist of professionals and business leaders, offering a platform for networking and expanding one's social and professional circles. Becoming a Rotary member connects you with a diverse group of individuals who share your drive to give back. Through regular meetings and events, you discuss your community's needs and develop creative ways to meet them.

  3. Personal Growth: Involvement in service organizations can help individuals develop leadership skills, improve communication abilities, and gain valuable experience in organizing and managing projects.

  4. Global Reach: Rotary Clubs have an international presence, allowing members to participate in global initiatives and contribute to humanitarian efforts around the world.

  5. Friendship and Fellowship: Being part of a service organization fosters friendships and a sense of camaraderie among members who share a common goal of serving others.

Overall, joining a service organization like a Rotary Club can be a fulfilling and enriching experience for individuals looking to make a difference in their community and beyond.

 

Neighbourhood Watch / Buderim matching donation 

President Geoff received this in his mail. The club has responded with a matching donation of $2,000. 

"Thanks for contacting us regarding our need to replace our commercial rangehood. We need to replace our rangehood in our commercial kitchen ASAP to comply with council regulations address OHS and ensure our One Roof project continues to provide support for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

Thanks to supporters like Buderim Rotary, Mooloolaba Lions, and Community members we have raised $8,240 so far and require a further $14,260 to reach our goal. Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre Inc. is a registered charity with the ACNC and holds Deductible Gift Recipient Status with the Australian Tax Office.

Since its inception, the One Roof project has achieved incredible milestones, including providing free meals to 37,749 individuals and families, supporting and advocating for 102 chronically homeless people to obtain permanent and temporary housing options, and providing free wound care to 2,443 individuals receiving free wound care from our community nurses as well as referrals to professional healthcare professionals for our unhoused community and over 800 free haircuts by professional hairdressers have been provided to the community.

To continue this great work, we are in desperate need of a new canopy exhaust hood for our commercial kitchen. A new one is $22,592.27 and with no government funding, we can't replace it as the One Roof project relies solely on the generosity of the community.

Mark Ellis

Community Development Co-ordinator
Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre Inc

Trailer upgrade

Great work by Craig, Geoff and royal gigolo Dave in cleaning up the club BBQ Trailer for use by Blaze Aid. As you can see it's getting a LOT of use by Charmaine and her amazing team of volunteers. 
 
 

Special Olympics donation 

The club was very pleased to respond to a request from Special Olympics to help out with their sports uniform purchases. Thanks to members fundraising efforts the club was able to cover the $600 costs and goes with our best wishes.
 
Special Olympics Australia is part of a global inclusion movement using sport around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Our volunteers create accessible sports training, coaching and competition opportunities which are offered week-in and week-out in local communities throughout Australia.
 
Despite what many people think, we’re not the Paralympics. 
 
The Paralympics is for elite athletes, mainly with physical disability. Special Olympics is for people with intellectual disability.
 
At Special Olympics Australia everyone with an intellectual disability is welcome. Some participants join to have fun, make friends and enjoy the warmth of a welcoming community, while others are focussed on winning and receiving medals.
 
On the Sunshine Coast there are approx 30 volunteers providing opportunities for 130 registered athletes to participate in weekly training in athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, football/soccer, swimming and ten pin bowling. 
 

Mock Interviews

Great to see the club continuing our support of the staff and students at Maroochydore State High with providing support and coaching to their students.
 

RCAH support for NYSF 

Graeme and Wendy have interviewed Sarah, a Year 11 student at Mountain Creek SHS as a prospective recipient of RCAH's 50% sponsorship of the cost of attending NYSF in January 2025. The cost to the club will be $1500 and believe Sarah to be a most worthy recipient of our sponsorship.
 
"She is certainly a high achiever in her science subjects - Maths, Chemistry and Biology - and displayed a strong passion for these subjects and is very much looking for a career in science and sees NYSF as a way of seeing what is available. In fact she has already been looking at this by attending university open days which is quite rare for a YR 11 student and is excited for NYSF to add to this information."
 

Bunnings

What? Bunnings on a Friday? 
 
Well done everyone involved, a steady flow of customers and a handy income for the club. Now, who has an idea on what community cause we can help?
 
On further news we have another Bunnings date for Friday 16th August.

Got an idea for a Club Project.....Peter B has!

One of the things Alex Rotary promotes is for members to bring their ideas to "make a difference" to the community...here is a curated idea from Peter B...what d'ya think?

The GOOD FOLK OF ALEX is a program proposed by Peter Burton, a long standing resident of Alexandra Headland and a member of Alex Rotary Club.  Peter is proposing that residents and businesses of Alexandra Headland come together for social, economic and recreational opportunities with the idea of being stronger together and growing a healthy community culture.

Umoja anniversary photo and donation 

Recently the club made a donation to the Ummoja project in Kenya. We received a lovely email from Cathy Booth, letting us know that they are celebrating their 13 years of "making a difference" 

As we celebrated the 13th birthday on July 30th, of our orphanage project in Kenya, we were filled with immense pride and gratitude. This journey has not been an easy path, and has been marked by determination, relentless commitment, and immense frustrations, but mostly the joy of knowing the difference we have made to our children's lives.  

Together, we have created a legacy of compassion and change, proving that with determination and unity, we can achieve what seemed the impossible.

Rainbow House speaker request 

Not forgetting that you also helped out with Rainbow House, and we are hoping that Alison Ray will be on the coast in the next short while and be able to come and speak to the club. 

Letter of support - Alex Community Association

Alex Rotary Club supports ACA  "Christmas in Alex" celebrations.  On Sunday 15th December, we'll be looking for volunteers to help with set up, crowd control and with the BBQ. 
 

Activities coming up in August -  Brightwater Primary School Guest Speaker 

This month we'll be hearing from Steve about the progress with  "The Brightwater Project" as its known. A practical help to kids at the school who Steve leads in refurbishing bikes, that has been a great success and is now helping not only the kids with "hands on" experience but others by donating refurbished bikes. 
Alex Rotary WorkLife Coaching Program 
 
Our great helpers
Here's some of the folks who help us with community fundraising, and who we help in the community.....
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary / USC Community Fund
 
 
 
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Make a difference - Donate 
 
Rotary is run by volunteers and Rotary is always in the top 5 most effective charities in the world.
 
You can be sure that your dollars go to where they are needed. 
Helping save lives in Uganda. See YouTube video