Alex Rotary July Newsletter - Swim, Changeover, Plans, Tasks, Community, Calendar - its all here !!
Solstice Swim "Wash Up"
So we maxxed out again at the 2024 Solstice swim with over 300 swimmers registering to have fun at Alex Beach on the Winter Solstice Event. Everyone is asking when is the next one, and one bewildered swimmers asked why don't we have the solstice later in year when it is warmer? Doh! Unfortunately the control of celestial bodies is beyond the ability of the club and we're sort of obliged to have it on the shortest day of the year because of the name. Which happens to be in what is (laughingly) called "winter" in these parts of the world.
HUGE thanks to all the supporters of the swim, especially the lifesavers, led by Chris and Lex, Amy and admin team, volunteer community groups such at Mooloolaba Rotary and Mooloolaba Yacht Club, individual volunteers from the community who helped with ushering and time keeping, our great MC Ken Boulton, the Sunshine Coast businesses who sponsored the swim, led by Grant at North Coast Boating, Anthony at Miller Sockhill Lawyers, James and Sheree at Innovative Planning Solutions, Stephen at Blackburne Jackson Architects, Sean at Seaborne Clothing, Grant at Sunshine Coast Business Solutions, Scott at Structures Engineering Design, Tiffany at Suncorp, Mayce at RipCurl, Debbie and Kirsty at Okinja ELC, Dion at Masterverse, Dean and Sophie at Cricks VW, Belinda at BFresh, Sunshine Coast Council and of course Helen and the amazing team at Alex Surf Club who looked after us so well at the Solstice Swim and then later at our Changeover dinner.
Thank you all. We will be having a small thank you function later in the month that we hope all can attend so we can thank you personally.
Other suggestions, are to build on what was originally a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that we charge for the sugar babies who want to wear a wet suit. So the new suggestion for next year is we take that suggestion further and charge our amazing swimmers an extra $20 if they choose to wear a swim suit. EEK! what a great idea.
We'll run the idea of making swimsuits optional past Council for next year and see what they say. ....??
In the post swim survey we carried out the club was told that 99% of the swimmers rated the swim "very high" in terms of enjoyment and 99% said they look forward to joining next years swim. So everyone give yourself a pat on the back.
Some suggestions for improvement were taken on board, and we will do better with our timing equipment next year, consider age awards for swimmers, and improve some safety aspects of the swim.
A fantastic day...thank you all.
We've posted some photo's (thanks Alex Polizzi) on our Solstice Swim page which we will update as we head into the next ....more successful.... swim.
We'll also keep our regular readers updated with the good that you have done in the community by supporting the Inclusive Kids "Fuel for School " program.
The kids won't know you, but we know you've "made a difference"
New Club Board
As it's the end of the Rotary year, we have a new board. Here they are below.
A great mix of enthusiasm, & experience and all with a "Can Do" attitude.
Not quite sure what's going on here, Monique seems to be stabbing Michelle (??), who is taking it in good spirits.
Club receives District Award for membership growth.
Assistant District Governor Bernie presented outgoing President Tony with the Glen Kinross award for the Rotary club with the most increased membership. This was a big surprise and an honour for the club, especially when one considers the District size (huge - from Qld to PNG and beyond) and the number of clubs (many).
Inclusive Kids gives a big Thank You
Paul Morton from IFYS and Inclusive Kids gave a speech from the heart at the swim prize giving, where we heard of the great work that Inclusive Kids does with the schools (Fuel for School) and some personal stories that explain the struggle that many parents face with cost of living pressures. It obviously touched a few of our prizewinners who were kind enough to donate back their prizes to the Kids. Thank you.
And on changeover night, MLA and honorary member of Alex Rotary, Fiona Simpson, and Division 4 Councillor, and former Maroochydore Mayor, Cllr Joe Natoli were on hand to present Paul and Inclusive kids a cheque for $40,000 from the proceeds of The Alex Solstice Swim.
Club gives Garden Expo support
It was very early mornings this week for the club members who volunteered to support the Garden Expo in Nambour. Rotarians have acted as traffic controllers at this major event for many years.
Frankly, it's not the most exciting job in the world, but it did give a certain scribe great amusement directing traffic in a mudbath after incessant rain on some of the Expo ground. After parking the hundred or so cars in the quagmire he was seen heading off to alert towing contractors to some upcoming business heading their way.
Anyway, here is the scribe in dominant traffic warden pose, and as you can see from this photo (thanks Tanya) the sun is trying to come out and he has conjured up a rainbow for the photo. ..Is there no limit to this guys powers?
A big thanks to Mooloolaba and Nambour Rotary for inviting Alex Rotary to assist with this community event. We hope it all went well. And if you could advise where to send the dry cleaning bill that would be great.
MND reaches out to Alex Rotary - and we say YES
Members will recall that last year we ran a BBQ in Rotary Park on the Mooloolaba Spit for Motor Neurone Disease supporters as part of their fundraising walk. Well, this year we have the opportunity to help them again.
MND would want us to man and run a BBQ (as we did last year ) on Sunday 14th July 2024 from 7.30am to 12 noon at Parkyn Parade , Mooloolaba, with us offering to do this as our contribution to their fundraiser.
Stay tuned for more info.
Last years photo from MND support...They haven't changed a bit !!
Club reaches out to Care Outreach with offer of Support
The club received a communication from our amazing group of Rotary Australia World Community Services
"I am reaching out on behalf of our CEO, Mahir Momand, to let you know that RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) has Drought Cards worth a total of more than $100,000 to give away to Rotary clubs to distribute to drought impacted individuals in your communities.
Each one of our Drought Cards has a value of $500 which can be used at any place in Australia where EFTPOS are accepted. The cards are valid until 31st December 2024 and must be used before then. "
This amazing offer has a few conditions, and President Tony has taken up the task, and reached out to our mates at Care Outreach to see if we this offer this to their clients.
Bunnings this month - are you a Masterchef?
A reminder to all members that we have a Bunnings BBQ on the Friday 23rd July at Bunnings Maroochydore.
Major Domo Craig will be away, so we will be looking for junior Major Domo's to take up the reins. (Should that be Sergeant Domo's?)
Mock interviews this 25th of this month - want to help a student with their first job?
For many years Alex Rotary has supported Maroochydore High School by providing Rotarians and their mates to sit with students and carry out a mock interview for a job or position to start their career. It's a great opportunity to coach a young Australian to do well at interview and get that all important first job.
If you can help with this be sure to let President Tony know or email the club at RCAHsecretary@gmail.com
Trailer BBQ renovation for Blaze Aid
A bit of re-scheduling has been done in relation to the renovation of our club BBQ trailer, before we present it to Charmaine and the Blaze Aid team for their work at the Gympie muster.
There is a timing clash with MND support, so our support for MND takes precedence and we'll schedule that work for another day, but make sure the BBQ spic and span with new electric and parts for the Blaze Aid volunteers.
Where did the raffle prizes go?
Not to a certain scribe thats for sure. Well the main prize of a Rolls Royce Z grill smoker BBQ went to local celebrity, community minded business man, and (allegedly) a part time Santa Claus, John Hutchinson.
Congratulations John on winning on main prize.
Big thanks to President Geoff and Jo-Anne and helpers for phoning round and delivering the HUGE number of raffle prizes in the Multi draw. A big thank you again to our supporters who provided the club with over $8,000 worth of prizes to give away.
Who won the RipCurl $1,000 prize?
Surprisingly this was won by Kiara, a visitor to the Sunshine Coast from Germany (no. she didn't come here for the swim) ...who was here working and returning to Germany one week after the Swim. So with a little help from member Les, and big thanks again to Mayce at RipCurl, one lucky student is off to Germany with a very, very nice RipCurl wardrobe of clothes.
What are Urban Angels up to?
The club is honoured to be a supporter of Urban Angels, and we receive their newsletter letting us know what amazing work Birgit and her team are doing in the community. This excerpt from their July newsletter. Great to see that there are some caring businesses and fantastic volunteers in the Sunshine Coast Community.
July Newsletter, Swim Over, Change Over, Club recognised, Inclusive Kids, Garden Expo, MND support, Care Outreach support, and all club news
BIG thanks to all the swimmers who bought tickets as part of their registration and folks who bought tickets at Rotary stalls at Bunnings and Alex SLSC, and the amazing Inclusive Kids supporters who bought tickets online.
So we maxxed out again at the 2024 Solstice swim with over 300 swimmers registered to have fun at Alex Beach on the Winter Solstice Event. Where to start with the thank you's??.... the swimmers, the Alex SLSC lifesavers, our amazing sponsors, our fantastic Rotary volunteers, our special MC, Inclusive Kids for allowing us to show our support, or the Sunshine Coast community for coming out again to make it such a big morning with clear blue skies and calm water.
A fantastic day...thank you all.
We've posted some photo's below (thanks Alex Pollizzi) we'll have more formal announcements to thank our sponsors to come. We'll also keep our regular readers updated with the good that you have done in the community by supporting the Inclusive Kids "Fuel for School " program.
Oh, and of course we always stress that it isn't a race, but everybody wants to know who was first, so here the results.
5k Male Jake Hammond
5k Female Katelyne Irwin
3k Male Zane Hadley
3k Female Serena Bond
1k Male Keenan Gray
1k Female Rebecca Mullock
We'll be posting times later on this website...
Meanwhile enjoy the pics....click on pics to see the full gallery
Alex Rotary are known for having short AGM's. Last weeks was a few seconds longer than normal, but not by much. So what's new?
Basically a new constitution, which will be shelved and dusted off at the end of the year, Fee's have gone up slightly. The club philosophy is not to charge members for our clubs internal workings, but only pass through the charges we receive from Rotary District and Rotary International to sustain the organisations at that level. So now members are up for $165/ every 6 months or about $6/week.
The club also tidied up the "Friends of Rotary" positions. So now if you want to know what's going on in the community and help out Alex Rotary, become a "Friend of Rotary"
...it is free of fees, and your obligations as a Friend are simply to help out at our local project or if you can, attend one meeting a year.
So if Breakfast meeting times don't suit you, but you want to help Alex Rotary, then why not email the secretary at RCAHsecretary@gmail.com or just talk to one of the club members and we'll will take it from there.
Working Bee at the Rotary BBQ trailer
What was once a mobile kitchen in Maroochydore, the Alex Rotary BBQ trailer is having a makeover on July. We're sprucing it up so we can donate it to our mates at "BlazeAid" at teh Gynmpie muster, where they are catering for several thousand.
A work list has been put together and we'll be giving the BBQ and trailer a fresh look and there's talk of a few beers afterwards. (We'll I'm talking about that. )
The trailer has a great history, once used as a soup kitchen and often lent to various clubs either as fundraisers, or as sausage giveaways. So if you can, keep July 23 free and bring along your work gear.
Contact club secretary for details.
Swim Sponsors
A large part of our fundraising is sponsorship. The Sunshine Coast is blessed by community minded businesses and Rotary has a special place in providing an opportunity for businesses to engage with community causes through our efforts.
A special BIG BIG thank you to these sponsors of the Solstice Swim. We'll be acknowledging them in later newsletters and during and after the swim.
Raffle Roster
Thanks to some amazing sponsors we have been able to offer over $8,000 worth of prizes in the Solstice Swim raffle. Swimmers invariably but a ticket when they register - who doesn't love a raffle? and the club has the not so simple task of selling off a few more tickets to support our swim beneficiary - this year Inclusive Kids.
And to lend further support Inclusive Kids have put the raffle online on their website. So here's hoping for a great response and we can really get the "Fuel for Skool" program off the ground.
Here's out youngest members Holly and Alistair, starting off the Raffle roster at Bunnings..
..
..and here's the raffle sponsors..
Cold enough for you - why not try sleeping on the streets?
Every year volunteers from the coast show their support and raise funds for the homeless by sleeping on the streets. A certain sickle is aware of a English grammar "psycho" who has been doing this for years. Good on ya, and we've also been asked by our Caloundra Rotary Partners if we will get behind one of their members who is doing that this year..
From Calpac..
"Not sure whether you maybe able to assist (maybe you already have), however Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific (CALPAC) member and all round superstar, Les Pontin, will be participating in the Vinnie's Sleepout AGAIN in 2024.
"For one night, Thursday 20th June, Les will be 'sleeping rough' outside to help raise funds and awareness for those experiencing the harsh realities of homelessness.
Les has a fundraising target of $8,000 for 2024 and CALPAC would love to see him exceed his goal.
If you would like / able to donate please use the link below and let's help Les and St Vinnies break the devastating cycle of homelessness.
Our new club secretary has been busy sorting out the roster for next year, and our new President for next year has been sorting out the club activities and goals. Great to have such energy in teh club, and what it means for you, is to have a think about what your passion is to "make a difference" in the community.
We're only a small club, but our reputation it to punch above our weight, and you never know, your passion may be someone else's ...just think on how the eradication of Polio in the world started with one man's passion in Nambour and how that gathered so much support from other Rotarians, locally and around the world.
Meanwhile here is the man with a plan...who gave members a very quick profile of his world outside Rotary. Thank you Geoff.
This weeks speaker
Noel and Cathy Bates have both been to Umoja orphanage and Cathy and will be our speakers tomorrow.
DV Connect - One phone could make all the difference
A message from Tanya...Can you help?
I have been contacted by DVSafe Phones in regards to the work collection box I have at IFYS asking if we have any more second-hand phones to send through to their service. Just thought if might be a good time to remind the Alex Head Rotary members of the service and see if there are any phones members have to donate.
I am happy to receive and deliver any donated phones to DVSafe phones.
DV Safe Phones are often provided to our IFYS service users to have as a spare or new safe contact phone so I am very supportive of assisting this service whenever we can.
Are we able to put this on next week’s agenda to ask members about this at next week’s meeting please?
So let's get behind Tanya and bring along that old working phone thats sitting in the drawer...or maybe its time to upgrade ?..
Change - Over Dinner
For those members and friends who haven't yet RSVP's to the changeover dinner.
Please reply and come along and meet the Club Board - old and new.
AGM, Swim, Sleep outs, DV help, Speakers, Working Bee's
On Wednesday Ray spoke to the club about how he has been toiling away at improving Alex Rotary's social media presence. We've noticed an increase in traffic through our Facebook pages for the Club, Solstice Swim and our website.
We're also on Instagram and LinkedIn so check us out and leave a few likes and share with a few hashtags (#)
Well done Ray
Ray Wants Your Likes - Alex Rotary Ups Its Social Media Presence
Noosa Rotary establish MOU with Salvation Army and need our help
Phillip Smith from Rotary Noosa Daybreak club was our guest speaker on Wednesday and we heard about the efforts of that club to help with the homeless situation on the Sunshine Coast. Phillip spoke about some of the myths about homelessness and how it was affecting older folks, especially women on the coast.
The need for shelter for folks on the coast is great and Noosa Daybreak recognised straight away the limitations of their club, and so reached out to those at the "coal face"..Salvation Army and established a Memorandum of Understanding that met their Rotary Clubs ambitions.
So a fund has been established to help the homeless that is 100% going to that cause.
The club was delighted to receive an invite from Inclusive Kids to their inaugural food packing program that the club is supporting. It's on this Friday between 5-6pm and we will be represented by:
President Tony
Ray B and Lee
Tanya
Angela and Wendy
Tim & Monique
Geoff and/or John (TBC)
There will be more opportunities to help out with the Fuel for School once the program is up and running and a certain scribe has noted the uptick in swim sponsorship and swim registrations so he is quietly confident that the club will hit all our targets that we set for this amazing Inclusive Kids program.
Are we the fastest growing Rotary club in the district? Thats the question that was asked after two consecutive weeks of couples induction at Wednesday's breakfast meeting in the Alex SLSC.
President Tony was there to do the honours and induct the two latest members Alistair and Holly to the club, in our new refurbished downstairs room.
Holly and Alistair were given their shirts and members pack, badge etc. that now includes a welcome letter that explains a little bit of the Alex Rotary club history. Here's a pic below of our latest members with their sponsor Les and President Tony.
Welcome Holly and Alistair to Alex Rotary and what is possibly the fastest growing Rotary club in the District. !!
A certain scribe notes that club membership is at an all-time high and up 30% from about a year ago.
Olivia steals the show as Brightwater says Thank You to Alex Rotary
Monique, Tony and John attended the Brightwater School assembly during the week to accept the thanks from Steve and the kids involved in the "Bike Project".
Also present were reps from The Salvation Army. Why? Well it turns out that the Bike Project has been so successful that the kids are now donating the refurbished bikes to the SA for their clients and shops to help others. Isn't that just fantastic! What started out as an idea from Steve, Skye and Monique as an activity to help the kids has now resulted in them helping others. Brilliant, well done everyone involved.
But we need to make a special mention to CycleZone in Mooloolaba who have been amazing in helping out the project with all sorts of parts and accessories to make the whole project work. Well done Cyclezone Mooloolaba, just great to know that there are businesses that are helping the less fortunate in the community.
Readers might also also notice that the "our extra-ordinary raffle ticket seller" Olivia is centre stage - as she is School Captain and gave a nice speech and helped out with other awards that Brightwater handed out to their exceptional students..
What started out with a steady flow of raffle donations during the week went crackers over the last few days. First there was a beautiful hamper from our honorary member Fiona Simpson, then Les excelled himself with a $1,000 Rip Curl Voucher, then not to be outdone Paul Morton jumped in with. Z Grill Smoker and a $500 BCF voucher.
Well done guys, that will certainly help with the fundraising...
Care Outreach - What does Mothers Day hold for them?
President Tony called into Care Outreach last week to drop of the last of the Alex Rotary Mother’s day gifts. The items purchased and donated by our members were used with other similar and suitable items to make up packs for the Mothers in the Bush.
Melissa told Tony they had already despatched 550 parcels with another 250 being “prettied up” with ribbons and were being sent out about now to some closer in and around the Darling Downs, near west Kingaroy, Chinchilla etc…. Even as close as Kilkiven as some of these farming areas have suffered immensely.
Care Outreach have had groups of volunteers making “over the knee throw rugs” which are loved in the bush! And these rugs have been included in the packs where possible.
So about 800 Mother’s Day gift packs have been sent and it’s great to know that we contributed our bit to help!
Note the photo of Bill holding up a prettied up pack that is ready to go …. And see Ian, their warehouse manager through the shelves in the background … smiling and caring in his normal manner!!!
Two other things to note …. See the non-perishable food items that are constantly needed!!! And they have already started gathering toys and gifts for the Christmas in the Bush programme.
Last weeks guest speaker spoke to teh club about the importance of photo's in our lives, and about how his business is now focusing on life stories combing the images with the stories behind them. There was an amazing life book from nudgee College on display that told the story of students, past and present with magnificent images to match. But Brody managed to give a 30 minute talk on photography without mentioning photography once. Remarkable. His methodology is to sit down with teh subject, get to know them and then marry the life story with the image. And teh results are just incredible.
Thank you Brody for a fascinating talk, and good luck with your business model.
Club members Tim, Monique and Naomi attended this domestic violence seminar during the week and will update everyone at our next meeting about the key takeaways from this seminar and suggestions for how your club can support and promote awareness about domestic and family violence prevention. So stay tuned.
We held our short Seminar on Addressing Local Domestic and Family Violence on the 18th April.
What was the objective? To widen the understanding of the impact of Domestic and Family violence in the community and to stimulate community action.
What really happened? The attendees heard, from the Police perspective, just how extensive the problem is, how such occurrences are categorized and how the various categories can be addressed under the law. Powers and barriers to intervene were demonstrated by Police.
Ways for the public to participate were outlined and simple actions were canvassed.
Questions following the formal presentation reflected the deep interest the public is developing on this subject. Some of the questions bared the raw experiences of some attendees.
Interesting statistics. Disadvantaged Kids are 16 times more likely to to suffer DV, and 30% of drug addicted parents commit DV on their kids. (ref: Gwande:Complications)
Alex Rotary turns up to help young drivers stay safe on the roads
On Tuesday a small team of members are helping out at Nambour with the life saving driver awareness day workshop RYDA. Big thanks to Craig, Phillip, Val & John, Graeme, Tim, Naomi and Geoff who will be coordinating the movements of the future drivers between the drive safety workshops.
Lilly House Volunteers - How many Rotarians does it take to ...
Big thanks to Ray, Graeme, Craig and John for following up with Lilly House and assembling some flat pack furniture for their new rooms for single mums needing a bit of support and guidance.
The assembly work wasn't a race, then it sort of was. Modesty forbids naming the winning team.
Helping out the Alex SLSC Lifesavers with The Aussies" parking
BIG shout out to the club members who showed support for the lifesavers by manning the Mari St. car park during "The Aussies Week" on the Sunshine Coast.
Crutches for RARE
These crutches were donated by our mates at Neighbours Aid, and will find their way to disadvantaged families overseas through teh Rotary repurposing program RARE.
Garden Makeover coming Up?
And just to mention an possible upcoming project for the club, President Tony is scouting out a garden of a foster carer which is in need of some maintenance. Stay tuned.
Last meeting was held at Tides community centre (thank you Val and John, and everyone involved in set up).
The guest speaker last week was Nicki Trenham from Office of Fair Trading who spoke to the club about. the increasing incidence of "scamming" which we found out is still catching folks out and costing some in the community lots of money.
The clear message was, don't react rashly to scams requesting urgent action.
Be suspicious of any unexpected email. Be cautious in answering any calls from outside your contacts, do not engage with them, and do not share your password or PIN with strangers.
There was a good Q & A session afterwards, and its clear that most of our members have been approached by scammers in the past, and are relatively savvy - although as Nicki says every year over $400M is scammed from folks, and all of them thought they were savvy before they got scammed.
Take care out there.
Geoff reaches out Festuri
Members will recall Toria and Mick who came to talk to the club about the Multi Cultural Festival "Festuri" held at Rotary Park in Cotton Tree every year.
Toria spoke about he need to gather up support for the festival - which is run entirely by volunteers and dependant on community support to put on every year.
and in true club "CanDo" fashion Alex Rotary has responded. Please see Geoff's note to Toria and the Festuri management below.
Stay tuned. and remember "Diversity is Free...but Inclusion challenges us all and you have to work at it"... (ed)
...Fraom PE Geoff..
Toria,
Thank you for your email. As Rotary is a club of like-minded community focussed people, we would prefer to assemble a team of Rotary volunteers and take on a specific task to support Festuri rather than have each member "do their own thing". We are always stronger working together as a team.
We could certainly do a BBQ stall, but it would also assist us to achieve our objectives if as a team we were to assist you with any of the following:
Set up for performers and stallholders
Pack down
Traffic / parking control
Information tent.
We area happy to work with you to make Festuri at Cotton Tree a huge success. Let me know how many volunteers you can use, and we will assemble a team of Rotarians.
Raffles are a fun way for schools, churches and other community groups to raise money for worthy causes.
Raffles have a wide appeal—even people who don't normally gamble like raffles—because it feels like everyone wins. The person with the winning ticket wins a prize. The worthy cause gets money. What's not to like?
But beware ...here's a true story from Facebook..... so it must be true......Parental Guidance advised
Bubba and Earl were at the local bar enjoying a beer when they decided to get in on the weekly charity raffle. They bought five tickets each at a dollar a pop.
The following week, when the raffle was drawn, both had won a prize. Earl won first prize, which was a year’s supply of gourmet spaghetti sauce and extra-long spaghetti. Bubba won the sixth prize, which was a toilet brush.
About a week or so had passed when the men met back at the bar for a couple of drinks. Bubba asked Earl how he liked his prize, to which Earl replied, “Great, I love spaghetti! How about you? How’s that toilet brush?”
“Not so good,” replied Bubba. “I reckon I’m gonna go back to paper.”
This weeks raffles you might want to support:
1. Inclusive kids win a boat
2. Gladstone Rotary 50/50
Dear Alexandra Headland Rotarians,
Our 2024 50/50 raffle is NOW OPEN
Tickets cost $50 and only 2,000 tickets will be sold so the odds of winning are pretty good. Buyers of 5 consecutive tickets will also be eligible to win a $500 book buyers prize.
From the funds we raised in last years raffle our club has been able to: assist the Gladstone Schools Chaplaincy Service in providing support to students in need, provide support to the Gladstone Food Centre, and purchase some necessary appliances for the Roseberry Gladstone Dignity Hub. We hope you can help us to keep supporting our community by buying a ticket in our raffle.
4. Inclusive Kids - Solstice Swim Multi Draw raffle
Coming soon - your chance to sell 20 tickets in the club's multi draw raffle. Jo-Anne and the team are assembling a huge amount of prizes to entice folks to take a ticket for Inclusive Kids.
Each member will be given a book of 20 tickets to sell in the Solstice Swim multi draw raffle.
There is an amazing Artwork from Naomi Ocean Art, and a BBQ / smoker, $200 of AMPOL vouchers, luxury accommodation vouchers, Family passes for Go Karts, SeaLife, Sun City Bowls, gift vouchers from Cotton Tree meats, Bunnings, Amaze world, etc and more community minded business providing amazing gifts every week.
...and if the team keep going like this you are "almost" guaranteed to win something.
The GREAT thing about being in a club is the ability to combine efforts of members that lead to much larger donations than most of us are able to make personally. Here are a few that club donations that you have helped make:
ROMAC Donation
As well as supporting the recent ROMAC trivia quiz with two teams of quizzers, the club also donated $600 to this Rotary medical aid program that continues to give critical aid to Oceania.
and during the week, the club received this note from ROMAC..
On behalf of ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children), I sincerely thank you for your extremely generous donation.
Your generosity will help us to change the lives of young children from island nations in the Oceania Region who need lifesaving or dignity restoring surgery they are unable to undergo in their home countries. ROMAC transports these children to hospitals in Australia and New Zealand where the surgery can take place.
Since ROMAC’s establishment in 1988 over 540 children have been successfully treated and can now expect to live a normal life.
Your support of ROMAC’s vital work is very much appreciated. THANK YOU!
Yours sincerely,
Ian ‘D’Arcy’ Walsh
Chair
Lilly House donation
The club has made a $500 donation to Lilly House in Woombye to support Jo and her amazing volunteers and the single mums home / refuge that they are creating on teh Sunshien Coast. We have also put Rotary Inner Wheel (ladies group who do so much to support women in the community) in touch with Lilly House.
Go Fund Me for Arden
The club also donated $500 towards Arden's fundraising for a vehicle that could accommodate his wheelchair.
Rotary International
The club donated $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation ...one of the top 4 most effective charities in the world, independently audited. It will go to Polio eradication.
Global Water Safety programs for disadvantaged on the Sunshine Coast
The club has also committed to donating $5,000 towards a Sunshine Coast water safety program to prevent drownings on the coast. There will be an official presentation on this later in the year.
Have you any thoughts on who the club should support?...then have your say at the club meeting on Wednesday morning.
Win-Win for Rotary and AMPOL..is there a message there for Alex?
JoAnne spoke on the benefits of partnership at her Rotary minute on Wednesday. The relationship with the business started small, with a cookery book publication during COVID and has now blossomed into a permanent win-win arrangement for Rotary, the business and the community.
It beggars the question...is there some business on the Coast that wants to do good in the community, improve its relationship, and where Rotary and Rotarians can provide that bridge between business and community?
The business concerned (AMPOL) now has a direct channel to community matters through the Manly Rotary club, where AMPOL supports the Many Rotary Youth and community programs.
The community now has some certainty over the programs that Rotary delivers and Rotary does what is does best....“making a difference”.... to lives in the community.
A very thoughtful Rotary minute. Thank you JoAnne.
Memories - don’t lose them, write them down
Our guest speaker and guests on Wednesday was Pam Wood local author and friends June and Donna, who spoke about their involvement with Sunshine Coast libraries and the written word and the impact it can have on folks. The writers group met at the Woombye Bowls during COVID attracting a diverse group of professionals, then an anthology by the University of the 3rd age in Hervey Bay inspired Pam to produce a collection from her group here on the Sunshine Coast.
Along the way the benefits in friendship, fellowship, encouragement and support helped bond the group and gave direction and purpose. The mental health benefits were clear.
The group are now looking for financial support to publish the anthology, and received feedback from the club on several avenues that might support this project.
Thank you Pam for an interesting talk.
Pride of Workmanship - dateclaimer
Our Pride of Workmanship evening is coming up soon, so if you know of a Sunhine Coast business who might want to reward an employee with some recognition for their services, or have an employee in mind yourself, have a chat with Mike and find out what its all about.
Swim News - James joins Scott and Dean in stepping up to help
In late news James Brownsworth from Innovative Planning Solutions in Marooochydore has become a silver sponsor for the Solstice fundraising swim for Inclusive Kids. James has been a very generous supporter of the Solstice swim, and we much appreciate the support we receive from Sheree and James. It is very much appreciated.
And a BIG shout out to those members who are approaching their contacts to gauge interest in becoming a GOLD sponsor. The kids will not know the effort you put on, but on behalf of the club, thank you for reaching out for potential sponsors.
We were delighted to welcome back past sponsors Structures, AKA Scott Brimelow, Past President of the club who stepped up to the mark again (Thank you Scott) and Cricks VW AKA Dean Stuart (thank you Dean). Dean has been a great supporter of Inclusive Kids and Alex Rotary Kombi Shows in the past.
Their support is all the more welcome, because it gives Inclusive Kids and Alex Rotary a bit of a lift to know that there are businesses out their who appreciate what the volunteers are doing in the community.
Is there a partner out there for Alex? Have you been Scammed alert, The written word
Lilly House comes to say hello, and an unintended (but nice) consequence
Jo Higgins was our speaker on Wednesday. Jo is from Lilly House on the coast, a house that is home to vulnerable and at risk young women and their children. It relies entirely on volunteers like Jo and community groups to provide a home environment where women and children feel safe and nurtured.
It is a unique place, more than a shelter, but a home with caring and teaching a large part of the Lilly Home culture.
Jo related some stories of of incredible disadvantage that some of our young women on the coast are facing from birth, right through their upbringing.
Jo read out a letter from one of her past residents who spoke of losing her mother at a very young age, and "survived" is probably the best word, to describe her upbringing such that now she has a career a young family of her own.
The most harrowing part of Jo's story was the terrible effects that drugs are having on our disadvantaged kids on the Coast.
Lilly's house can accommodate a handful of young mums, and do a great job in turning lives around. Unfortunately they have no government funding and rely on community support and volunteers like Jo.
If you can help have a look at their website. Lilly House.org
..and in an after breakfast chat Ray found out that Jo needed a bit of a hand with assembling some furniture for the house. Delighted to see that a number of our members have volunteered their services.
Stay tuned for more information on how Alex Rotary is helping the community.
The club has received $120 worth of gift tokens from Bunnings Maroochydore, which will go towards Brightwater School bike project. Here is Craig, the major demo of the Bunnings BBQ world presenting the vouchers to Monique for Steve and the bike program.
Is God making a play for the vouchers in the background??? Good one Tony.
In other Bunnings news,
Big thank you to everyone who helped out on Easter Sunday, we had a busy morning, once things got going, and it will all go to help Inclusive Kids and Alex Rotary community causes, so give yourselves a pat on the back.
..and this photo was taken before the crowds arrived, with Wendy and teh team donning swim caps to promote the Solstice Swim. We also had a table set up with club flyers and posters to help spread the word among the sausage munchers...
Club donates $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation
The club has donated $1,000 to the Rotary foundation. It's one of the top 5 most effective charities in the world, helping all sorts of causes here and overseas,
..and all your club donations add up. Don't believe me?...these numbers on the pie chart are in the MILLIONS !!
A positive Polio Story
One of the great success stories of Rotary is of course Polio eradication.
Some members may be inspired by following this link to an in depth article about the person who was a polio victim and held the record for the man who spent the most time supported by an iron lung.
The club received an email from our friends at The Board Meeting Surf Charity during the week. It concerned a young chap Arden, wo needs a bit of a help with getting a car suitable for his wheelchair. Now, as some readers may be aware The BoardRoom Surf charity is winding down, and so they are unable to meet this in full. Undeterred Arden’s parents have started a go fund me page, and if that target is reached, the The Boardroom surf charity will match it dollar for dollar and Arden will have his car, and a much better life.
..and here is Mark's message to the club, together with a GoFund me link that members may care to follow..
Without additional fundraising, our resources are depleting quickly but there are some requests that we just have to help and little Arden is one of those. The family desperately need a car that can be converted for wheelchair access.The family is committed to fundraising $25,000 through their GoFundMe page and if they can do this, we should be able to match that dollar-for-dollar.Rather than donating directly to The BoardMeeting, as you have in the past, perhaps Alex Rotary could contribute to their GoFundMe and get them there quickly.
We would really appreciate your support.
Mark Skinner for the Board Meeting Surf Charity
Your donations, fake(?) photo's, and community requests
Guest speaker Bruce McNaught spoke on the Rotary programme to eradicate Polio as a disease that affected the world.
Back in 1954 when Bruce had just started school he contracted polio, as many kids did. Not all children were affected by limb paralysis … but Bruce was.
During the 1950’s 1960’s and 70’s into the 1980’s the number of people contracting wild polio virus was climbing rapidly until it reached around 350,000 a year in new cases each year … basically 1,000 new cases EVERY day.
Following on from our clubs recent fundraising activities, the club was delighted to contribute $1,000 to polio prevention. This is one of Rotary's great achievements, in harnessing various groups around the world to meet our local hero's vision (Sir Clem Renouf) of complete eradication of this terrible disease. Those of us 50 and over will recall how this disease crippled folks in the communities here in Australia and around the world. Now it is almost eradicated thanks to Rotary and its amazing supporters.
Here's some background as to why its been so difficult to eradicate.
Wild poliovirus (WPV) is the most commonly known form of the poliovirus. However, there is another form of polio that can spread within communities: circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus, or cVDPV. While cVDPVs are rare, they have been increasing in recent years due to low immunization rates within communities.
So thank you Rotary against polio and please put our $1,000 to your good work.
Club wins major Charity Trivia Quiz - (For the third time)
Alex Rotary has been a keen supporter of the Cal-Pac ROMAC trivia challenge and Alex has often had two groups to enjoy the light-hearted fun event.
The evening had about 200 participants made up from Rotary Clubs and community groups around the Sunshine Coast to challenge the brain with 7 rounds of 8 questions across a list of topics that included : World Affairs, Australian History, Arts & Literature, World Knowledge, Sport, Music and Travel.
The Alex “B” team managed to get 8/8 for four of the rounds to achieve a winning score of 51 out of a possible 56!
We have to admit that the “B” team included three of Geoff’s friends!!! (Yes, he has friends outside Rotary).
They “B” team knew such wonderful trivia, they correctly answered Barbra Streisand’s first movie; that a group of flamingoes was a ‘Flamboyance’; the bands which accompanied Bruce Springsteen was the E-Street Band; and Tully claimed to be the wettest place on the Australian mainland!!!
The winning team was rewarded with wine and the return of the Trophy – complete with the correct header!
Alex Rotary is the first team to win the trophy three times since the trivia night’s inception in 2011.
Alex Rotary contributed $600 to the funds to the members entrance fees, raffle purchases and wine sales.
The evening raised about $12,000 to enable ROMAC to brings children under 15 to Australian hospitals for life changing and dignity restoring surgeries that are not available in their own countries.
This year Geoff also won a meat tray and a bottle of Champagne …. And we are still waiting for the invitation to help consume either or both!!!
Alex Rotary continues the tradition of Clean Up Australia Day
A certain scribe has a view that unless citizens contribute to their community then they should have no voice and be unable to comment on any community or political matters. Also unless you are positively contributing to the community you should not be able to vote in the countries elections.
Surprisingly this is not a view shared by others. It would bring the temperature of some "discussions" on TV and social media don quite a few degrees I expect. Just saying.
Anyway, now I have got that off my chest, got to say well done Alex Rotary for continuing to fly the flag for Clean Up Australia Day, rounding ups volunteers, and offering bacon and egg rolls to the helpers.
We also received this kind thank you note from the Clean Up Australia Day Committee.
Clean Up community, you are amazing! What a truly awesome week of action, culminating with Clean Up Australia Day last Sunday. We had over 10,000 Clean Up sites registered and more than 750,000 passionate volunteers from all walks of life, don their gloves and do their bit to make our environment a cleaner and better place! United we have made a real difference!
We have created a fun blog post on some highlights from the day, although there are so many more amazing stories out there!
We're blown away by all your Clean Up efforts and are looking forward to another year of improving and conserving our environment, eliminating litter and ending waste.
Some of the team with team leader Monique out front and centre. Well done everyone.
Not entirely sure what's going on here. Craig and Tim have retired a safe distance while Les tackles the exploding eggs with a very long handled device.
Excellent safe work practices chef.
Anyone for Coffee?
Morning all
Michelle has created the next coffee-buddy catch up list for March-April.
The purpose is simply to get together for a coffee/tea/water or simply a good excuse to catch up and get to know another member of our Rotary club. Have a chat. Learn more.
I am aware that instead of a coffee some people have simply gone for a walk on the beach and a chat. That is entirely up to you.
And, how about a photo that we can share amongst the group.
There are a few travellers in the group …. Dave will be back from WA around the 20th; Philip Gordon is travelling to India; Naomi P is preparing for Italian/Croatian escape; Val should be back from NZ next week; Geoff will be terrorising Victoria in April ….
Yell with any questions.
Cheers
Tony
More club business- Club Roster for March
Chair - Ray Strong
Set Up - Les
Rotary Minute - Geoff
Sergeant - David
Maitre'd - Skye
Standby - Tim
Have you got your club survey in?
The Member Survey has now closed and we'll be receiving feedback once the Queensland Police Service have completed their forensic examinations.
There's a lot of surveys about at the moment, and it seems like anytime you buy a bag of lollies there's an email asking you to complete a customer satisfaction survey.
(I won't even go near political surveys which seem to be there to justify the latest thought bubble).
So a certain scribe wondered how effective these surveys are, and does anyone actually read the results or do anything about them....and then I found out that there is one particular set of survey questions that tells almost with 100% accuracy how you will behave in certain circumstances.
Want to take the survey?...then read on.
Disclaimer: Although this is a scientifically based it should not be inferred that you have any particular personality disorders. (Right: there is no such thing as a "right" personality or "wrong" personality. Take your time, its not a long list of questions and read every one carefully before you answer. Not just how you would "like" to behave, but how you would "actually" behave. )
Q1. You find $20 in the street. There is no one around but there is a charity donation box 10 metres away. Do you keep the money?
A) Yes
B) No
Q2. You are in a hurry and walking along the street and see an elderly couple obviously lost. Do you stop and ask if you can help.?
A) Yes
B) No
Q3. You win $1,000 in gold lotto. Do you keep it all or share some with others?
A) Keep
B) Share
Q4. You always assume the best in people until proved otherwise?
A) Yes
B) No
Q5. You're experience in life has been that folks are generally generous with their time and money?
A) Yes
B) No
Q6. I have answered some questions before reading this?
A) Yes
B) No
Your gender and personality is defined entirely by your answer to Q6. If you answered A) then in all probability you are a male. Why? Because you did not read or follow the instructions at the start, which clearly said to "read every one carefully before you answer.".
Then as a "jump to. action / conclusions" male you probably (99%certain) made the assumption that the survey was to determine your character, or how charitable you are?
Wrong. The survey was simply to determine (by IKEA) whether you are capable of following instructions.
How did you go?
Solstice Swim Progress
The Temporary Event application is in with Sunshine Coast Council so fingers crossed for a positive outcome.
Mooloolaba Yacht Club helps out AGAIN with oversize buoys for a safe swim
Swimmers registrations coming in, the Council CEO and past State MP have registered
All past swimmers have been contacted
Naomi is finishing off the poster and we'll soon finish hand outs for members
We have a few raffle prizes, but no major sponsor yet
Our very own Les never misses a chance has been pounding the pavements and keyboards in search of sponsors. Officeworks were approached recently and although sponsorship was not available, they did come up with a nice prize for the raffle. So remember folks, always ask the question. The Sunshine Coast is blessed with many businesses who really want to give back to the community.
Our amazing Naomi has been putting the final touches to the swim poster, and we’ll soon have a “blurb” for the members to more formally approach potential sponsors with a story about why they should sponsor the swim and our beneficiary.
NEXT STEPS...
Sponsorship and gathering raffle prizes is something we can all get involved in. Lets not leave it all to Les.
Would each member nominate 4 contacts (Name, email, phone number) of potential supporters (ie for raffle of sponsorship)
The team will give them a poster (A4 or A3 size) and a introductory letter for their contact
On Wednesday an old friend of the club, Paul Morton gave the club a talk on one of the many areas where IFYS is working hard to improve our community. IFYS has been going now for 44 years, and has 950 employees, all working on various areas of community support.
But there's one program within IFYS that has no staff...but more about that later.
Paul received a Paul Harris medal from the club pre-covid for his work with community aid, and youth services. He consults to IFYS in the area of communications and marketing, and very active in getting community projects off the ground and providing practical help to folks from Noosa to Caboolture and out to Toowoomba. So the club invited him to come along and chat with us about how Alex Rotary could help in a practical and financial way with the work that they are doing.
One such program caught the attention f the club. This program, which has been going for 13 years now is Inclusive Kids, is a independent fund under the IFYS umbrella that works quietly away in the background making a difference to folks everyday lives. It has no staff. But as Paul points out that means that folks just get Inclusive Kids work attached to their normal workload. And its not limited to IFYS programs. The fund helps all sort of worthy initiatives, many "filling the gap" from other suport programs.
Paul gave teh club a story or the purchase headstones, for a pair or orphans who would otherwise not have a place to grieve.
In that time the fund has delivered over $1M to kids programs such as Fostercare, Youth homelessness, Youth Development and Disability services. More recently the program is moving into food support at schools and Paul spoke about an exciting new program about be launched on the coast to put some fuel into kids who would. otherwise be running on empty.
We were reminded that Urban Angels, another part of IFYS delivers 15,000 meals a month and even that does not satisfy the demand on the coast. So when you consider that, and the other folks such as meals on wheels, and The Shack etc. etc. you begin to get a picture of the coast that is not so rosy.
See of Paul's slides below..some very concerning numbers
Following Paul's presentation, the club spoke to him about how Alex Rotary could help, and we'll have some exciting news on that in future newsletters. So stay tuned.
Feedback from Lilly on her Scientific Journey to NYSF
On Wednesday we also heard back from Lilly Thomas who we sponsored to go on the Rotary National Youth Science Forumin Brisbane. Lilly is a student and school captain at Mountain Creek High School and is set on a career in science, possible a chemical engineer, but it's fair to say that her time at the NYSF has given her a much broader outlook on what various science careers are available to her.
Lilly was very appreciative of the assistance from Alex Rotary, and we are so pleased to be able to assist future leaders of the community. I am sure we will be hearing a lot more about Lilly as she progresses to Uni and whatever career she chooses.
And we hadn't forgotten what a help Lilly was at our Xmas at Alex BBQ, so Graeme was pleased to provide Lilly with a voucher for JBHiFi which we believe is going towards a new laptop.
This is the cohort that attended the NYSY in Brisbane.
..and here's Lilly meeting one of the presenters at NYSF who demonstrate the latest in science / advanced manufacturing and how these developments are turned into commercial reality.
District News and dateclaimers...
IFYS Inclusive Kids, Lilly's NYSF, and all club news
Alex Rotary has hosted the Clean Up Australia Day for the past 20+ years and we’re pleased to continue that tradition on 3rd March at Wilkes Park. This year we’re hosting a sausage sizzle for our volunteers, so please come along for bit to eat, a chat, and do our bit to clean up the beachfront area between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore.
Truth to be told, there is never a lot to clean up, the foreshore and beach get a lot of attention from volunteers and the public generally are very supportive.
But it wasn’t always that way.
Not so long ago the club used to collect about 20 full bags of rubbish and some large pieces too. But nowadays folks are more conscious of littering, and in large part that is due to the folks and supporters at Clean Up Australia.
Here's a team from the past..
There is a saying that you accept what you walk past, and Rotary have a saying that we want “make a difference” …so for all those years Alex Rotary have been making a difference, not only by cleaning up the front, but also by influencing folks who see the volunteers wearing gloves and carrying the bright clean up bags walking the ground and picking up all sorts of rubbish.
The young folks in particular are influenced by this, who see Rotarians (and others) taking a practical interest in their environment. This example by Rotarians and like minded citizens encourages them to do the same.
So well done past and present Rotarians for setting an example and contributing to improving the environment and setting an example for the future.
If you want to volunteer, and have a snag with club members and volunteers, then click on this link, or just turn up at Wilkes Park (kiddies play park area) BBQ on Sunday 3rd march between 7-8am.
Recent news that one third of kids cannot read properly has highlighted the literacy problem in our younger generation.
In a small but important way Alex Rotary is facilitating improvements in this area. Through Susie Rasmussen’s (Mooloolaba Rotary) connection with a school librarian friend Alex Rotary is able to benefit Care Outreach and IFYS’s “Inclusive Kids” program with donation of books.
Members may recall that a few months ago we made donation of toddler books and youth books to the Young Parents program.
Membership grows with new Corporate members - BOSS
At our last meeting we officially welcomed new corporate members Trina and John from BOSS. Of course Trina and John are well known to members and have been involved with the club activities for several months, and shortly after this photo was taken John L was "invited" to do more fundraising by being commis chef at Bunnings !!
But seriously it is great to have an organisation such as BOSS involved in the club and our community is all the richer for having folks like Trina and John and Matt engaged with us. Welcome all.
Geoff, Trina, John and President Tony....
Past club Treasurer, current auditor, and world traveller - Stevo - is back in town
Just in case this past treasurer and all round good guy comes to visit his old club a certain scribe thought he should post a photo so that the new club members would recognise him.
This is Steve and Trish with past club international exchange student Hannah.... from 2019 would you believe.
Of Course Steve is much trimmer and fitter now after his trips to various parts of the globe, (??) but still recognisable. Welcome back Steve.
Busy fund raising season for the club
It's been a busy couple of months for the club, starting with "Christmas at Alex" BBQ on 14th December then a very busy Christmas Eve BBQ at Bunnings, and these followed by 2 BBQ's in January.
So a HUGELY BIG shout out to everyone who helped out at the BBQ fundraising, and a special mention must go to our amazing Craig for all his work organising the logistics and provisions, and to Sandi and Adam for making it a family effort.
...and of course all the funds raised will do good in the community, so give yourselves a pat on the back.
Our new Facebook major domo, captured these images of the team on Saturday, and one could not help but notice that a certain Sunshine Coast former senior citizen of the year has adopted a stationary if not statuesque pose - but we're reliably informed that the hands moved between the first two photo's.
Here's Tim looking for customers during a quiet spell..
and here's Ray B and "croquet demon" Tanya busy with customers ...and our mate still holding that statuesque pose in the background...
and here's Peter and Wendy ......(why am I thinking Peter Pan?) .....at front of house with Bunnings customers...
Other Fundraising by Rotarians
There are never any shortage of good causes supported by Rotarians and recently we received this invite that members / friends may be interested in..see club secretary or enclosed contact for more details..
February Roster
Monique will be the chairperson
John will be on set up
Tim is doing the Rotary Minute/ Interacting with media
Geoff is Sergeant
Peter is Maitre D
Craig is on standby
What's happening around the Rotary District?
Click image for more info...
GREAT response by Club to RYDA call out
President Elect Geoff put the call out for more members to get involved in the youth driving awareness program RYDA last meeting.
It was great to see unanimous support from the members to support the invitation to Mountain Creek school's 300+ students to get involved and the clubs full support to provide volunteers to make it a "life changing" experience for students who attend.
Look who's back in town, membership growing and all club news
We had the flags out for DG Paul visit to the club on Wednesday. He was greeted by a pretty full room spoke about his visits around the region (which is bigger than many counters in the world) and the many good works that Rotary is doing at District and International level.
It was very pleasing to note that Alex Rotary is one of a few clubs that is increasing its membership and community activities, but in financial and physical support. So members old and new please pat yourselves on the back. !!
Bunnings - again !!
Hi Folks,
Reminder that this Saturday we're at Maroochydore Bunnings and here is the roster for you...we've been reminded by our mate Cam,, NOT to turn up before 7.30. Please remember not to approach the BBQ area until Bunnings have completed their setup
Suggest we gather in outside car park 5 mins before.
AM shift 7.30am - 11.30am
Wendy Gilson
John Malloy
Geoff East
Peter Burton
John Mucha
Elizabeth Mucha
Craig Laidlaw
PM shift 11.30am - 3.30pm
Tanya Frazer
Graeme Hight
Ray Burton
Dave Woodrow
Tim Kelsey
Monique Kelsey
Craig Laidlaw
Also a reminder to everyone to wear closed in shoes.
Craig
RYDA is asking for our help
During the week there has been some communicatons from RYDA and local coordinator Graham with a view to getting more RYDA - Young drivers road safety workshops - in our Rotary area. Geoff has all the details, which he'll brief you on Wednesday.
Digital Footprint - small steps on your journey (pun intended)
In more club developments the club has had a positive response from Sunshine Coast Council - and we are advancing the proposal to improve Alex Rotary's digital footprint in the community.
The club thinking is that this might act as a pilot for other community clubs to engage with existing and new members of the community whose primary contacts are through social media.
And as there are various levels of understanding of IT and social media platforms in the club we'll be looking to bring everyone up to the same level of awareness, (if not understanding) and maybe capability though the year.
Any queries please see Ray, Tim or John.
Honorary Member puts hands up for Mayor's role
Rotary is of course non - political and secular. But it would be remiss of the club not to acknowledge that our Honorary member, Ashley Robinson has put his hand up for the Sunshine Coast Regional Council's mayors role.
So keep in mind that Rotary members can be involved in politics and religion, but only in a personal capacity. What does that mean? Well, you can help any politician of your choice and hold any religious view you wish, but you must keep those activities totally seperate from Rotary activities.
The club will be doing two community engagement projects in the next 6 months. Pride of Workmanship and Solstice Swim.
A tourist query to the Alex SLSC about the date of the Solstice Swim so that folks could start to arrange accommodation precipitated some confirmation of swim arrangements.
So high level arrangements are in place for the swim to be held on Sunday 23rd June
Great news - Govt changes tack on learn to swim
Noticed that the State Government has had a change of heart and. is re-starting the $150 voucher "learn to swim" program from 1st Jan.
Community Grant on offer
A reminder that the Federal Stronger Communities Grants offer is open and we need ideas from members...
2024 Stronger Communities Program Grants
Amount: Up to $10,000
Applications Due: 5:00pm AEST, Monday 26 February 2024
About the Grant: Please check the Grant Opportunity Guidelines. In previous years, infrastructure upgrades have included renovations for Men’s Sheds, disability access ramps for schools, and security upgrades for surf-lifesaving clubs. Previous equipment upgrades have included tuckshop appliances, storage trailers, and computer hardware.
So please get your thinking caps on. Grants are usually given for some physical asset, not an activity.
The grant could be, but is not necessarily for the club infrastructure.
It could be on behalf of a community cause that Rotary would support. Because of Rotary's community engagement, and our reputation, if we apply or support and initiative for a new or replacement asset we have a good chance of being successful.
Your Club pulls out all the stops to help others over Christmas
Just before Christmas, Alex Rotary responded to the call out from Paul Morton from IFYS in the My Weekly Preview to help out the" Inclusive kids program" with $4,000 of debit card donations to ease the financial pressure to this families over Christmas.
This followed on from donations from club and members to Care Outreach Christmas appeal among others.
Since then we have the flood devastation in QLD and NSW, and the club has responded magnificently with funds raised at the Alex Communities amazing "Christmas at Alex" celebrations and later on at Christmas Eve from the Christmas raffle and BBQ at our mates at Bunnings, and then again last Sunday where the club showed up to raise funds for Rotary (RAWCS) National flood appeal.
And the great news is that Cam and Co. at Bunnings have invited the club to run the BBQ on Saturday 27th January, the day after Australia Day. This can only help even further with much needed donations.
And in news to hand, there is a connection between our amazing Michelle and the Wujal Wujal community through her work with Red Earth and their connection with that community. We're hoping to make a difference "personally" to that community.
The bad news is that for the latest fundraiser there is a clash with the RARE repurposing day scheduled for the club in Brisbane. This was the date where Alex Rotarians were invited to help pack shipping containers in the RARE recycling centre for much needed supplies for the surrounding island communities in our Rotary District. President Tony had previously mentioned to RARE that the club will be discussing what can be done with our limited resources, and the short notice of the RARE invitation.
Stay tuned, but in any event full marks to all the members who have contributed to such a busy Christmas period of fundraising, which continues on the Saturday 27th at Bunnings Maroochydore.
District Governor Visit on Wednesday
Members are reminded that on Wednesday our District Governor will be paying us a visit. So best behaviour please. All members are requested to be at the meeting if possible.
Have we found new editors for the club newsletters?
A certain scribe was frankly amazed to find stories of our club meetings on the internet a few hours after our first meeting of the year on Wednesday. In fact his memory is getting so bad that at first he thought he had penned an amazing article himself and then promptly forgot about it. (That happens a LOT!). Anyway, it turns out that a certain scribe has not completely lost all of his marbles and this article (below) was penned by our guest on Wednesday - JoAnne - who visited us with other guests John & Chris from Carrington at our first meeting of the year.
Thank you JoAnne for such king words and photo's. (Comments on photo's are the editors).
"PP JoAnne was warmly welcomed to the Alexandra Headland Rotary Club breakfast meeting today. It was great to see so many members fronting up early for their first day back in 2024. A very relaxed meeting with an informative presentation on the Rotary Foundation, what it means to be in Australia for a visiting exchange student from Chile, and a visit from a lovely lady currently studying in Goroka PNG. Next week everyone looks forward to a visit from District Governor Paul Roger who will be the guest speaker for the club meeting. #ServiceAboveSelf"
Here is JoAnne and President Tony and President Elect Geoff. Is "rose between two thorns" too unkind?
It was Phillip's turn to give a Rotary minute. It is on the amazing Rotary Foundation and in a break from club tradition we are being treated to one episode a week, to be taken over 4 weeks. Apparently its a GP prescription thing.
...and this pic below explains why President Elect Geoff has been vertically challenged in the above ....this is what was going on with "IT support"
and finally we were delighted to have two visiting young Rotary students, one from PNG and one from Chile as unanounced guest speakers. Both give us great hope for the future.
Andrew Wallace invites club to help build "Stronger Community"
In past years the club has built up a string reputation, and been rewarded by grants from the federally funded "Building Stronger Communities" program. This program has supported and complemented a lot of club projects. During the week an invitation to apply for grants in the program was received.
From the office of Andrew Wallace MP.
I am pleased to advise that the Fisher Expressions of Interest are now open for the 2024 Stronger Communities Grant Program.
Please consult the Grant Opportunity Guidelines for eligibility criteria.
2024 Stronger Communities Program Grants
Amount: Up to $10,000
Applications Due: 5:00pm AEST, Monday 26 February 2024
About the Grant: Please check the Grant Opportunity Guidelines. In previous years, infrastructure upgrades have included renovations for Men’s Sheds, disability access ramps for schools, and security upgrades for surf-lifesaving clubs. Previous equipment upgrades have included tuckshop appliances, storage trailers, and computer hardware.
Sad News - The Board Room Surf Charity closes
In sad news this week, The Board Room Surf Charity advised that it has decided to close its current model after many years of helping the community. In recent years in specifically helping out folks on the coast with disabled kids. Many of the folks that the Board Meeting helped were on NDIS programs who just needed that extra help to make their life bearable. Your club was also happy to support financially and physically over many years.
But congratulations to Guy and Mark and the amazing team who made a difference to so many families, and were really amazing at getting the surfing and business communities in particular to rally round when help was needed. Many of our members will remember spending a few days at "Casey's Yard" in Currimundi where a complete yard was transformed, and also at Mooloolah where a yard was landscaped for a mum and her kids.
Huge fundraising push by club for QLD Flood victims
Following a really, really busy Bunnings BBQ on Christmas Eve, we drew our raffle, or rather the Christmas elf (The amazing Nicola) drew the raffle ...see below
and you will note that our very own Rae turned out to help out despite only having one functioning arm. What a trooper.
And it was especially pleasing to see where first and second prizes of the Christmas raffle went. The first prize of the pop up paddle board went to Phillip and his two little girls will make the most off that prize over the holidays !!
Then second prize, donated by Mooloolaba Cyclezone went to Amanda, who's son had just had his 7th birthday and would now have an extra surprise on Christmas Day...
Last meeting of the year
Unfortunately John L was recovering from Covid and unable to attend his formal induction into the club, but good news, John is well and has volunteered for Sunday's BBQ at Bunnings Maroochydpre.
Fortunately Wendy had the foresight to create a Christmas quiz, which modesty forbids me from noting who won.
We did have the a few other formalities, with Tanya awarding the club, and our very own Naomi, with certificates of appreciation for their work for the community.
Big thanks to Wendy for the Freddie frogs and mince pies.
...and although we had a few missing members we managed to fill up the camera with our club Christmas photo.
Bunnings and Raffle reminders
Big thanks to those who helped out at "Christmas at Alex" and Bunnings at Christmas Eve, and really BIG thanks to those who are turning up on the 14th for more "punishment" .
Many others would have helped had they not had other commitments.
For all members, you will have seen the devastation in Caiirns region, and the club has hurriedly sent off some funds to help, and President Tony has been in touch with Rotary Clubs in the region who are helping their community and has asked them directly what they need.
More details below of what's needed below from our mate Charmaine who has been in touch with her friend Birtle from Bli Bli Castle who has arranged a container of goods to be sent to Cairns with essential needs...
From Birtie...
FNQ and Cairns are in Crisis.
"Act now!
We have a Container in the carpark at the Sunshine Castle - ready to fill and were working on getting it up there ASAP.
What is needed most? Because we want to only take the most crucial items!
We need help to logistically make this work!
Here is what we are accepting:
Bottled Water (a crate from Whites IGA confirmed)
Ready to eat non perishables - for pets too!
Toilet Paper
Nappies
Basic toiletries
Basic Cleaning Products
Basic kitchen Equipment- no breakables or electricals
Torches
Batteries
Basic first aid
Basic Tools
IMPORTANT
We need to pack this container quickly and efficiently and it needs to be transportable.
Please pack everything you are donating in a box and have it ready to go with a label on the outside - stipulating exactly what's inside.
Feel free to send a message of support with your donation ❤️
We cannot accept random - not easily packable items - this is a first response project - efficiency is key. Let's keep it simple and quick. No bulky, electrical or used stuff please...we are even saying no to clothing, toys and furniture!
This can happen in another project and not here.
Castle gates are open from 10am to 4 pm for drop offs.
We currently do not have volunteers or staff to process donations - therefore please help by doing exactly what we ask. We are looking for a few volunteers to help with this. Please private message admin.
We want the container packed by Thursday.
For larger donations in the form of crates etc - pls contact admin to organise.
Gather your troops and do a box together...that would help.
Share and care
Thank you to #Claytonstowing for the very quick help with a container...
This is a work in progress - please understand - as we grow into the process.
Let's get this done Sunny Coast ❤️
Folks say thanks Alex Rotary
The club has had some welcome feedback from the community.
This from Inclusive Kids...
I would like to express gratitude on behalf of the numerous children and youth who are aided by Inclusive Kids throughout the year, especially during the holiday season. Your support plays a crucial role in bringing joy to the disadvantaged kids and young individuals residing on the Sunshine coast. This year, they will experience a different Christmas, one that highlights your generosity and demonstrates the genuine concern of the Sunshine Coast community towards them. Your benevolence is immensely valued, and we extend our warm wishes for a secure and joyful Christmas and New Year to you and your loved ones.
Letitia Bowman ‑ Inclusive Kids
This from Chris Vorbach at Alex SLSC ....
The team are an inspiration to our community.
Wishing you and all at Rotary a very Merry Christmas and an enjoyable New Year.
I look forward to assisting again in 2024.
Kind regards
Chris Vorbach
and this from Urban Angels...
Hello everyone,
Firstly, I must apologise to everyone for only getting to this email now. It’s been a huge couple of weeks for Urban Angels and for me personally.
I just wanted to thank everyone who helped create the wonderful event that was our Christmas Party…it all went very smoothly, like a well-oiled machine! A few of our visitors who didn’t know anyone, told me that our team engaged with them and made them feel very welcome. What a gift! I could commit an entire chapter to talking about every little and big thing that each of our staff and volunteers did to make it all come together. However, I think I would still fail as there are so many contributions you all made that are difficult to quantify.
Similarly, when I think about all we have achieved together collectively this year, what I see is that we are great together. There is immense power in a group of selfless, community minded people coming together for the greater good. We are all so different, and contribute in many different ways, yet there are many things that connect us to each other. We all know intuitively, that we can’t do it without accepting that each individual contributes at their own pace and level that works for them, that our differences are also what makes us strong. This is a great measure of our understanding of what is required to achieve what we do every day. The flexible, collaborative, inclusive way that we all work together in the kitchen; every small or large donation of product, time or money…we all seem to get that it takes all of us to do what we do.
I congratulate all of you once again on an extraordinary year of hard work, fun, laughter and generosity, the impact of which we can probably never really appreciate.
One thing is for certain, you are all doing very important work which creates a sense of community, connection and belonging for 1000’s of people.
We also know that our work is far from over. Who knows what challenges the new year will bring. Whatever they are, I am certain that with the foundations we have built together, we will meet any challenge.
I look forward to continuing this journey with you, with more enthusiasm than ever, in 2024.
I wish you and your loved ones, a very merry Christmas…may you get the opportunity to have a restful and restorative break and I look forward to seeing you again next year.
Yours in the kitchen
Birgit
Our mates at MND have sent us a card...
Rotary Foundation says thanks too...for all those who helped
...and finally a Christmas message from our President
A great time of year to be with family, have fun, celebrate Christmas and holiday season …. And then drag in the new year too!!!
I am sure many of us will break the rules …. Don’t eat and drink too much! That’s what it’s all about!
We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday 10thJanuary when it all starts again.
AGM all over for another year and we've a new board..
The club meeting room looked stunning on Wednesday as the good fairy had been up early decking the halls with Holly/ Rotary pennants. Well done Geoff.
Dave noted the Japanese influence and croquet demon ( Tanya) noted that there was a pennant from her old school district in NSW.
There are hundreds of Rotary club pennants that your club has collected over the years from visitors and guests and on their travels. So a big thanks to all past members who collected them.
and who is in the new board?
Geoff East - our new President
Phillip Gordon - our new secretary
Wendy Gilson - not so new treasurer
Tim Kelsey - our brand new President Elect
Skye Miller - Director and Past President
Ray Burton - Director and another newbie
Monique Kelsey - Director and Newbie
Tony Freeman - current President and long standing club mentor
John Malloy - Director, oldie, Past President, secretary, etc. etc. and club fixture.
At the AGM we ere delighted to meet Lilly Thomas for the first time after Graeme and Wendy had recommended Lilly for the Rotary program.
And here's our President for next year Geoff presenting Lilly with her Alex Coffee cup. We'll see more of Lilly, and before she returns to tell us all about her adventures at NYSF, but because she has already volunteered to help out at Christmas at Alex on Sunday.
Lilly Thomas goes to NYSF with Alex Rotary support
Rotary Exchange Students come to Visit
And continuing with the youth theme at the AGM we were delighted to welcome Bernie and Peter and the Youth Exchange students from the district at our Wednesday meeting.
Here is former Rotary Youth Exchange Student Fiona Simpson, receiving a thank you certificate.
yo
..and here are the Youth Exchange Students all set for their year of adventure with Rotary families overseas.
Lilly Thomas NYSF student, Mountain Creel School Captain
President Tony and Craig and a certain scribe attended the Urban Angels catch up where we heard of the amazing work that our mate Birgit and Matt the chef and their amazing team have been doing through the year.
And it is truly amazing that in this beautiful part of the world this group have created 200,000 meals for the community in 2023. Amazing that we have such wonderful folks in the community who do this work and their volunteer team, and also on te other side of the coin, you've got to ask "we live in a great country, what can we do to help?)
Here's Birgit with ourselves and Vicki Stewart from Mooloolaba Rotary.
Thank you Birgit for the invitation and the fantastic work you and your team do in the community.
Your clubs lends a hand at Christmas to much needed IFYS Sunshine Coast Community Program
Alex Rotary has continued its tradition of helping out those folks who are helping others in the community.
Club members have helped Care outreach Christmas programs and others, and this week the club donated 20 X $200 Woolies Vouchers to IFYS for their Inclusive kids program.
Readers of My Weekly Preview will have seen Paul Morton's article in the paper and read about the crisis that cost of living is wreaking on the community.
In the past the club has helped with popcorn machine as Christmas parties for those carers and kids in care, and Christmas boxes and the like, but this year the most direct help we can give (as we know from similar donation of gift cards to Care Outreach) is to donate cards and let the donors use the card as they wish.
Big thanks to all the members who helped with the fundraising.
Alex Rotary donates 200 gift cards to Inclusive Kids - See MWP and Paul Morton's article
Saturday morning working bee for Geoff, Graeme, Craig and John
On Saturday we were delighted to help out Kirsty and the Okinja Early Leaning Centre at Buhk park with our donation of our BBQ trailer so that the folks could enjoy a BBQ with their face painting and magic show.
Here's Graeme and Craig sharing a joke. Geoff and John were busy working.
Reluctantly Gary handed over the Rotary Necklace to our very own vet, Bill Bradley in 2010. Bill has only been in the role for a few months and nothing disastrous has happened yet so we gather he’s going to be alright. Bill loves a great dog insemination or a cat dissection story and is also especially fond of his acronyms such as: ADR, BIP, DSH, EDUD, PPP and QOL (ask him to explain them). He has other favourites which cannot be shared in this company.
We have lost lot of good members over the years (for various work and personal reasons), however, we were very fortunate to have some great people join our club. People such as:
♦ Bob Critchley
♦ Kerryn Parry
♦ Marie Benvenuti
♦ Mark McArdle (now in politics with the LNP)
♦ Fernand Michot
♦ Dale Osbourne
♦ Les Ross
♦ Don Ryan
♦ Pat Ryan
♦ Takeo Sakiyama
♦ Greg Schnell
♦ Bob Sparks
♦ Charlie Summers
♦ Russell Thompson
♦ Bjorg Thor
♦ Alan Tudman
♦ Jeff Underwood
♦ Phil Smart
♦ Tony Parker and
♦ David Coleman
These were all great workers and unfortunately no longer members of our little Club. However, we have been extremely lucky over the past 10 years to have obtained some fantastic people. The following are not charter members but we are lucky enough to call them fellow friends and members:
♦ Denys Alt (the paddle pop stick man)
♦ Bill Bradley (current President)
♦ Bill Brereton (bulletin editor)
♦ Prue Byrnes (our very colourful and wonderful dry cleaner)
♦ Andrew Conroy
♦ Geoff Davies
♦ Colleen Dunn (Nurse and hard worker. Thanks for your efforts over the years Colleen as
Community Director, organising the Clean Up Aust Days, Mooloolaba Triathlons etc, and on top of
that, you are a recent mother)
♦ Nigel Fairbairn (school principal)
♦ Carmel Hulett
♦ John Kenny (treasurer)
♦ Gary Lynch
♦ Bob Murdoch (punter, plonk lover and purveyor of jokes)
♦ Sue Quinn
♦ Brian Robinson (ex pilot)
♦ Bob Thompson (BBQ cooking legend) and
♦ Alan Walter (ex Westpac manager).
These people combined with our six surviving Charter Members – Chris, David, Peter, Owen, Trevor and myself, make us what we are today.
Suffice to say that the RC of AH has had a colourful history in its 10 short years. Members have come and gone, leaving around 25 members of various backgrounds and personalities. The same can be said for the Presidents who have ruled over the ten years. Each has imparted their own slant on the club and I believe we are all richer for it.
Even though the motto of Rotary is “Service above Self”, I genuinely believe that it’s the people within the club who help make it what it is and what you can indeed get out of it. People who come to our meetings and are in the company of our members are always surprised to find how friendly and down to earth we are. We all enjoy each other’s company whilst working amongst and for the community to help make it a better place.
Where we will be in another 10 years we can only guess. I hope that we have the same close knit bunch of people involved with the club that we do now and we continue to function happily ever after...."Scott B"
Alan Walter - 2011
Bob Thompson - 2012
Sue Quinn - 2013
Prue Byrnes - 2014
Peter Darnell - 2015
Peter Darnell - 2016
John Malloy - 2017
Mike Storkey - 2018
Tony Freemen/ Mike Storkey/ Carmel Hulett/ Wendy Gilson - 2019
It's approaching the club's 25th Anniversary so here's a very potted history of our club, stolen from past president and local media celebrity Scott Brimelow's 10 year reflection at th e10 year dinner ...
I was asked to put together a “History of the Alexandra Headland Rotary Club”. This was not an easy task, as although I was indeed a Charter Member, there are not many records available to delve back into the club’s history. Therefore, the following recount of the things that have occurred over the past ten years may not have actually happened. This has been done to protect the innocent, shame the guilty and of course, to provide entertainment value. This is my account....
Chris Baker - Founding President
His inner sanctum was formed and included Marie Benventui (Secretary) and Kerryn Parry (Treasurer).
On the night of formation of the club Celebrations were long and hard. His gang of merry men and women included:
♦ David Aiken
♦ Peter Andrews
♦ Chris Baker
♦ Marie Bienvenuti
♦ Scott Brimelow
♦ Kevin Clark
♦ Anita Corbet
♦ Bob Critchley
♦ John Fear
♦ Mark McCardle
♦ Brad McDonald
♦ Dale Osbourne
♦ Kerryn Parry
♦ Pat Ryan
♦ Greg Schnell
♦ Owen Scott
♦ Trevor Smith
♦ Bob Sparks
♦ Charlie Summers
♦ Norm Townsend
♦ Bernard Tully
♦ Rolf Weigand
♦ David Woodrow
A wide variety of vocations were covered: Bankers, Teachers, Architects, Car Salesmen, Lawyers, Builders, Real Estate Agents and Rocket Scientists to name a few.
And off they went amongst the community, doing good for the fellow townsfolk. Then something disasterous happened, Chris was cast out from his employment, and was left no choice but to head to the really big smoke of Brisbane in the vain home of establishing a life for himself (a search for his very own Maid Marion perhaps).
The club was in turmoil, but never fear, our very own Trevor (Friar Tuck) Smith stepped up to the task and took over the President role from Chris for the remainder of the Rotary Year. Trevor was a hard working architect and was very community minded. He would ensure that the club would continue doing the good deeds that were promised.
Trevor led us when the club was resident in the bowels of the Alex Surf Club, we had since moved from the Horton Golf Club. Times were good and we had approx 25 members. Meetings were enjoyable mostly thanks to Charlie Summers and his great jokes (sometimes falsified) as the Seargant at Arms. However, there was always a dark side to the club around these times – there were a lot of New Zealand members! Rolf Weigand of course was our resident German member.
Thanks mostly to Bernard Tully, John Fear, David Aiken and Kevin Clark, there was always banter between club members around Bledisloe Cup time. Rivalry was fierce, and a second all Kiwi Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland was almost born, except for the fact that Trevor stepped in and calmed things down. He always had that calming way about him, Trevor. A few of the members nicknamed him “BP – The Quiet Achiever”.
Then disaster struck, Bernard was killed in a motor vehicle accident in Noosa. Club members were shaken. Around the time, we had formed a relationship with the Street Angels, an organization that helped provided support for kids on the streets late at night around the coast. We had a trailer built and donated to the Street Angels in memory of Bernard and his efforts for the club.
David Woodrow - 2001 Trevor’s time was up as fill in President, and David Woodrow took over in 2001. David was a past member of Maroochydore, so the newer club members were hesitant to befriend him at first, thinking he was a “plant” by the Sherriff of Maroochydore. But it turned out that David was right behind the new club, and he set out on his own quest.
One day David woke up in a pool of sweat, his heart racing. He had dream. He at once set out to find out everything there was to know about the Energex Resuce Helicopter service. Over the next few years there was no club he would not visit to extol the virtues of signing up on your electricity bill to help support the service. He visited Rotary Clubs, Apex Clubs, Probus Clubs, Golf Clubs, Bowls Clubs, nightclubs, Gay Clubs and even those clubs that are only spoke out in private between ex servicemen. He was our very own Pied Piper. David would prance into the clubs, show off a presentation and as though under a spell, the members would hand over small and large amounts of cash to him. Needless to say, the presentations continue today under the AGL banner, and it’s one of the club’s most successful fund raising ventures, with over $100 000 given to the Rescue Helicopter since inception.
Members came and went under the rule of David and the club shifted to the Headland Golf Club. The death of Bernard did see some of our Kiwi brothers leave the club, but as always, there was a great core of members working in the background. Chris had even returned from Brisbane, where his search for his very own Maid Marion proved fruitless. He set up his own company and commenced legal work (thieving from the rich and the poor this time).
We also commenced our Pride of Workmanship award dinners and these have been a shining light for both Rotary in general, but particularly for recognition for hard and valued workers amongst our community. Many thanks must go to all of our Vocational Directors over the years who have worked in conjunction with other club members to make these nights a success. People like John Fear, Carmel, Gary, Prue, Colleen and Bob Murdoch to name but a few.
Chris Baker - 2002 At the end of the 01/02 Rotary Year, Chris was ready to give it another go as President, this time for the full year. The club was happy and many activities were now forming part of the AHRC’s roles, namely:
Vocational Visits
Clean Up Australia days.
Social BBQ’s at the Alex beach
Youth Activities such as Rotary Exchange Students, RYLA.
Pride of Workmanship awards nights
Fifth Friday social functions
Participation in numerous Charity Golf Days throughout the region.
John Fear even organized a Sunshine Coast Rotary Club “Blood Bank” challenge and took the club to many sites were we had breakfast then donated our blood. I think John was not only a Kiwi, but a close vampire.
The trailer was back in our hands again and thanks to David Woodrow, was fitted out with a BBQ. We were now able to take our vision to the public. We started cooking BBQ’s at various events such as:
The Row for Cancer (held every year in Sept for the Wishlist Foundation)
The Mooloolaba Seafood Festival
One off events in the community.
Bunning’s weekend days (where we still hold the record for selling the most sausages in one day –
90kgs). We also learnt a lot about Bob Thompson’s cooking techniques on one of the days. Suffice to say, that I’ve never seen a man burn a sausage in so many different ways. We also had our current Bulletin Editor, Bill Brereton join the club from this event, enquiring about us. He remarked on how friendly we were to each other and also how hard and black the sausages were. I’m sure Bill joined just so he could show Bob a thing or two!
Who could ever forget Tony Parker standing beside the BBQ under the Deck restaurant at the Spit for the Seafood Festival? It was freezing cold and the poor bugger was by himself trying to keep up with demand. Tony was one of the nicest guys you could meet (for a Pommy) and was a hard worker in the club, filling the position of secretary on a number of occasions. He was also a real estate agent (we’ve had a few of those in our time) and a great mate of everyone’s. Tony passed away in Aug 2007, and we have a seat at the top of Alexandra Headland dedicated to him. He is sadly missed.
In his time as President for the second time, Chris did actually find his Maid Marion in Brenda. She was a school teacher, was fit, good looking and intelligent. What they had in common we will never know? The relationship flourished and they eventually married and had two wonderful kids. Brenda continues to be the better looking and fitter of the pair, and still holds the record for the fastest run leg for our Mooloolaba Triathlon team. Something that we have let Chris forget easily!
Peter Andrews - 2003 Peter Andrews was a fellow Charter Member and wore the Rotary Necklace in 2003. In a previous life, he was a corporate type who spent most of his working life in Asia, particularly Hong Kong. In fact, he still frequents the region as he has many friends, family and business associates living here. Peter’s line of work was elevators - the design, installation and maintenance of elevators in large multi-storey buildings. How did Peter became involved in this line of work? One day, as a little boy, Peter had come home from school and arrived to greet his mother early (usually Peter was in detention and he was very quick witted and his sarcasm got him in lots of trouble with the
teachers). His mother was short of milk so asked Peter to visit the local shop. On his way, he was met by a man, who talked him into buying some “magic beans”.
Peter took the beans but when he arrived home with no milk or money and only a hand full of beans, his angry mother threw the worthless beans out the window and sent him to bed without supper for his foolishness.
As Peter slept, the beans germinated in the soil, and by morning a gigantic beanstalk grew in their place. When Peter saw the huge beanstalk, he immediately decided to climb it. He arrived in a land high up in the clouds that happened to be the home of a giant. When he broke into the giant's castle, the giant quickly sensed a human was near and chased him down the beanstalk.
However, as Peter escaped from the castle, he took a bag of gold coins with him, vowing never to return. Before his mother found out, he chopped the beanstalk down and from that day forward he dreamed of once again visiting the land in the sky. Thinking that there was a better way to visit the land in the sky, the elevator business was a particular interest to him and he worked towards his dream.
I have grave doubts as to whether or not this story is factual, but this was the account he gave me when I asked. I think he shouldn’t have experimented with those mushrooms during his years at the University of Hard Knocks.
One of our early club distinctions was to have many Youth projects. Our first Rotary Youth Exchange student, Majella Daniels (was a daughter of Greg Daniels, one of our members at the time and senior policeman), went to Germany, and we have hosted a German exchange student, Mark Hohnhaus. Other exchange students were Enni-kukka Tuomala from Finland; Andrew Baker, who went to Germany; and Cassandra Dickens who went to Canada in 2005.
We have developed strong commitments to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) and have sent many outstanding young people to the course over the years. Of course there are other Youth programs like the Siemens Science Program, the National Youth Science Forum and also locally where we were involved with the Sunshine Coast University mentoring and helping year 9 students.
It was also around this time when population and urban development was a hot topic on the Sunshine Coast. Our member at the time, David Coleman was deeply involved with ideas and planning for 2025 and beyond. He was a cattle farmer from Gympie and was passionate about planned development. We can all remember he big bandy legs that looked like he had just gotten off his horse. Sadly David moved to Caloundra, became a member of their club and passed away soon after.
As we all know Peter is a highly organised individual, and he had the club running like clockwork in his year. His current vocation is Leisure Management, and we can all remember the inspirational talk he gave the club on his current activities. I don’t know where he has the time to do anything?!!
Peter handed the Rotary Necklace over to Russell Thompson in 2004. This was a difficult time in the history of the club as it was quite a task to find anyone to step into the role as President. Russell had been a President before at Woombye Sunrise before he transferred to Alexandra Headland.
Russell was an interesting character to say the least. He grew up in the country the youngest of 5 children, 4 girls and himself. His childhood revolved around school, the farm and rugby league. Being the youngest he was constantly annoyed by his sisters, and they continuously fought over who got to dress him up. Many occasions involved Russell being dressed up in girls and women’s clothing as his sisters played tea parties and the like.
Of course the rest of the boys in town heard about the dress up and Russell was teased amongst his fellow male friends. It was only when, after an interschool league game, Russell found the coach of the team wearing women’s underwear, did the teasing stop. They came to an agreement that day and the coach set to it to ensure none of the other boys picked on Russell, otherwise the coach’s secret would be known. He grew up as quite a talented fullback for his local league teams, until when he was in his early twenties, had a terrible knee injury that ended his promising career.
Russell’s leadership style was direct and to the point, very much in the style how he dealt with people. He was a favourite amongst the females in the club, and we were sad to see Russell eventually leave to return to Woombye Sunrise. He achieved a Rotary Citation in his year, as all of the goals that he set out at the start of his year were achieved.
It was also in Russell’s year that our first Paul Harris Fellow award was given to one of our own members. David Woodrow was the receiptant of this prestigious award for his long term achievements within our club and previous work within the local community.
Also in the year, we commenced our annual Xmas raffle, thanks largely to the work put into it by Gary Lynch. The raffle has proved a big success and our major source of income over the years. It is also an advertising front for Dixon Homes and occasionally, Gary even managed to obtain a few phone numbers on unsuspecting available female members of the public! We think the last female “friend” was a bit of a bunny boiler so that’s the main reason he has “stepped back” a bit this year. Might have something to do with the restraining order hey Gary?
It was also in this year that a few of the members of the club decided to compete in the Mooloolaba Triathlon to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation. This was chosen as Charlie Summer’s son was diagnosed with the condition and it was a worthy cause. We were also asked to provide volunteers to the event and this has lead to a long term relationship between our club and USM Events, providing helpers for the Gear Tent on the event day. How can we ever forget the looks on the faces of Bob Murdoch and Geoff Davies (to name a few) when these fit, young and athletic women would start to undress in front of them? With the heart issues Geoff has had, we nearly had to call for an ambulance!
For the inaugural event, Chris Byrnes (Prue’s better and much less colourful half) completed the 1.5km swim, Scott pedalled 40km on the bike and Chris Baker ran the 10km. We set a World Record for Rotary Clubs and raised approximately $10 000 for the Leukaemia Foundation. This would be the start of something....
Early year since we have fielded the same team in the event, except of course when Chris pulled the pin a couple of weeks out and got Brenda to take his place. Lucky too as she has managed to record the fastest run leg to date. I don’t know how he lives with himself, having his wife beat him like that! In 2010, for the first time, we had a team that comprised of all members of the club – Scott swam, Gary rode his bike and Chris ran. An amazing achievement given the training required to complete such an event.
Trevor Smith - 2005
Trevor again took over as President after Russell in 2005, but this time he was in the position for the full year. Trevor is a quiet and unassuming person who is a bit like rust – never seems to stop working. He has been a terribly hard worker and very important part of our Rotary club, filling various roles from secretary, bulletin editor, president and photographer. Our last photographer, Takeo Sakiyama took hundreds of photos for the club over many years (that’s what the Japanese do), however, we could never find out where they went. Takeo was really into his golf and was instrumental in bringing many golfing businessmen out to the coast as well as finding places for Japanese students. Takeo left the club (along with his photos) and has since moved back to Japan.
But back to Trevor. When he was a boy growing up in Brisbane, his father gave him a Kodak Bulls-Eye #2 for his 12th birthday, and his passion for photography was born. Trevor spent the next 5 years photographing everything he could see. He was especially fond of buildings and perhaps this is where his love of architecture was born.
On a holiday down to the Gold Coast when he was 18, Trevor (who never went anywhere without his trusty camera), discovered girls on the beach in bikinis (and the occasional topless one). There wasn’t enough film in the camera to stop him! These days he would be locked up, but that didn’t deter Trevor who set about combining his love of buildings with his love of the female shape.
Trevor’s passion of photography (and the female shape) continues today and he supplies most of the photos to the bulletin editor and also to the webmaster Owen, for our meetings and Rotary events. Occasionally they might receive one of Trevor’s self portraits with his shirt off, but that’s just to keep the boys on their toes.
Trevor is also the leader of the group of men within our club who are too tall for their hair. This club includes illustrious members such as – Geoff Davies, Gary Lynch and Bob Murdoch. They keep saying that it’s a solar panel for a sex machine, but I wonder what happens when the sun’s not out????
Trevor was a wonderful President and kept the club running smoothly. He quietly spoken nature and hard working ideals were just what the club needed to consolidate its member numbers for this period.
Geoff Davies - 2006
Geoff Davies took over the reins from Trevor in 2006, which is an apt term, as Geoff is a horse man. Geoff was born in country Victoria in 1939 and has had a special relationship with horses since he was a toddler growing up on the family’s cattle property. As a youngster he won stacks of pony club awards and also did his share of breaking in horses. Leaving school at 15, he moved to Geelong to start his riding apprenticeship and after riding 60 winners in less than 10 months he moved on to the Melbourne where success followed him. Wins in the Maiden Stakes aboard Hoof Harted and in the Roy Higgins Cup riding Whykickamoocow in 1959 signalled that a special horseman had arrived on the scene.
However, just as Geoff’s career was starting to take off, tragedy struck. When he slipped from his mount in torrential rain on a racetrack in Moonee Valley in June 1960 the initial medical verdict pointed to an abrupt ending to his career. When he crashed to the turf, Geoff suffered two breaks in his neck that could very easily have led to life in a wheelchair. But the prompt action of a crack medical team and one of the world’s top neurosurgeons enabled Geoff to make a partial recovery and after six months in a neck brace amazingly he was back at the track. Sadly his riding career was over partly due to a dodgy neck, and partly due to the fact the he was riding horses carrying 85kg!
He then tried his luck playing AFL for his beloved Collingwood, but even though Geoff had an aura about him due to his high profile riding career as Victoria’s largest jockey, he just couldn’t cut the mustard. Coaches at the time told Geoff to go away and work on his, fitness, handling, kicking, marking, running and game knowledge. But besides that, he was a star in the making.
Geoff was shattered but to this day still supports his beloved Magpies and realised a dream earlier this year when years of abuse from his mates was finally brushed away when Collingwood won the AFL flag. Geoff has had some heart issues over the years, but now is back on his feet and a valuable member of our club. He is also the current President of the Horton Park Golf club, the number 2 rated club on the coast.
In Geoff’s time as President we consolidated our regular Rotary events and even commenced with supporting the Row for Cancer charity event with our BBQ trailer.
Scott Brimelow - 2007
In 2007, Scott became our 7th President at a time when the club was going through some changes. We shifted location to the Headland Bowls Club. It was interesting times at the Bowls Club as they always seem to want to cut the grass on the greens at the same time our guest speaker started talking!
We also had a different Changeover Dinner at the Envy restaurant which was enjoyed by all (except the older members of the club who wanted to sit down). Scott set about achieving his goals for the club as well as consolidating the regular club events, not bad for the youngest of our club members.
Scott grew up on the Gold Coast, the eldest of two brothers. It was clear at an early age that he was both highly intelligent and a gifted athlete. He attended Labrador State primary school where he was captain of the cricket, rugby league and swimming teams. He was also a leader amongst his peers and excelled in schoolwork, particularly in mathematics.
This trend continued though high school until eventually he entered university studying engineering. Not a bad achievement given he came from a poor family. His father used to work at the sand mines on the Gold Coast and slaved away for most of Scott’s childhood. The family struggled by and a regular diet of dripping on bread, which was all they could afford. Scott would walk 10km to school and back every day, carrying his little brother on his back as he had a deformed foot. He regularly woke up an hour before he went to bed, as he had to help his mother with chores around the house, before setting off for school.
Once graduated, Scott moved to the Sunshine Coast and commenced employment. Scott’s wife Simone worked with Chris Baker and it was then he was drafted into the club to be one of the Charter Members, and still the youngest member of the club. His talent and intellect were obvious to Chris from day one. Scott has since held many positions within the club, not the least being Chief Stirrer. During his time in the club he has managed to father two adorable children, Grace (3) and Jude (1).
In fact, in the 10 years of the club’s history, we have managed to produce a positive population result. Scott has 2 children along with Chris (Chelsea and Ben Baker) and Colleen (Rhianna), whilst we have lost Tony Parker, Dave Coleman and Bernard Tully.
Carmel Hulett - 2008
In 2008, the Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland went through a major change and a woman took the top job. Next thing you know they will be able to vote! Carmel Hulett a former teacher from Sienna College, daughter of Eddie DeVere (ex Maroochy Mayor) and first cousin to Kevin Rudd, became our 9th President.
Carmel’s style was typical of a school teacher, and she would commonly “lecture” the class/club with Rotary information and how we were to conduct ourselves at upcoming events. How such stern words and actions came out of such a little person, no one will know (well perhaps her husband Tom does)! Carmel generally takes no crap and we achieved all of the goals in her year that she desired.
She must have been a hit with the kids at school, as it doesn’t matter where we seem to go with our Rotary club, past (and present) students will address her and have a friendly chat. Carmel is also heavily involved with the Stella Maris Catholic Parish here on the Sunshine Coast. I was talking with Father Joe one day when I asked of Carmel. He let out a huge belly laugh and told me the following story that happened a few years back...
After the Prayers of the Faithful one day, Father Joe asked if anyone in the congregation would like to express praise for answered prayers. Carmel stood and walked to the podium. She said, "I have a praise. Two months ago, my husband, Tom, had a terrible bicycle accident and his scrotum was completely crushed. The pain was excruciating and the doctors didn't know if they could help him."
You could hear a muffled gasp from the men in the congregation as they imagine the pain that poor Tom must have experienced. "Tom was unable to hold me or our grandson," she went on, "and every move caused him terrible pain. We prayed as the doctors performed a delicate operation, and it turned out they were able to piece together the crushed remnants of Tom's scrotum, and wrap wire around it to hold it in place."
Again, the men in the congregation cringed and squirmed uncomfortably as they imagined the horrible surgery performed on Tom. "Now," she announced in a quivering voice, "thank the Lord, Tom is out of the hospital and the doctors say that with time, his scrotum should recover completely."
All the men sighed with unified relief. Father Joe then rose and tentatively asked if anyone else had something to say. A man stood up and walked slowly to the podium. He said, "I'm Tom Hulett." The entire congregation held its breath. "I just want to tell my wife the word is sternum."
Carmel did a wonderful job in her year as President, and even gave up teaching permanently to do it. She is now permanently on holidays and dotes over her one and only Grandson.
Gary Lynch - 2009
At a Changeover night in Chris Baker’s shed, one of our hardest working members, Gary Lynch wore the Rotary Necklace with pride and his year began. Gary was a popular member of the club, and his social life is played out almost every week at Rotary meetings, due to his quest to find another female mate. He is generally the brunt of many jokes amongst the males and gains much sorrow from the female members.
Gary had a relaxed style as President and preferred to be “hands on” rather than the showy prancing around stuff that is expected of presidents. During his time at the club, Gary earned the nickname Toaster (as he seemed to pop up everywhere). He has worked tirelessly on the Xmas trailer raffle over the years and selflessly gives his time to club events (probably as he has no other social life to think of).
You wouldn’t know it but Gary is relatively fit, swimming most days in the Mooloolaba bay. He also went through a phase of running and bike riding and completed the bike leg of the triathlon in 2010. This all came to an end when he knees finally blew out, a result of an old sports injury.
When Gary was growing up in the leafy Brisbane suburb of Mt Gravatt, he was a relatively good swimmer. He did little training through primary school though still managed to achieve good results such as aged champion at his school. Entering high school he knew he would have to enter a squad to become more competitive. He started training 3 mornings a week at his local pool under the watchful eye of his coach, Chuck Stevens.
Swimming came naturally to Gary and he excelled in many strokes, none better than breaststroke. By the time he was 15, Gary was the Qld 50 and 100m champion. However, Gary was hiding a secret from his coach. Most afternoons Gary was attending rhythm gymnastics classes not only to help his flexibility, but he was very keen on a girl in the class. It wasn’t until Grade 11, did Chuck find out about Gary’s other passion. By a strange twist of fate, Chuck (Gary’s swimming coach) was also a past synchronised swimming coach and it was natural that he saw Gary’s talent.
Reluctantly Gary was talked into trying out the sport, commonly known as Water Ballet. To everyone’s surprise except Chuck, Gary was exceptional at it, combining his big kick from his breaststroke training with his grace and flexibility from the gymnastics. In the ensuing months, Gary had won both the regional, state and national titles in the Boys Solo categories. There was nothing stopping him.
Gary was hitting the peak of his form and deep in training for the upcoming World Titles in Orlando, Florida, USA. Then tragedy struck. During practice, he was in the middle of his championship routine
under the watchful eye of Chuck, when one of his big eggbeater kicks went horribly wrong. Gary had dislocated his kneecap.
Panic ensued and the verdict crushed him. His synchro career was over. The leg could not sustain that type of pressure again and he would have to give it away. Gary was shattered. After months of moping around, Gary completed high school and entered the work force with a feeling of what could have been.
His knee was never the same. To this day, he still believes he could have won that world title. The other interesting fact about Gary is he claims that seahorses are a good luck charm and wears one around his neck at all times - this reminds him of when he first started to love the sport as he swam in a seahorse routine in his first water show.
During Gary’s year we also inducted a few new members – Sue Quinn, Dennis Alt and Bob Thompson to name a few. The club continued with its regular community events – Row for Cancer, Xmas trailer raffle and Clean Up Australia.
Gary was introduced to the club by Rolf Weigand as they had meet whilst both working in businesses at Alexandra Headland. Rolf could see that Gary had a heart of gold and would be keen to give back to the community. Gary thought it would be a good way to “meet chicks”.
Erin & Steve from Brightwater pay the club a visit
Wednesday's guest speakers were Erin and Steve from Brightwater School, and we were treated to some amazing videos of Brightwater School, and Star TV by 3 young Brightwater students destined for a career in media by all accounts.
Regular readers will know that following a suggestion from Anisha, other members we started to reach out for a school breakfast club project.
Next thing you know our amazing Past President Skye has it all in hand and things have now progressed with our support for the school's Bike Project led by Steve on Wednesdays and Fridays at the school.
The plan is to build on the success of the bike program and then the breakfast club later. The club looks forward to being a part of that.
The breakfast club is in the planning and forming stage, so stay tuned as we stand ready to support this project .....which is something that Erin tells us will be very welcome with todays busy lives and cost of living pressures.... in making sure that the kids are all fuelled up for the start of their school lessons.
Naomi's soiree delivers the goods
Also at the meeting Naomi and her mates from Woods Real Estate and Alex Community Association filled us in on the success of the "Soiree" at the opening of their precinct on 6th avenue in Maroochydore. There was a big turnout of the event, and a lot of Rotarians, as well as our honorary member Fiona Simpson MP..... so what could be more natural than having a raffle?
Well, the good news is that the raffle made over $1,000 for the Alex Headland community, and Naomi split the receipts between the 2 clubs, knowing that the funds will be put to good use in Alex.
President Tony, Naomi, Phil from Woods Property Agents, and Rhonda from Alex Community association, who many members will know from the "Christmas At Alex" celebrations.
PS. Sharp eyed readers will notice that Naomi's spell checker doesn't kick in at 4 am..doh!
BIG thank you Naomi and Phil, you're champions!!
Flying Fish Swim school - Club offers spots to kids
After discussions with Scott at Flying Fish swim school in Maroochydore, the club is offering a limited number of complementary sponsorships to "intensive" swim school camps during the Christmas holidays.
These sponsorships are from your clubs Solstice Swim proceeds, and the courses on offer are designed to help mums and dads who otherwise would not be able to put their kids through a learn to swim program at a swim school.
BOSS Contracting coming to club
BOSS contracting are our latest corporate members and will be joining us as guest speakers at our next meeting.
Folks will remember that Trina and John came along to our breakfast meeting a few weeks back and said that they were looking for a way to engage with the community through a club.
We are happy to oblige and already the team at BOSS have contributed to our Young Parents Centre makeover in Maroochydore.
Craig returns from Thailand in time to pick up a few jobs
This is the facial expression you have when you find out that Treasurer Wendy has dobbed you in for several jobs while you were swanning about on holiday in northern Thailand.
..and who knew the the Chicken Dance was also the Thai national haka?
Good onya Craig, or should it be Wendy?
Pride of Workmanship contact reaches out to club
Your club has been approached by Cheryl Giles who members met at our last Pride of Workmanship dinner. Cheryl has been overseas to the Sherwood tea plantation in Sri Lanka and has asked the club if we can help some of the 30 families who live and work there with the provision of shoes and raincoats.
That request was well received and a we'll be seeing what we can do there.
Thank you Cheryl (from Grill'd burgers) for thinking of us.
Equine Assisted Learning
Your club has also been contacted by Caroline who works between Maroochy State High School and Nambour Special School.
Caroline has been involved with Equine Therapy for kids for the past 11 years. The venue that she now works from offers ARCH programs is at Equine Connection and Direction in Eumundi.
Folks might be aware that Mooloolaba Rotary also sponsor kids in this area, so we're checking in with them, and will see what we can do.
Stay tuned.
Latest Coffee Catch Up Roster - and don't forget the selfie
"no selfie?..... then it didn't happen".. Kym Kardashian
Alex Rotary Club is changing ....our internet address
There's moves afoot in your club to improve our digit footprint. (a certain scribe isn't exactly sure what that is, but throws it into every conversation whether relevant or not).
So Tim K and a certain scribe has reached out to stakeholders, in this case Sunshine Coast Council and Rotary District webmaster hoping that both will have an interest in helping your club reach and help others.
Big thanks to Tim for leading this, and also Ray B who has put his hand up to help too.
So shortly you'll notice that AlexandraRotary.com will be changing to www.AlexRotary.com.au
This should help search queries where a certain scribe gets emails from Egypt (Alexandria) and nearer to home Alexandra Hills...and also we're looking at best practice in websites and digital foot prints (sic) from other Rotary Clubs.
Foot notes (pun intended)
Special mention to those readers who added to the clubs contribution to the club's Care Outreach Christmas drive, and as mentioned the additional personal donations from members to top up the clubs contribution and direct donations from members and friends were very very welcome. BIG thanks.
Did anyone notice?
A certain scribe missed our resident headmaster in Wednesday, as he was sure at least one person would have noticed the humour is last weeks newsletter..Not one comment, except that there was some relieved members that there were no more Aussie jokes. Sensitive souls.
So can anyone recall the hilarious heading that went as a form of paronomasia with the photo below?...
"Pearls before the proverbial" come to mind. At least Anthony liked one of the funnies.
What is Rotary Doing in Australia?
Have a read..click on the image to see what Rotary Foundation is all about..
Brightwater, Alex Community Association, Chicken Dance and club new digital footprint
Care Outreach Christmas donation - well done everyone
The club welcomed old friends Bill and Melissa at our last meeting and it was great to see them arrive in the "old" donated 4WD and receive a great bunch of Christmas gift donations.
We received an update from Bill, and it's always great to hear of the work that Care outreach volunteers do in the community, even if some of the stories are very sad. As Bill said, the main thing is to show that someone cares and that you are there to listen.
Bill related a story before Care Outreach was started where he visited a cattle property 200Km off the main road, and the folks on the property had seen no-one for 2 YEARS....and thats a small snapshot of what Care Outreach means to folks outback.
Unfortunately the mental health problems are still there and we heard of 3 recent suicides.
So well done Care Outreach and the club is honoured and humble to maintain our friendship with such a great organisation.
Treasurer Wendy donated $600 on behalf of the club and a further $450 was donated directly from the very generous members at the meeting. That will all go to a great cause, and of course you can make direct donations on the Care Outreach Website. https://careoutreach.com.au/
and here's some words from President Tony from Melissa....any additional gifts can be taken to the Care Outreach office, Opp Shop and warehouse at 35 Dacmar Rd, Coolum (in the industrial area off the Coolum Yandina Rd).
At the moment they are concentrating on their Christmas in the Bush programme and will accept Christmas gifts; just remember to identify anything as being from Alex Rotary. (They are not accepting gifts of general merchandise and clothing at the moment.) If anything extra is brought to Rotary next week, I will take it to Care Outreach.
If you’re visiting them, spare a few minutes to check out their Opp Shop! You would be surprised at some of the household and technology items as well as some furniture and garden tools that they have for sale at very reasonable prices.
Brightwater - Graeme goes for a jaunt
Graeme did us all proud last week when he went to the recycle centre (aka "The dump") and spied a whole bunch of bikes that he thought would be ideal for the Bikie Brightwater Project as it will be now known as.
No sooner had Graeme mentioned this to Steve at Brightwater and he was there at the centre to receive them and drive off in the van to Brightwater School. Perfect timing all round as the school was looking for 6 bikes to open the project and now has enough to get the project off the ground.
It's early days, and we're not sure how the project will go, the club has done well with donations, stands, tools etc., and stands ready to help keep it going. A special mention to our mate Les Walsh, from our old satellite club who also offered to help out. Thanks Les, we'll be in touch if / when we have the next call out.
Steve with the bikes. If you look really really closely, I think that is media tart President Elect Geoff in the front seat.
Skye's visitors
Here's Norbert and Sigrid, with their exchange student, Past President Skye.
Skye's "host" parents arrived from Germany last Friday for a visit. They will be doing lots of exploring whilst on the Sunshine Coast before they head over to NZ to see one of their other past exchange students. Skye had an "Open Haus" for everyone to come on meet Norbert and Sigrid Reichhold.
Bunnings BBQ..another invite to BBQ and raise community fund...but guess when?
A BIG thanks to Maroochydore Bunnings for putting Alex Rotary back on the BBQ volunteers pool, so soon after our efforts last month. And wouldn't you know it, our number came up again...and in a bit of a shock..it's on Christmas Eve.
So not sure how we'll go for volunteers, but I'm sure everyone who can will help and will put their shoulder to the wheel. President Tony has offered to make up some mulled wine, (not sure Bunnings is licensed?) and maybe a Santa.
I'm sure the club will come up with a good cause for the BBQ proceeds ....but whatever community cause it's for.... It will be very welcome at this time of year.
Open Day at Young Parents Centre - Dateclaimer for you
To celebrate the recent renovations at the Young Parents centre an Open Day is being held on Monday 20th November.
The club will be running a BBQ for the guests between 11.30 and 1pm, and you're all invited!
Message from Tanya..
"We are excited to invite you to the Young Parents Support Program OPEN DAY.
This event will be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our program, connect with other workers in our sector and appreciate the hard work that has recently gone into refreshing our space. You will have an opportunity to meet our team of dedicated and caring professionals who run the program, and enjoy a sausage sizzle run by the local Alexandra Headlands Rotary Club.
We look forward to seeing you there."
Club Summer Project - thoughts?
A couple of weeks ago a call went out to members for ideas on a Summer Project for your club. It could be a community event, or a makeover for a local community, a fundraiser for a Sunny Coast group who do not receive external funding or whatever your passion is to help with. So keep those thinking caps on and let folks know what you think would be a good thing for your club to do. One member has replied thus far. Thank you DW.
Meanwhile President Tony has written to the Mooloolaba State School to enquire if there's any possibility we could hold "The Surf Show and Shine" event in their oval again (with restrictions).
Unfortunately our use of the school oval turned out to be impossible, as has our reach out to the Alex Community Centre..so keep thinking..
Why Your weekly fine matters
This article shows why your weekly fines matters, and those coins (or better still, small notes) all combine to make a difference.
Our erstwhile treasurer Wendy, collects those couple of dollars from members and the club (thats you) donates them to the Rotary Foundation. They all add up.
For the 15th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating – four stars – from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.
The Foundation earned the recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
“We are delighted to provide the Rotary Foundation with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “The Four-Star Rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. We are eager to see the good work that Rotary is able to accomplish in the years ahead.”
Charity Navigator assesses nonprofit performance based on four key indicators, including the impact of the charity’s program relative to cost; the organization’s governance and financial health including its transparency, efficiency, and sustainability; a charity’s leadership capacity, strategic development, and ability to adapt to internal and external changes; and its overall culture and connectedness to its constituents and the communities they serve.
Vocational Education Regional Group
BIG shout out to everyone who volunteered to help out with the Maroochydore High School request for folks to come in and talk to the non-academic class who finish up on the 17th Nov. The school has decided to start of small so there will only be one session, and out Honorary member Ashley was first to respond and will talk to the school on Friday.
Ashley is a great community supporter of all kinds of groups, but having heard him talk a few times about kids development, I know that this is something that Ashley is very passionate about.
Rotary District News
CLICK on the image to get your of Rotary news around the district..
Want to help future STEM leaders in the community?
Rotary are putting a call out for volunteers to help with the amazing National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) which your club has sent Sunny Coast kids to for ages. Here's some of the correspondence. If you are interested, contact the secretary RCAHsecretary@gmail.com
Rotary is a Founding Partner of the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), and every year Rotarians join our program as volunteers to support the program.
We are really excited to be able to move back to our residential NYSF Year 12 Program in January 2024, and we need your help to ensure that our students have the most amazing time!
The NYSF is seeking interest from volunteers who would like to share their time with the staff and students during the NYSF Year 12 Program in January 2024.
Volunteers with the NYSF derive a great sense of fulfilment and satisfaction from their work and NYSF is certainly very much enhanced by their generous efforts. You will get to meet and spend time with the next generation of STEM experts, while visiting some of Australia's most cutting edge STEM facilities.
Every January six to eight Rotary volunteers spend their time with us committing to:
Supporting the NYSF Staff and our Student Staff by being the part of the supervisory team, and
Providing pastoral care and first aid to the students.
You can read a position description for this volunteer role by clicking on this link.
To find out more about the NYSF and what we do for our STEM students, please visit our website.
To Express your Interest to volunteer with us at the NYSF January Year 12 program and to let us know what dates you are available, please click on this button. Applications close on 15 November.
Can you support a student in need?
January's NYSF participants may still approach your Rotary Club with requests for funding. Students have until 1 November 2023 to pay their program invoice. Thank you to all Clubs who are supporting students!
Can you support a student in need?
January's NYSF participants may still approach your Rotary Club with requests for funding. Students have until 1 November 2023 to pay their program invoice. Thank you to all Clubs who are supporting students!
NO meeting this Wednesday as members will be at Bunnings Maroochydore.
Big thanks to Geoff who is managing his first Bunnings logistic exercise, and to the his volunteers on the day.
One up??
Last weeks club meeting was an innovative variation to the regular “Two Up” by chairman Phillip. This variation was brought about by a certain scribe who decided to clean up the club meeting accessories and in the process managed to lose one of the lions for the Two Up. Normally this would be a fatal blow to the game. Being the absence of one coin, as Peter Cook would have remarked.
However undeterred Chairman Phillip (on advice from a certain scribe) decided that no one would notice if he threw the single coin in the air and then “made up” what the other coin was.
Brilliant.
And even better news was that a certain scribe won the scratch it and very nearly won $10,000. Doh!
Sunday Mental Health Walk
Big thanks to the members who helped out under Geoff's leadership at the mental health walk. We were well represented, and great to see so many stop to say hello at the Alex Rotary stand, and have a chat. Lots of regular walkers and a few new faces at the walk. A good mix of young and old, and almost all of them with a personal story on how mental health has impacted on their lives, and showing support for the amazing Rotary Health organisation, and the many other organisations on the coast who do so much to help in this area.
The club also took the "opporchancity" to fly the flag for Alex Rotary with a brand new flyer from a certain scribe telling our story and why folks should engage with their community through Rotary. The flyer is on the website www.AlexandraRotary.com and below.
Thursday - Lunch at Maroochydore High School
Next Thursday 12th October, Alex Rotary have a booking for 20 people at their end of course Trade Cooking lunch …. A fabulous 5 course lunch for only $24!
Beers, wines, soft drinks at pretty good prices too. (We pay individually at the end of the lunch)
We have circulated the list and currently have 12 confirmed bookings, so we have a few spaces left to invite other friends, partners, work colleagues, ring-ins etc!.
Yes, they cater for special dietary needs … that’s part of their training.
The food is cooked by graduating trade cookery students and serving and drink service done by the hospitality students.
(The kitchen is under the guidance of the head training chef from the Mountain Creek TAFE who is also the executive chef at Honeysuckle, Buderim)
The school will take in other bookings, so we can let them know updated numbers on Friday or Monday. In previous years it’s been a great casual get together for team Alex!
The lunch will be in the Trade Cooking School, behind the main auditorium …. See map attached too. Enter the school at the traffic lights on Maroochydore Rd and head for the main car park, then walk around the auditorium!
Don’t forget your Care Outreach donation !! 25th October Meeting.
Message from Melissa..if you want to make a difference this Christmas then please read this and bring along your donation to the club.
Re our needs - critical shortage of gifts in the Boy and Girls 9 -15 yrs, Adult Male and Mum & Dad combined gifts.
Any non-perishable food items for our hampers ncluding Christmas type goodies\\/treats - no chocolate though it melts in the heat. (If chocolate does come in it gets put in the fridge to bless our volunteers)
October is Mental Health Month
The Sunshine Coast has some amazing community health groups, and the club has been privileged to have hosted most of them as guest speakers and supported them financially.
On Wednesday we again (and have done since the start of the Mental Health walk) supported what is now a “Lift the lid” walk for Australian Rotary Health.
Our guest speaker was Vicki Stewart, who is well known to the club, and she met some of our members for the first time, and who heard Vicki’s passionate embrace of her support for Mental Health issues. A great part of the walk is having conversations with folks who are there, usually supporting a family or friend, or their memory of folks affected by mental health.
Call out for Bikes
Brightwater State School are hoping to start the bike program with the year 6 students in the next week or so, they are however in need of some bikes to the kids to work on.
If anyone, or anyone you know has any old bikes they would like to pass on please let me know and I am more than happy to come and collect.
Learn to swim / Nippers applications coming in
Big thanks to Laura, Gemma and Tracey applications from The Smith Family to take advantage of the Club sponsorship are now coming in.
We’re offering 10 sponsorships to both IFYS and The Smith family to kids who either want to learn to swim or wish to join the amazing Alex Nippers.
All your Rotary District News is in here
Have you got a project or cause you want the club to support?
A certain scribe is seeking word from members who have a cause or idea for a summer project for the club. Chat to any Board member or email the secretary at RCAHsecretary@gmail.com
Good news. Mental Health. It’s not Dementia, its your memory working the way its supposed to !!
Best selling author Lisa Genova’s book “Remember - The science of memory and the art of forgetting” should be compulsory reading for oldies, or folks who think they are showing signs of dementia. (Thats most of us).
Its a great read, and may provide some comfort to folks who wonder of they are gradually losing their marbles, like I do. Lisa spends most of her time on tour talking to folks about how the mind works and providing support and guidance on how to improve your mental health.
President Tony was on chaperone duty on Wednesday morning and had to leave for RYDA duties where Marilyn was presenting a leadership session on Public Speaking for future community leaders. Good onya Marilyn.
An interesting discussion on club projects was had in Tony’s absence about the winter Solstice Swim but unfortunately we ran out of time to fully chat about Tim’s observations as a new member.
We’ll return to this as soon as a guest speaker slot becomes available.
Meanwhile members are asked to put their thinking caps on in regards to a Summer Community Project / Event. We need your ideas!!
In other club news your club donated $500 to DV connect. You‘ll remember that Ashton commented that as well as help with life line phones, they could do with some help paying the rent on the premises.
Also the club is sponsoring Lily Thomas from Mountain Creek School at the National Youth Science Forum.
Also your club has set aside $500 towards the Care Outreach Christmas appeal.
If members could also note 25th October in their diaries as that will be when Bill and Melissa from Care Outreach will be at the club to receive member donations towards the Christmas appeal.
Some members have responded to The Smith Family request for help with career advice from local schools. See President Tony for more info.
At next weeks “Lift The lid” walk for mental health, the club would like members suggestions on promoting the club to the expected 1,000 walkers. Suggestions Please. A certain scribe has cobbled together a flyer, but other ideas??
The Board also thanked Bunnings and BOSS for their help in completing the Young Parents Centre in Maroochydore. There help was very much appreciated.
Members & Friends of Rotary have you ever wanted to play croquet, well now is your opportunity to give it a go.
Our Christmas breakup will be at the Buderim Croquet Club on Sunday afternoon 3rd December approx. 3.00pm -6.00pm
We do have quite a large club house with all facilities except an oven (do have a microwave) so we can have a ‘party’ afterwards you can also take your own drinks.
A bit closer to the time I will need to know numbers so I can get the courts set up and con some of my croquet friends to help.
This email is a date claimer and I will send out more information a bit closer to the date
And as it’s Rotary Mental health month, and this week a certain scribe has penned two popular articles that will help you with your mental health.
Mental Health. It’s not Dementia, its your memory working the way its supposed to !!
Best selling author Lisa Genova’s book “Remember - The science of memory and the art of forgetting” should be compulsory reading for oldies, or folks who think they are showing signs of dementia. (Thats most of us).
Its a great read, and may provide some comfort to folks who wonder of they are gradually losing their marbles, like I do. Lisa spends most of her time on tour talking to folks about how the mind works and providing support and guidance on how to improve your mental health.
Lisa also notes that humans handle disturbing memories by blocking, or erasing, by overwriting them.
An example from last weeks meeting was when Phillip (as sergeant) decided that sport, specifically rugby union, and the Wallabies score against Wales score would be a good topic to fine folks on.
This clearly demonstrates that Phillip’s brain has either blocked or overwritten the recent Ashes flogging and his brain is now willing to create sporting memories.
Hopefully Phillip’s brain will fully recover from The Ashes trauma and will remember that he’s English and not Welsh.
Mental Health. Use CART to lower your anxiety and help your mental health
Social media platforms causes a LOT of mental health problems in the community. In fact at times it destroys individuals and communities.
It seems that it’s a large part of folks lives, and here to stay. So what can be done about it?
A certain scribe looks at the problem from an engineering perspective.
First, social media is fundamentally a transfer of information to the individual. The information itself is neutral and its only when it enters the brain does it cause angst, anxiety, emotional distress etc.
So let’s look at information in social media….. before it gets into your brain. Every engineer knows GIGO. Garbage in - Garbage out.
A certain scribe was taught that information has 4 attributes, and if any one of these attributes is missing, or distorted, it causes stress.
What are these 4 attributes?
Completeness
Accuracy
Relevance
Timeliness
Now that information input has been broken down let’s examine how social media deals with these attributes.
Completeness
Social media hates completeness. It loves media bites, slogan, catchphrase, or even better picking an extreme isolated example, applying it generally to reinforce prejudice, hate, drama and appeal to our worse instincts.
Accuracy
Accuracy is not truth. A statement can be entirely accurate, but deceitful, and can cause severe anxiety to the reader either by inflaming prejudice or by harming victims of the inaccuracy.
Relevance
Irrelevant information is a hallmark of social media discussions, and requires vigilance to see it.
Distraction is everywhere, clouding the issue, opinion disguised as facts, personal name calling, gas lighting etc. This is so common, and cleverly used to cause harm to others and inflame tensions with readers/ viewers.
Timeliness
Information needs to be the bound. When does this information rate to? Social media brings up past information (generally without context) or projects the future, to enable dramatic “conclusions” and prejudice thinking.
So next time you are reading something that is causing you some mental distress, perhaps uncharitable thoughts, or worry and anxiety, just bring out the CART and ask yourself, does this pass this particular 4 way test….is this information true?
PS. And don’t forget breathe in for 4, then hold for 7, then out for 8 exercise to help your mental health. You’re welcome.
Sunshine Coast Senior citizen of the year, Dave Woodrow, aka the club’s sound engineer, surprised everyone at the breakfast meeting by his impromptu (thats French for unplanned) rendition of Bush Baptism, and for no apparent reason that a certain scribe could discern.
It was a truly mesmerising display from Dave recalling most of the verses of the poem off the top of his head…and all this from a golfer who’s memory has been known to fail recalling his number of shots between driving off the 1st tee and arriving at the first green. Also he seems to have some difficulty with counting past 4.
But I digress, a great performance from former headmaster, amazing community volunteer, and fantastic fund raiser for the community and a Sunshine Coast former senior citizen of the year. Thanks Dave for your “Australia’s got Talent” excerpt.
"For the first time in the clubs history, RC Haunt -Maintal, together with the Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland are supporting a Sri Lanka relief Project. The.two clubs jointly donated $5,000 that will help a family in Beruwala get their own house.
The relief project in Beruwala has been supported by the Main-Kinzig constituency and the county council A.D Karl Eyerkaufer.
Eyerkaufer now received the donation cheque that was presented to him by President Werner Supine and past president Norbert Reichold at the club meeting.
Eyerkaufer thanked both clubs for their commitment.
The connection to Australia came through our former exchange student @skyemiller past President of the Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland.
Lendy Community social media platform. A fantastic Sunshine Coast innovation
Our guest speaker on Friday, Kalena Stano spoke to us about how a thought about lawnmowers led her and her team to create a platform that helps the community an date environment and builds community bonds.
Its called Lendy (www.hellolendy.com.au ) and you will be hearing more about this innovative social media platform as it grows through the region.
The proposition is simple enough. Why does everyone in your street need a lawnmower? Can we help tenants get in touch with each other for those tools that they only need once in a while and only for a very short time, and what about visitors to the coast, do they really need to lug all that baby stuff to and from their homes, when there are folks on the coast who would be happy to lend it to them for the few days they are here?
These are some of the issues that LENDY platform is addressing, by putting people in touch who have things available to share, and people who need things for only a short time.
Huge thanks to everyone who helped with the Young parents centre makeover in Maroochydore. This is something that the Alex and Mooloolaba club have been involved in before Covid. Pleased to see that tradition continue, and especially big thanks to Naomi for the amazing murals and BOSS contractors and Bunnings Maroochydore for their help, and for Mooloolaba Rotary helping out with painters early on in the project. Well done everyone.
To celebrate Tanya has organised an open day and you're invited.
Been a few weeks since DV connect spoke to the club, but great to see that members are still following up and supporting th egreat work that Ashton and his team are doing. Some members have purchased boxes for their work and apartment blocks to continue the recycling of phones and so getting the phones as a lifeline to this women (mostly) affected by DV. You know who you are, well done you.
Some members were able to bring along mobile phones, following up on last weeks talk from Ashton at DV connect. Others have got collection boxes or arranged collection boxes for spots around the coast. There have reached out to potential supporters of DV connect a la organisation who turn over a lot of mobile phones. Well done everyone.
and new member Les, reached out to Apple in Chermside where there's a bit of a relationship and received this promising response. If it happens, great, if not then no matter well done everyone for brining DV connect to the attention of potential suppliers.
It’s great to hear you took a lot away from Ashton’s presentation around DV Safe Phones - it’s an incredible initiative.
While we are limited in our retail business channel to support your query, I’ve reached out to our Business Development Manager so we can get you in touch with the right teams.
I will update you once I’ve heard back and pass on your details with the information you’ve provided.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for anything further in the meantime.
...and here's last weeks article as an aide memoir. (thats French for "knot in handkerchief").
Our guest speaker is well known to the club, but who knew that starting to clear out your garage would lead to the creation of an extraordinary life saving organisation? For those of us who can remember pre-Covid, we related to Ashton being in lockdown and looking for something to do. That led to a clean out of his garage, and a phone call to community minded Queensland policewomen, Janine Fulton, which led to the discovery about how important it is for folks (predominately women) needing to have an escape route from domestic violence, in the form of a secret mobile phone. Why? because the mobile phone is often the first thing taken or smashed to prevent a victim calling out for help.
The garage in Buderim that started it all..
How many phones were needed on the Sunshine Coast? ..he wondered?.... Hundreds and and every month. Stunned, and a bit overwhelmed, Ashton and his volunteer team tackled the huge task, and with the support of King IT and others, including 2 Rotarians on the DV Connect board, they are now a critical and important part of addressing the impacts of domestic violence in the region. How many folks are affected in Australia? Try 2,000,000.
Where are these victime? Everywhere. We know from several tragic events in our own region, that no one is immune. But did you know that people living in remote areas were 24 TIMES as likely to be hospitalised for domestic violence than folks in major cities.
So how does this all work and how can Rotary help?
So next time you see a DV Connect, safe phone donation box, then make a mental note to dig out that old phone (needs to be 4G) and pop it in the box with the cable and charger, and take a note of the address for donations, so that Ashton and his team of volunteers can keep this amazing Sunshine Coast going and spreading the good work.
PS. post the meeting President Tony received this gracious note from Ashton.
Just a quick note to thank you for inviting me to speak at your Rotary breakfast on Wednesday, I had a great time and met lots of people who were at the original launch in Maroochydore and some new faces too!
From Monday the following opportunities have come up.
Phone collection boxes to go in at IFYS (we have been providing safe phones to them for a couple of years already)
Possible connection to Apple for phone donations.
Possible connection to Officeworks for phone collections.
Anita's been leading Alex SLSC community Ed for 20 years now, but for some of the Rotary members this was the first time that they discovered what an integral and important part of Community Ed is to Alex SLSC.
A certain scribe related how when he met Ashley Robinson for the first time when Rotary were moving their meetings to the Surf Club, Ashley spoke very strongly about how his goal was that Alex SLSC was to be seen as the heart of the community and not just a club on the beach. Well, Ashley and his staff have certainly achieved that. Anita spoke of the various programs and activities that the surf life savers do in the community, and how their strategy and activities are always inclusive and supportive of families from all over who come to Alex. It was simply heartwarming to learn how the club wraps itself around the members and families and bring back the young folks later in life to be mentors, volunteers, supporters and create an exceptional culture of inclusiveness.
Well, you'd have to say that Ashley had succeeded in creating something special.
So President Tony was delighted to donate $5,000 to community education at our meeting on Wednesday and especially pleased see that the funds are going towards life saving AED training equipment so that folks can learn how to resuscitate swimmers in trouble.
President Tony noted that the last time Anita was at the club she demonstrated resuscitation to a certain coast personality and "bon viveur" Gary Lynch, which brought back some amusing memories..... apparently. ??
President Tony (and jewellery) with the the clubs contribution to Anita manager of Community Education at Alex SLSC below
Some time ago Adam Stewart, Sunshine Coast Regional Council Project Manager was our guest speaker and he spoke about the changes that were coming to the beachfront.
At that time the "old caravan park" was still there and the plan that Adam unveiled included the demolition of that caravan park (now done) and then going on to different phases on beach renovation.
So now we have a new park at the old caravan site, with new pathways installed and more coming, and now the demolition of more car parks to make way for living and meeting space. Sounds great.
Well the second stage of beach renovation is about to start. Here's the details that went out to the community.
Following the successful completion of Stage One of the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation project (the Northern Parkland), Stage Two progress is continuing.
Stage Two includes the Central Meeting Place which encompasses 6,500 square metres of beachfront parkland near the Brisbane Road entry point to Mooloolaba Esplanade.
As a result of extensive community engagement in 2022, the community’s chosen design for the Central Meeting Place will be a place to arrive, meet, gather, celebrate and connect with nature and each other.
It features a new shaded event and meeting space, open grassed areas, a viewing deck, new beach showers and toilets (to replace the ageing Loo with a View amenities), landscaping, public artwork, a new coastal pathway, and a terraced seawall with wide steps which double as beachside seating with plants and shade trees.
A key focus of Stage Two is improving accessibility to the foreshore and beach, particularly for people using wheelchairs, mobility devices, prams and the vision impaired.
The Central Meeting Place will feature a ‘Changing Places’ facility for the convenience of people with high support needs and a new all- abilities access ramp to the beach.
Stage Two works will also provide enhanced protection from the future impacts of climate change for Mooloolaba’s public spaces, foreshore, roads and underground services.
This project is delivering world class facilities for residents and visitors, as befitting Mooloolaba’s reputation as a premier tourism destination. It is helping to ensure that Mooloolaba is ‘ready’ for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when the Sunshine Coast will host a range of events, many in close proximity to Mooloolaba.
Alex Headland Walkway
Plans are also afoot to continue the cycle and walkway along Alex Headland (M2M) and additionally to construct a walkway on the headland.
Past President Skye spotted a bargain while checking out the winter ski gear at Aldi. (I may have made that up) Anyway, she was in Aldi "Good Different" and she did spot bike bargains and so if stocks last, we may have some bike stuff to kick off the school project.
Skye was last seen with Ant's credit card rushing off to the supermarket. Stay tuned.
President Tony welcomes another Ray as member of the club
Then there were three. Ray's that is. There is a policy in Rotary that you're not supposed to have too many members from the same business area, so that clubs are not overrun with engineers, (for example) which would be really boring. Or accountants more boring perhaps. Anyway, there doesn't seem to be any rule with regards to first names. So now we have Ray Strong as our newest menmber, Ray Burton, and of course long serving Rotarian Rae Smart.
In true Australian style they have all been given nick names, to identify them.
Darragh and Evan from BOSS fix floor ready for softplay
On Friday the "lads" ie giants from BOSS, both 190cm tall took to the tools to fix p the concrete floor at the Young Parents centre, ready for receiving the softplay pavers.
Our President Elect, Geoff, commissioned camera buff Di to take some photo's of the work, and here they are below hard at work fixing up the floor. Darragh is in the dark shirt and Evan in white shirt. Both are 190cm tall, so Geoff felt like a Hobbit!
The soft fall will likely be installed next week. Geoff will not be around to see the final stages (a bit of a trend there Geoff) as he and Di and family will be heading off for a camping trip for school holidays. Big shout out again to BOSS and of course Di for the photo. Nearly theer with this project, so members get their thinking caps on for the next community "hands on" project.
The club received this invite in th email and a certain scribe remembered that a few years back a local Rotarian went on this trip with other Rotarians. He had an amazing time.
Dear Rotarian,
Greetings from RID 3181!
As you might be aware, RID 3181 organizes an International Motorcycle Ride / Drive event - Ride for Rotary, in India. The aim of the event is to promote International fellowship and exchange of Rotary views.
The last 7 editions of the event have been an overwhelming success. More than 150 participants from 18 different countries have attended the event and have had wonderful experiences to take back home.
The proceeds from this event go to The Rotary Foundation. We have contributed close to $150,000 to TRF from the last 7 editions.
This year’s event will be held from 5th to 20th January, 2024. The 15 days event will start-off from Udaipur (India) and can either be a motorcycle ride, or a four wheeler drive.
The ride will cover multiple Rotary Districts and many Rotary Clubs. Route map will be - Udaipur - Ahmedabad - Statue of Unity - Surat - Nashik - Pune - Kolhapur - Goa - Mysore
Below are the Event Highlights:
"Ride for Rotary" is an event involving motorcycle riding and four-wheeler driving across India.
This initiative is organized by Rotary District 3181 to support and strengthen The Rotary Foundation while celebrating Rotary Fellowship.
The journey will encompass visits to various Rotary Clubs, insights into Rotary Projects, enjoyable fellowships, and opportunities to meet new people.
Participants will have the chance to experience diverse cultures, cuisines, and lifestyles along the route.
Cultural activities and a Gala Dinner will be featured throughout the journey.
Accommodation will be provided in 3-star hotels or higher.
The meticulously planned route will showcase diverse landscapes, including palaces, beaches, hill stations, temples, and churches, covering approximately 1600 km across 5 Indian states.
The ride will be supported by medical staff, helpers, mechanics, and support vehicles.
A MiniBus will transport participants' luggage.
The bike and four-wheeler convoy will be under the guidance of experienced crew members.
Participant food and accommodation will be covered only from January 5th to January 20th, 2023.
Participation Fee ( Early Bird):
For Individual: 3500 USD + 18% Tax
For Couple: 5500 USD + 18% Tax
Participation Fee includes:
For Motorcycle: Food, Stay, Riding gears, Motorcycle with fuel, Flight Ticket (From Goa to Mysore)
For 4 Wheeler: Food, Stay, Vehicle with fuel, Flight Ticket (From Goa to Mysore)
We request you to register for this event and make the event a greater success. Please visit our website: www.rideforrotary.com for more details
September 30, 2023 will be the last date for Early Bird Offer.
Some of our new (and old) members may not know that Alex Rotary is part of a cluster of Rotary Clubs that occasionally gets together to do a common activity or suport each others projects. The club has been approached by the secretary of the Bribie Island Club to assist with a "Raceday Cluster Project". Here's teh email from Mary which the club are considering. If you have any views on this please mention at the next club meeting.
Hello all
At the district assembly we talked about what could be a cluster project, we recognised that the sunshine coast clubs could do something together but the whole cluster would be difficult,so as Neil black had already spoken of the race day,it was thought that maybe the clubs could support this as 2 clubs in the cluster Caboolture and Bribie Island we sponsoring it.
If each club could put in $500 each we could call a race the kenny cluster handicap.
This is a donation to rotary australia repurposing equipment.
So the donation can be entered in your books as donation to the international expences
Can you please givve some consideration to this
Thank you
Mary Grant
Secretary
Rotary Club of Bribie Island
Included is the last rare newsletter to see what good you donation could do..
Big thanks to the Glass Cafe team for looking after us at the recent social morning, and also in keeping with the coffee theme... here's the roster for the coffee catch up's..
Guess who has this for breakfast? Hint: Someone unkindly noted its probably COMFORT food for the recent Ashes result.....Ouch!
For many years The Alex Rotary Club has supported what was previously the Walk for Mental Health, and later grew from that germ of an idea from Sunshine Coasts own Vicky Stewart to "Life the Lid" walk.
Now it is part of Rotary's mental health week that hopes to generate a million dollars this year to help folks with mental health issues. A certain scribe can remember Carmel H and Gary L blowing up balloons, (really windy day I recall) then gathering gazebo's and chairs and cooking snags before the walk took on a larger role within the mental health week. Vicky used to come to the club and her enthusiasm would shine through her talk to the club volunteers. Well done Vicky.
Anyway, back to folks who want to do good in the community...why don't you come along to "Lift The lid" walk which is part of Rotary Mental Health Week 7-15th October and grab yourself a T shirt and show your support for the mental health community ...you might need them sooner than you think.
Don't forget that there is no club meeting at Alex SLSC this week, instead there is a social get together at Surman's glass cafe in Maroochydore.!!
Members Profile
Who knew that a young boy brought up in country Victoria would end up travelling the world? .....and in doing so would in up in riot torn Djakarta only to be brought out of the city by a woman who he would later marry?.
Well the members of the club found that out at our breakfast meeting on Wednesday morning when Tim gave us a whirlwind tour of his amazing career and family life.
Pleased to say that after a career managing logistics on a global scale Tim is now a resident of Alexandra Headland and one of our latest members.
Welcome Tim, and thanks for the kind words.
Coffee Catch up restarting
Our social convenor is now settling back into Sunshine Coast lifestyle and is planning another round of coffee catch-ups so stay tuned.
There is strong scientific evidence that coffee catch ups improve your mental health...true or false?
Rotary minute from Angela Kangaroo Mothercare - who knew?
Angela taught the club a few things on Wednesday when she gave her Rotary minute. This weeks talk was about Kangaroo Mothercare.
This is what Rotary International has to say about it..
At birth, a baby kangaroo climbs into its mother's pouch, latches onto a nipple, and stays put until it is more fully developed. Now imagine if you could do something similar for a human baby who is born prematurely. That's the concept behind a low-tech intervention known as kangaroo mother care.
"Kangaroo mother care involves skin-to-skin care with the mother or with another family member: The father, grandmother, aunts and uncles, and brothers and sisters have all done it," says Doug McMillan, a member of the Rotary Club of Calgary, Alberta, and a neonatologist experienced in global child health. Mothers get support to breastfeed exclusively, and if someone else is helping with the kangaroo care, the baby is fed stored breastmilk.
The method was developed more than four decades ago in Colombia, when physician researchers Edgar Rey Sanabria and Héctor Martínez-Gómez were looking for a way to keep babies warm and with their mothers because their hospital didn't have incubators for low birthweight newborns. The death rate for low birthweight infants at their hospital was 70 percent at the time.
A Rotary Foundation global grant supported a project to upgrade the kangaroo mother care program at a hospital in Uganda.
Courtesy of Doug McMillan.
Since then, multiple studies have shown kangaroo mother care saves newborn lives: It maintains better temperature, improves nutrition and growth, decreases infection, and enhances the bonding between the mother and the baby, explains McMillan, a member of The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers. It has benefits for mothers too, reducing postpartum depression and enhancing their perceived ability to care for their newborns.
...and fo more info, check out Wikipedia...
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC),[1] which involves skin-to-skin contact (SSC), is an intervention to care for premature or low birth weight infants (LBW). The technique and intervention is the recommended evidence-based care for low birth weight infants by the World Health Organization(WHO) since 2003.[1][2]
In the 2003 WHO Kangaroo Mother Care practical guide,[1] KMC is defined as a "powerful, easy-to-use method to promote the health and well-being of infants born preterm as well as full-term", with its key components being:
Early, continuous and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby;
Exclusive breastfeeding (ideally);
Initiated in hospital a hospital setting, and can be continued at home;
Allows for early discharge of the baby to the family;
After discharge, Includes close follow-up
The early KMC technique was first presented by Rey and Martinez in 1983,[1] in Bogotá, Colombia, where it was developed as an alternative to inadequate and insufficient incubator care for those preterm newborn infants who had overcome initial problems and required only to feed and grow. Decades of research and development, much from researchers from emerging economies, has improved upon the initial work and has documented that modern evidence-based KMC lowers infant mortality, the risk of hospital-acquired infection, increases weight gain of infants, increasing rates of breastfeeding, protects neuromotor and brain development of infants, improves mother-infants bonding, among others.[3] Today, the WHO recommends "Kangaroo mother care (KMC) for preterm or low-birth-weight infants should be started as soon as possible after birth"[2] based on "high-certainty evidence".
while we are on amazing Rotary Youth programs, we have received this from the Rotary Youth Leadership team....
Hi Tony, My name is Kane and I am a leader for the Rotary Youth Transition Seminar 2023.
We have now officially opened the application process and are searching around for any Rotary Clubs who may be interested in sponsoring participants for RYTS 2023.
The Rotary Youth Transition Seminar fits in between Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) and Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA). RYTS is the perfect camp for young people in Years 11 and 12 transitioning into their life after school. The week is centred on a series of workshops, team building sessions and guest speakers aimed to equip participants with important skills based around the concept of the life balance wheel. All elements of your life can be broken down into 8 key areas – career, money, health, relationships, travel, personal growth, fun/recreation & spirituality. Participants depart camp with a clear plan on how to approach the coming years, find balance in these areas of their life, as well as tools and support networks to fall back on should things not go to plan. My role is to provide answers to any questions you may have about this camp and to liaise with you in regard to sponsoring participants.
Due to the merging of districts 9600 and 9630, we are aiming to organise an even bigger and better camp this year than in previous years - I have included some information that would be of interest below: Date: Sunday, December 10th to Saturday December 16th Location: Camp Duckadang, Avoca Vale Cost: $950 Target Group: Year 11 and 12 Students Applications Close: October 31 Rotary sponsorships go towards the accommodation and meals of the participants and leaders as well as the supplies that we need to run our activities. I hope to hear from you soon. Kind Regards, RYTS 2023 Senior Leader (0448 677 239)
A certain scribe has been collecting the final bits of gear to complete the Young Parents Centre makeover, but was struggling to fond a "trade" to lay the soft floor surface for the shaded kids area at the Young Parents centre at Maroochydore.
As serendipity would have it Trina and John from BOSS Building Maintenance were visitors at our breakfast meeting and generously put their hand up to assist.
(Serendipity is the God of good fortune aka Geoff East).
Progress report
Tables, chaos, craft boxes, storage and murals are all being assembled and after all that's done in September, our mate Tanya is planing a social get together at the centre so that members can get to know the team and the great work that they do at the centre.
Fiona's year in Japan on Rotary Youth Exchange leads to amazing family heritage revelations
At Wednesday's breakfast meeting our honorary member, and long serving MP, Fiona Simpson, spoke to the club about her life changing experience as a Rotary Exchange student in Japan.
Many Rotarians have witnessed the impact that this amazing program has on students as they immerse themselves in their chosen country, living with Rotary families and experiencing life as a local.
Local examples of Rotary exchange students on the coast are many, including our Past President Skye and another chap called Mark Jamieson, aka The Mayor.
But we had an extra bonus with Fiona's talk as she shared with us how she became aware of a her familial connection dating back to the early 1900's when Japan was pretty much a closed book to most of the world.
Little did the young Fiona know that as she set off to Japan for her youth exchange year just a few years ago while still at high school that it would lead to discoveries of family connections that endure to this day.
Can you spot Fiona at her first day in Japanese high school? Hint. Check out the hair.
Thank you Fiona for sharing your story with the club.
Fiona's family has strong connections with Japan business leading back to the 1930's, and below photo of family member serving WW@ internment.
...and more recent photo of the Fiona and sister and relations who recall the school (converted to internment camp.
...and finally this photo of an (arranged? ) marriage with Fiona totally "dolled" up in a beautiful Kimono and head wear, and rather a smug looking groom by her side.
In a fascinating talk Fiona's immersion as a Rotary Youth Exchange student gave her an insight into how the Great Kanto Earthquake on 1923 caused such catastrophic damage to Tokyo and Yokohama.
: In less than one week, the 7.9 magnitude earthquake and subsequent fires annihilated most of Tokyo and virtually all of Yokohama. Moreover, the earthquake caused nearly 6.5 billion yen of damage, a remarkable figure roughly four times larger than Japan’s national budget for 1922. The earthquake disaster was also a human calamity, resulting in the deaths of more than 110,000 individuals and leaving nearly 1.5 million homeless. The destruction, dislocation, and devastation caused by the quake, in the words of Tenrikyō relief worker Haruno Ki’ichi, not only defied description, it simply “surpassed imagination.”
Reflecting on how the earthquake also changed Japanese society and how the life shattering events led to the people looking for security and meaning in an authoritarian regime that eventually would lead to Japan's involvement in the Second World War.
Numerous women scientists have suffered the same fate throughout history: their achievements have been forgotten, sidelined or ignored in the history of science. This systematic discrimination is so widespread that it even has a name: the Matilda effect.
Inventors, astrophysicists or philosophers: In the past, scientific achievements were mainly attributed to well-known men. Contributions by women often remained invisible - this influences the science scene to this day.
In 1945, Otto Hahn received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering nuclear fission. His colleague of many years, the physicist Lise Meitner, got nothing - even though her knowledge and her work were essential for the award-winning discovery.
Lise Meitner is not alone with this omission. Numerous women scientists have suffered the same fate throughout history: their achievements have been forgotten, sidelined or ignored in the history of science. This systematic discrimination is so widespread that it even has a name: the Matilda effect.
The phenomenon is named after the American suffragette, activist and sociologist Matilda Joslyn Gage. In 1870, she wrote a pamphlet entitled Woman as Inventor , condemning the then-widespread idea that women lacked inventive drive and scientific talent: “Such statements are made lightly or ignorantly. Tradition, history and experience prove that women possess these abilities to the highest degree,” the essay says.
..and even the Scots and Australians are not above writing women out of their due recognition. Rosalind Franklin in many people's opinion, should be credited with DNA double helix discovery,
and a certain scribe was stunned to learn the George Orwell, also failed to recognise his wife's "ghost writing" in his novels, and even saving his life during the Spanish Civil war.
At our next meeting we'll be inducting two new members Tim and Monique Kelsey to the club and last week we inducted two long standing Rotarians to the club. One Rotarian has returned to the club after a spell in other parts of the Sunshine Coast, and one transferee from Pontefract, not particularly known for its sunshine.....more famous for its cakes.
Welcome Les and Philip and although you're now "officially" part of the club, it would be remiss not to note and thank you for your contributions to the club this far.
th
President Tony noted at this was the first time we indicted a member who already had a club T shirt.
Then this Wednesday Sunshine Coast "newbies" Monique and Tim Kelsey, who are also new to Rotary and have been looking for a way to help and become engaged in community service. We welcome them and again note that they have already been at club community activities, which we much appreciate.
On a side note, our erstwhile treasurer has had a run on membership folio's. Just great see them being used up.
And just for information.....This is not a new member ...just a busy and well travelled one!! who had a birthday ...
Sunday Breakfast on the beach and supporting a great cause - what's not to like?
Late News: The club has donated $500 topping up the proceeds from Sunday's BBQ.
Here's a message back from Ibari and the amazing team at MND who your club supported on Sunday.
Hello John and team,
What a beautiful Sunday was last 6 August. Thank you very much for being part of this amazing cause. I love the energy of each of you.
Warm regards Ibari
Thank you for attending the Walk to D-Feet MND Sunshine Coast on Sunday 6 August 2023.
We hope you enjoyed the morning together as a community!
Your support via the raffle, merchandise and fundraising has helped us raise $32,198 which will go to supporting someone with MND reach specialised multidisciplinary MND services and care. You also helped us create awareness by sharing your photos on the social media and sharing the excitement with your friends, family and colleagues. Thank you for your help in raising awareness!
Congratulations to all those who went above and beyond to increase awareness and those who won on the day! Also another massive thank you to all our sponsors and to our volunteers who made the day possible.
The club has had a long standing relationship with Bill and Melissa Close, teh leaders at Care Outreach. This amazing couple lead a local group that help teh folks in the "outback" through many of their difficulties from drought, bushfires, lack of services etc. So when President Tony caught up with them at their Coolum facility, it was very timely as they they were starting to prepare for their Christmas "runs" to the folks "way out west" and gather all teh necessities (and goodies) that make such a difference to Queenlanders in tehse remorte areas "dong it tough".
So we have a date. 25th October (its in the calendar) when Melissa will visit the club.
This would be an ideal time for members and friends to make donations to Care Outreach, then the team will take the donations to the outback as part of their Christmas appeal.
Melissa will email Tony nearer the time with a list pf special needs / suggestions that would "make a difference", Stay tuned.
Sunday Breakfast on the beach and supporting a great cause - what's not to like?
Here's a message back from Ibari and teh amazing team at MND who your club supported on Sunday.
Hello John and team,
What a beautiful Sunday was last 6 August. Thank you very much for being part of this amazing cause. I love the energy of each of you.
Warm regards Ibari
Thank you for attending the Walk to D-Feet MND Sunshine Coast on Sunday 6 August 2023.
We hope you enjoyed the morning together as a community!
Your support via the raffle, merchandise and fundraising has helped us raise $32,198 which will go to supporting someone with MND reach specialised multidisciplinary MND services and care. You also helped us create awareness by sharing your photos on the social media and sharing the excitement with your friends, family and colleagues. Thank you for your help in raising awareness!
Congratulations to all those who went above and beyond to increase awareness and those who won on the day! Also another massive thank you to all our sponsors and to our volunteers who made the day possible.
Naomi's Ocean Art takes pride of place at Young Parent Centre
How clever is our Naomi?...this is what she has created for the youngster play area that the club is renovating...the parents, kids and staff will be blown away when they see these murals in position. The upper area is an ocean wonderland, and the lower area is a beautiful blackboard mural where the kids can add their artwork from supplies donated by Alex Rotary and Bunnings Maroochydore.
Delighted to let you know that BUNNINGS are continuing their suport of the centre and a certain scribe and his golfing apprentice were noticed meeting with Nicola and Mal on Thursday lunchtime planning phase 2 of the renovation, which will involve new soft floor, and kids furniture and arts and craft. We've also put a shout out for a carpet fitter or experienced trade to put down the soft floor tiles for the kids shaded play area. So if you know of anyone in this line of business let Craig or John know.
An explosive guest speaker on Wednesday
Leonie was guest speaker on Wednesday and a fascinating talk was introduced by our own Lt Col David Woodrow AM KStJ
Leonie Barnes DSJ a humanitarian “de-miner” who specialises in removal and disposal of military mines and ordinance equipment!!! And for her efforts has been made a Dame of the Order of St John, the oldest chivalry recognition!
Leonie had a great desire to be the world’s best saxophone player in a fantastic jazz bank. It was her mother’s desire that she go to “university to get a piece of paper” behind her! So, she went to university and studied music and the Saxophone and became a qualified teacher and also joined the Army Reserve. She soon discovered her friends who joined the regular army were earning way more than she was!!!
So she enquired about the regular army hoping to join the Army Band … but was told, “The Army Band is all men”.
She signed up and because of her Uni Degree, she was considered “Officer material” and was sent to Portsea Officer Cadet school for 6 months and then to Duntroon for another year to be in the first group of women to go through Duntroon!
What appealed to her was the “explosives” arena and she learned how explosives were made, shat they did or could do and how to pull them apart safely! Soon she was a designated Ammunitions Technical Officer … where she blew things up!
Following her service she ended up in Zimbabwe where she met a retired Army Officer who was putting together a specialized team; she found herself on a plane to Bosnia within 48 hours …. Leading a team of 14 Zimbabweans working their buts off decommissioning military ordnance left behind after the end of the war!!
Leonie told us that at that stage in Bosnia, there were explosives buried in home furnishings, the TV remote and many every day items “booby trapped” to maim innocent people.
In leading teams Leonie developed the training phrase “MINED THE GAP” after a “happy hour” … a phrase still used today …
M Movement stops
I Inform people what you see
N Note the area accurately
E Evaluate the situation
M Stop all movement and decide what has to be done.
The phrase saved lives and continues to save lives today.
Leonies life partner, Carol, is currently in Ukraine dodging a few explosives and is expected home next week.
We are hoping that Carol will come along and tell us a few stories too.
Great work Leonie and a fascinating talk from an amazing Sunshine Coast resident.
Brightwater Community Project Taking Shape - looking for our friend and helpers - put your hand up if interested
The clubs relationship with Brightwater school is developing, and we're now at a point where we want to hear from members and friends of Rotary who would be interested in supporting this Sunshine Coast school with some of their time in delivering breakfast on to the kids.
Once we have an idea of numbers for volunteers from our members, we will meet again with the school to discuss logistics and which day of the week/time etc. At the same meeting we will also discuss the plan to meet with Woolworths/Aldi/IGA to gain donations for the food and drink.
Our plan is to: - have a rolling roster of our club’s volunteers - have added support from the school’s tuckshop volunteers each week - have assistance from their paid tuckshop staff each week - that our club members would only need to commit to helping with the breakfast once every 2 - 3 weeks.
Those who want to do it more often would be more than welcome 🤗
Skye
The 4 Way Test …and here’s another
Anisha’s Rotary meeting topic was the 4 way test…which is a great story of an initiative started by a Rotarian wo turned around a business in the USA.
We all know should NOT be applied to judge others, but rather to guide yourself in decision making and behaviour.
But how can one be expected to know whats true and whats not true in today’s MISinformation age??? Read on...
Well, did you know that there is a four way test to help you know the truth?
Yep, in this age of folks believing all sorts of nonsense you have another 4 way test to help you know what true from whats BS.
Apply this 4 Way test which sorts out fact from fiction, or as the cookers would say “alternative facts”.
Ask yourself, is what I am being hearing or reading….
Is it Complete?
Is it Accurate ?
Is it Relevant?
Is it Timely?
A certain scribe uses the acronym C.A.R.T. to help correct the disinformation commonly used by todays media, politicians, spin doctors etc. in many of todays topics. Try it out.
Club sponsors a NYSF Student
Great news. It looks as though we have an opportunity to support and NYSF student from Mountain Creek School..Stay tuned.
What's going on at Rotary District Level?
Click on the image to find out...
Ever wanted to climb Everest…this is what you need to know, and maybe some stuff you really didn't want to know!
On Wednesday past member andBianca's dad, (our International Exchange Student a few years back), Stuart Aird, spoke to the club about his experiences in the achieving his long term goal of visiting the Himalayas and getting to Everest’s base camp. Stuart had wanted to do this for a while, so off he went to Nepal and set off up the mountain. Although there's more to the story, including preparation, cultural awareness, determination, health effect of medicine, and health effects of altitude, health effects of local food, dangers of weather, aviation fixed wing and helicopter...the list goes on.
Anyway, Stuart survived it all and the club heard an excellent presentation from Stuart, with some amazing videos and photo’s of Stuart’s experiences, and stories of how the locals and tourism and daily life at these altitudes combine to create a unique experience.
Stuart also dotted his recollections with some interesting anecdotes on how high altitude, prescription medicine, and local food interacts with “human bodily functions” which was an interesting diversion as we were having breakfast..
Stuart's stories of various forms of evacuations and physical discomforts confirmed to a many of the club members that its probably a good idea to remain at sea level at our age.
NOT the MND walk...but a great pic...thanks Stuart
We’re pleased......well maybe not as pleased as Karen...... to see that the effects have not lasted and Stuart is back with us looking fit and well.
Thank you Stuart, well done on achieving your goal and living to tell the tale.
Can you help with mock interviews?..its not too late...
Keen eyed observers of the club calendar would have noticed that Mock Interviews at Maroochydore State High School are coming up soon. If you can spare some time to help coach the future of Australia on job interviews then please let us know. Here's the initial call out noon case you missed it.....
Good afternoon all
For some years Rotary has helped Maroochydore State High School year 10 students with their mock interview programme and we have been advised that the date this year is planned for Thursday 27thJuly 2023.
Many of you have been involved before and we would love it if you can help again.
If you are not interested, not available, no longer live locally can you drop me an email reply so I can update the list! Let me know of others who should be on the list.
Similarly, if you are interested or might be interested, I’d love to hear again so we can update the list!
For those who have not done it before …. We gather at Maroochydore High School by 8.30 for an 8.45 start. It will go till about 11.30 (depends on numbers). There will be a break in the middle and the school have always provided a great morning tea!!!
The teachers bring in class groups to the auditorium where we are reasonably spaced and talk one on one with students. They should have prepared an application letter and prepared a resume.
The aim is to put them through a realistic question and answer session that they may experience with either casual or full time work.
Some students will already have part time jobs; some will have just gone through a work experience week (or two).
Some will be very prepared and some will be “less prepared”.
Each interview should last around 10-15 minutes; classes are rotated. We have an assessment/feedback sheet we are asked to complete and hand back at the end of the morning …. The teachers read the comments and the sheets are given back to the students. Most of the feedback comments have been well received. Some interviewers comments have been fantastic because they have given students encouragement. The Headmaster told me that a few have changed career aspirations directly as a result of the “interview” because the interviewer picked up on something for the student to consider.
Our goal is to have about 30-40 “interviewers” – preferably with some relevant hire/fire experience – now or when we were in the work force and the aim is to give positive and constructive feedback.
Most of the students are around 16 and can communicate well. Some need some “encouragement”. There will be a few who have “special needs” and they have in the past, all been allocated to one special interviewer. (And we hope Steve will be available again this year!)
For those members of other Rotary Clubs, please share the information and encourage others to contact me …. Or you can give me their contact details to add to the list.
...and just to note that there's a bit of a legacy with Rotary helping in this area...
From the archives... a message from our current President...
There are many clubs around Australia doing the mock interview programme. First time I encountered it was probably 28-ish years ago in Sydney where we helped Pennant Hills High and Normanhurst Boys High and at the same time our neighbouring club Epping conducted mock interviews at Cheltenham Girls and Epping boys high.
Gympie Rotary Invite & celebrate their new Gympie Rotary Exercise Park
The Rotary Club of Gympie are honoured to invite you to the grand opening of the Gympie Rotary Exercise Park. Corner of Rose and Hyne Street, behind Hungry Jacks along the side of the Riverwalk.
We have set the date of 26 July at 8am! We anticipate it will be about an hour, with coffee and donuts, where else would you want to be!
Dignitaries, Rotarians, Community members and media are invited to join our celebrations in opening this fabulous new asset to the Gympie community, with free coffee and donuts to celebrate this awesome achievement! Wear your Rotary shirt! We want to make a splash with the media!
This accessible and inclusive park, free to all, has been organised by The Rotary Club of Gympie and, as research says, exercise is very beneficial to mental health so this project will be of great benefit to the Gympie community in recovery after the flooding, disadvantaged people of our community, travellers and the community in general.
It will be signed to recognise all businesses and community groups that contributed.
This truly is a project that the whole community can be proud of!
Hope to see you all there to celebrate!
From: Karen Gresham, Rotary Park Coordinator
Gympie Rotary open an Exercise Park to benefit mental health
Every so often we invite members new and old to chat to the club about their life experiences, and so on Wednesday new member, Les Ross, spoke to the club about his life prior to retiring from the corporate banking world. Les was one of the early members of Alex Rotary Club, and has a long history of achievement with Rotary, but we got to learn a lot more about his background, and how his banking career saw Les and family journey around NSW and beyond.
From retail to rural banking Les's career saw him help farmers and agribusiness investments in Australia and clearly he did not lose that human touch in dealing with customers big and small.
Primarily involved in banking in the rural and agribusiness sector, it was interesting to hear Les's personal reflections from someone who will always be "country boy".
Les's early family upbringing in rural towns (some a bit more remote than rural!) was shaped by the war, and his the country environment. He's clearly not lost his affection for country life and despite the negative press that the banks received during the 80's and 90's when you listened to Les, you always knew that he was on the side of the farmers and primary producers.
Thank you Les for sharing your memories with the club.
Your club has been invited to hold a mid week BBQ at Maroochydore Bunnings in October. The details will be discussed at club meeting. If you've ever wondered what goes into the organising of a Bunnings BBQ, we'll be looking for members to volunteer to help out and attend the Bunnings induction with our mates Nicola and Cam.
We're doing a BBQ for this walk in aid of curing MND....so come along and support a great cause and have a snag..the GREAT news is that we have a small team of volunteers ready to operate the BBQ at Mooloolaba SLSC Park, so please register for the walk along the sea front knowing your donation will help a great cause.
When
Sunday 6 August 2023
Where
Mooloolaba Rotary Park, 4 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast 4557
JOIN US AT THE WALK TO D-FEET MND IN THE SUNSHINE COAST
Walk (or roll) to raise awareness & funds for Motor Neurone Disease!
Gather your family, friends, and the dog to walk 2km or 4km along the scenic Mooloolaba Rotary Park through the seaside Mooloolaba Esplanade and back.
Register your team now and start fundraising to increase awareness and pay tribute to someone battling MND or do it in memory of a loved one.
Our goal is to raise $15,000 in our 40th anniversary year to provide vital support services to Queenslanders and their families who are impacted by MND. Can you help us?
Receive a ‘Walk to D-Feet MND’ T-shirt to wear upon arrival so that we can make a big impact and draw awareness to the cause!
On the day come early to enjoy entertainment: BBQ and beverages by Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland, music and Coffee Crew van. There will also be MND merchandise on sale as well as a fabulous raffle with loads of prizes to win!
MND Queensland receives no ongoing government funding to help provide our vital support, so proceeds from this event will help support Queenslanders living with MND!
On Wednesday we began the new Rotary Year with our changeover to "new" President Tony, and said a BIG thank you to Past President Skye for her year as leader of the club. We were joined by DG Paul Roger, who some members may have met before, or recognised Paul from his time as director of the Criminal Justice Commission. (!!) ADG Bernie sent her apologies.
The proceedings were delayed somewhat by a lengthy traffic queue on the motorway, but we were soon joined by Narelle and Rae, and honorary member Fiona Simpson. A rousing rendition of the national anthem followed, that would have done Lang Park proud.
Mike carried out MC duties for the night, and the club presented an amazing piece of artwork from Naomi to Skye for her year as President, and a trophy cup - skewered by a sausage - to Craig for his hard work throughout the year. Our hardworking treasurer also Wendy a token of thanks from the club for keeping us all on the straight and narrow.
Well done everyone to made last year such a success for the club.
As well as reflecting on last years activities and the important club community contacts that we have, President Tony outlined some of the community activities that the club will continue to do, as well as some suggestions for networking and projects in the new year.
Skye being photobombed by Skye on the telly...
BIG thanks to Alex SLSC for the meal, and their staff were first class on the night.
Surprisingly for a Rotary event there was no raffle (we're all raffled out) but MC Mike did give Fiona a coffee voucher she won at the Solstice Swim Raffle.
Brilliant Sunday Morning at Alex Headland for our annual Solstice Swim
200 swimmers registered for our BIGGEST EVER Rotary Solstice Swim on Sunday. A fantastic morning, with MC Ken Boulton keeping everyone informed of the various swim legs, and Faith and teh Zumba ladies generating the atmosphere to pump up the swimmers. Mean while Chris and Lex and the amazing life savers were checking laying out the course with teh donated buoys from Suzanne and the team at Mooloolaba Yacht Club.
This was the view members saw at set up for the swim....beautiful
Soon it was time receive the safety briefing and to run through the starters arch (Thank you Moooloolaba Rotary) and get those anklets registered for the swim times. (Thank you Mooloolaba Paddlers).
The weather was just brilliant, calm, water conditions perfect, clear visibility, and those all important life savers following the different coloured caps designating the various swim legs (thank you Seaborne Clothing) and out into teh bay, where the water was a refreshing 22 degrees. (Is this winter??).
The 5km went off first, then the 3km men, followed by 3 km ladies and later the 1km men followed by the 1km ladies.
Unfortunately the gremlins struck around half way through the event, an the anklet system decided to misbehave and the individual time scores were lost, and haven't been seen since.
The winners of the various swim legs were:
5km Female Ketelyne Irwin
5km Male Zane Hadley
3km Female Karen Higgison
3km Male Keenan Gray
1km Female Amy Mullock
1km Male Jake Hammond
Big thank you for Andrew Wallace MP for making the presentations.
There's a selection of photo's on the club website (thanks Tony) and a few below.
BIG thanks to everyone involved. It was a great morning. Let's do it again next year..
Gerard is severely visually impaired..which is why he is attached to his mate, Jen Reed, by a cord
....and they have just completed the 5km swim. Both are champions in my book.
Nambour Garden Expo...can you help with parking duties??..it's for a great cause
Many of us know Ian Barnett from his work with the Rotary University of Sunshine Coast Community Fund.
But on Wednesday In Barnett visited the club to seek our help with providing parking help at the Nambour Garden Expo. This is a community activity whereby funds raised by the volunteers are directed to Rotary Causes.
Great work by the raffle team at Bunnings and at Alex SLSC saw us nearly sell all tickets for the raffle. The fabulous first prize was donated by Peter and Jayne Deane and we also thank the Aqua Vista and Wendy for 2nd and third prizes respectively, which a certain scribe did not win, despite buying $100 worth of tickets. Such is life. Or as Homer would say.... Doh!
Naomi and Grant with the fabulous artwork donated by Peter and Jayne.
Its always dangerous to pick out one person who made a difference, especially as we have several hard working members in the team. However, a special mention must go to a certain cherub in blue pigtails who did a fantastic job as Charmaine's assistant. Big thanks Olivia.
Narelle has been a member of Alex Rotary for over a year, but means of us did not meet her until last Wednesday, when she spoke about what she has been doing for the last few years and how COVID and serendipity affected her life journey.
Surviving a brutal attack on Narelle in Australia led to her to decide that "life is too short, let's have some adventures. So, after surviving this stabbing scare in Australia Narelle volunteered to help support the Mercy Ships and travelling up on a maiden voyage to Senegal. Regrettably teh ship was not ready for operation, but not disheartened, Narelle volunteered to help others and so began a trip through Poland and Turkey, and ending up providing volunteer support on Madagascar.
It was good to have Narelle back, although there was strong hints in her story that she intended going back to Madagascar to help out the folks there again.
The community you walk by is the community you accept
The title paraphrases the words that leaders of organisations use when they want to improve (usually safety) in an organisation. It's an oft used phrase that conveys many points, including accepting responsibility, recognising SEP's, and changing the culture of the company environment.
So when it is applied to the community it means the same thing.
Accepting that you are responsible fo rthe community you live in
Anisha has. And in case you hadn't guessed a PRANK is Practice a Random Act of Natural Kindness.
Who started the random acts of kindness? Many sources credit Anne Herbert with this honor, as she wrote the words, “practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty” on a placemat at a restaurant in Sausalito, California in 1982. Others say it was when drivers started paying forward on teh golden gate bridge. In any event its a great thing to do, so when Anisha read the newsletter, and saw that we were looking for furniture, she immediately offered table and chairs in new condition, which we are pleased to say have found a new home.
Update: President Tony is investigating a Rotary Grant to facilitate this ...
The club has received an invitation from the Hanau- Maintal Rotary club to become involved in Beruwala Housing Project in Sri Lanka. Skye will tell us all about it, but in involves helping out and here's a short summary of the status of the area where the club has been helping.
"For weeks now, former District Administrator Karl Eyerkaufer, the initiator of the "Main-Kinzig-Kreis hilft Beruwala/Sri Lanka" campaign, has been receiving bad news about the island state's worst economic crisis in decades. "Mismanagement by the family dynasty that has been in power for 20 years Rajapaksa and the collapse of tourism due to the corona pandemic have meant that the heavily indebted country lacks the money to import important goods," reports Karl Eyerkaufer. You have to queue for days for petrol and gas, and you spend hours chasing survival goods afterwards, like rice, bread or medicines."
Young Parents Centre - Naomi's weaves her magic - Update
Regular readers will recall that we're freshening up the young parents centre, and teh work continues with Naomi putting in teh hours to create some amazing artwork for the young mums and dads and bubs. Here's a sneak preview of some of the murals and art that will be on display in the renovated shade area.
Note that the blackboard area is fo rthe bubs to practice their skills, and the upper area will be amazing once the colour is adde.
Next steps are to put in a soft floor and some toddlers furniture and some art and craft toys. We plan to do that in July.
+++++++++++++++++++
and here's the story thus far...
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday this month for a few hours the Alex and Mooloolaba tradition continued at the IFYS Young Parents Centre in Maroochydore.
Its been a few years since both clubs had a few working bee's at the centre and did up the front yard for the mums and dads and kids, way back pre- Covid.
So it was back to the future when our mate Tanya mentioned to a certain scribe, who was at the centre having his 6th or seventh attempt to erect a "easy to assemble" bookcase, that Tanya mentioned that the yard and side area were looking a bit tired and she had a few ideas.
So on Thursday Tony and Craig had lots of fun with a power washer, getting ready for the makeover on Friday and Saturday mornings.
Donna from Mooloolaba was first on the scene on Friday morning (does she ever sleep?) and did a fantastic job on the cubby house (see pics) while Harry, Greg, George, Craig, Tony, Skye, Pam, John and not forgetting Val arriving with her delicious ginger slice.
On Saturday morning Greg arrived with a few aches and pains (no doubt due to his efforts on Friday where he just never stopped) Harry, Craig, Michelle, Graeme, and a certain scribe finished off the painting, while Tony took some pics.
Naomi checked in on Friday to see what could be done to make the centre a bit special, so ideas are buzzing around there, and Harry and a certain scribe had a bit of a think about what we might be able to do in phase 2 when we fit out the shaded area and the renovate front grassed area in July.
We also want to make a BIG shout out to Nicola and Cam at Bunnings Maroochydore for their amazing help (the Bunnings BBQ proceeds are being well spent) and their interest in what Rotary are doing in their region, also to mention the Bunnings staff who were so helpful when John & Val and Craig went back after we ran out of paint a few times. (doh!)
So we'll be back in early July to fit out the shaded area, and put up murals, and some furniture etc, to help the kids with a shaded play area where they can be supervised by their mums and dads.
Here's some pics..
The cubby house in 2019.......
....and at the weekend with Skye renovating...
Graeme explaining to a certain scribe how to use the paintbrush !
Michelle...she's a champion..adding a coat of varnish after George's work on Friday
George and Tony at the front gate - looks good guys !
Brilliant help from Harry ......the shaded area is a lot brighter ...looks great Pam was too busy with the paintbrush to stop for the photo.
Greg - who never stopped all weekend - he's got to be Volunteer of the month
The wall that John S & Val prepped and painted (.....over to you Naomi to weave your magic on the wall)
...and guess what's going in here?......
and the finished article...in Ibrox Blue ..with freshly painted fence in the background
and Tanya's team (Gaby & Aleesha) have a video of the " before " to add to the "after" and we'll have a get together after the July makeover with the two clubs to celebrate the great work done at the centre and to admire the fantastic efforts from the two Rotary clubs.
On Wednesday President Skye will be having her follow up meeting with Brightwater School to explore how Alex Rotary may be able to support them with a few projects they have in mind. Suffice to say that these potential projects fit very well with a passion that one of our members has to "make a difference" to our community.
Now I know that a certain scribe has always been winging about how various clubs in the region seem to have difficulty in staying with and supporting their nominated schools, and in this case, just to be clear we will be checking in that other Rotary clubs in the region are aware of this project, and if they are interested may join in the club activities.
The club did the same check around at Nambour when we were invited to help with the Smith Family school mentoring program there too. We checked in with them as we were working on their patch (by invitation.) All good.
While the swim registrations are coming in our mate Bob is collecting the donated raffle prizes.
While prizes donated by members are really great and much appreciated, its also hoped that members will spread the word about the Solstice swim among the community and through those conversations with businesses, receive small raffle prizes, and the club will promote their business. Win - win . The more prizes the better.
By the way Bob, nice touch ...... taking the meeting for a wander down your street during Zoom meetings (??). Nice to meet the neighbours too. It was a bit like 60 minutes street interviews.
Our logo is on the Bash Car which is currently being driven down to Melbourne for the convention 🙂 Great promotion for the club whilst also supporting Variety - the children's charity.
The "Ocean as Art" show that the club had planned to boost the Solstice Swim weekend activities has been postponed. It will instead run as a stand alone event, which Naomi and teh team thought might be a better introduction to this initiative. Discussions will start soon on a revised timing and date, and whether we can retain the same amazing venue (Alex SLSC) and then start planning to get this community event off the ground.
Big thank you too everyone involved in Bunnings BBQ on Sunday, especially a certain treasurer who bravely did a double stint, when lesser folk would have had a rest.
Also special mention to a certain scribe who master plan came together superbly well . In charge of ordering gear fo rthe BBQ he managed to over order massively as we ended up with over 30kg of unsold sausages. But, the plan came together as your club donated these to Brigit at Urban Angels and to Graeme took a few kilo's to the local food bank that he supports as well.
Well done John S for advertising the swim...
Also, on Bunnings, big thanks to major general Craig, who managed the BBQ logistics and also attended the Bunnings community forum. This is a new initiative from Bunnings and has led the club into a possible partnership / support with the Young Parents Centre working bee's.
Founder of UniSC Community fund represents Alex Rotary at Awards Dinner.
The Alex club was well represented at the ScUni Community fund dinner on Wednesday night. Dave Woodrow is one of the founders of the University community fund, and Wendy Gilson - long serving secretary of the fund were there, mixing with the current Rotary and University executives.
Here's some pics of your favourite people..
Both Wendy and Dave have overseen the awarding of over 60 research bursaries and community grants to post graduate students to allow them to continue their studies. Well done both of you.
Ian Barnett from Mooloolaba Rotary and Chair of the Community fund, did the honours as MC for the night, and 3 post graduate students were awarded with their grants from UniSC Vice-Chancellor Kate Evans, and DG Tim Keeler.
The grant recipients were Juliette Savage, for studies into creative writing, specifically revisionist female mythology. There's a novel coming out as part of Juliette's studies on the role of women in mythology.
Grace Smith accepted a bursary to support her studies into peat's eco structure, which apparently can be identified almost 10,000 years into the past. So we can see how the climate on the coast has changed over the year where these peaty areas have preserved the past. Also a certain scribe found out how important those crustaceans provide homes for the other animal life in the ocean.
Ashley Williams received her bursary for studies into biomedical science in the area of the placenta, specifically how oxygen levels in the placenta cells affect fetal growth and infant development.
All the students spoke enthusiastically - and interestingly all women. This theme continued after dinner with guest speaker Kassie Bromley who gave a talk about the teenage brain and her passion of delivering workshops to teenagers and educators called "Brain Charger Workshops".
We were given an overview of how physical growth of the brain structure has been shown to affect behaviour in teenagers. Specifically how the teenage brain doesn't reach full maturity till 25 years old when the limbic and pre frontal cortex structures stops growing. Reassuringly neurons within the brain structure can be regrown by drinking moderate amounts of red wine. (This may have been misheard. Ed.)
Overall, a very interesting evening, topped off by Wendy and Val grabbing goodies from the raffle run by The Caloundra Rotary Club.
Well done to everyone involved.
Founder of UniSC Community fund represents Alex Rotary at Awards Dinner
New member Anisha is keen to continue an initiative from her past Rotary Club in Logan. This was in the form of providing breakfast to kids at schools. We know that there are some kids who go off to school with out breakfast, and of course we are only a small club, but that doesn't stop Anisha wanting to "make a difference" at least some of teh time.
It didn't look good for a while, as initial investigative work by Graeme and a certain scribe indicated that most schools had something in place and while thats fantastic news and something we should celebrate, it left us wondering what to do.
The good news is that we may have found an avenue for the club to help Anisha with her passion.
News Extra..it's also looking promising for another club Project..stay tuned..
DG Time Keeler and ADG Bernie were in attendance at our previous club meeting, which was much appreciated by the members as Time has a HUGE area to cover, and still had about 20 clubs to visit before his term is up at the end of the year. Time is well known to the club, and especially his school master peer David Woodrow, as both Tim and Dave taught at Toowoomba, way back when.
Tim gave an inspirational talk on making sure that the club was meeting members expectations, and especially making sure that your Rotary Club is known in the community for their projects and activities. (and that DOES NOT mean Bunnings Tim was at pains to say).
Tim's observed that Rotary Clubs that do well are engaged with the community and looking for community activities to keep members engaged and wherever possible "making a difference" to those who could do with a helping hand, not handouts, but a friendly face and words of encouragement are much more valuable in many cases.
So the visit was very timely with the new Rotary Year coming up, new Club President taking over from teh amazing Skye (a hard act to follow) and a few more club projects on the horizon for next year, its looking like another good year for Alex Rotary.
DG Tim comes to visit, Tanya officially new member
Catherine Eagleson - Mental Health and the benefits of Puzzles
Catherine was our guest speaker on Wednesday morning by the wonders of zoom. Catherine suffered mental health issues from a young age, and has an amazing story nohow she used her situation to create a business and a resource for other mental health sufferers - with means more than 20% of the population who suffer from depression and / or anxiety.
For Catherine it was he grandmother who got her interested in crosswords and puzzles, and so when n 2002 she was diagnosed with bi-polar manic depression and told she would never hold down a job she took matters into her own hands and has devoted her skills to creating 4 series of books on puzzles and articles for The Sydney Morning Herald to help folks with mental health issues to focus there energies on problem solving like crosswords, code breaking, and wordsmithing which all have a beneficial effect in calming the brain and building mental resilience.
Catherine's website is a portal used by libraries and organisations giving them access to specially designed puzzles, and an initiative called CUSP - catch up solving problems which\h provide fellowship to sufferers as a platform to problem solving.
Catherine joined Rotary in 2006 and is a generous supporter of Australian Rotary Health and of course "Lift the Lid" ...a derivitaove of the coast "Walk for Mental Health" started by our very own Vicki Stewart, ably assisted by our very own Gary Walsh, back in the day.
and here's a few words from Catherine,
I have been in Rotary for nearly 17 years, and my vocation is Crossword Compilation/Library Services. I am a member of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, and hold the position of Secretary of the District 9800 Committee for Australian Rotary Health. Over the last 20 years, I have built a small business called the Clue Detective Puzzle Agency which has led to me creating a niche that I call puzzling for mindfulness/mental health. My aim is to demonstrate to people how the enjoyment of solving puzzles can alleviate anxiety. The presentation will include information about my lived experience with bipolar disorder, creating Clue Detective and highlighting how puzzles can be beneficial for mental health; including Rotary club service/fundraising project opportunities.
Great turn out from the club at Young Drivers Awareness
HUGE thanks to Patrice, Graeme, Charmaine, Val and John and a certain scribe for helping out at RYDA, and not forgetting the groundwork by Doug and Graham in putting it all together. A fantastic program and most if teh team admitted (not me!) that they will be better drivers because of their assistance to the young kids from Burnside who attended on Monday.
Apart from the exciting professional driver demonstration, who knows who's the safest on the road (i) Learner (ii) Provisional or (iii) experienced driver?
Well, some might guess it is actually the learner. Maybe you figured out that they are the most careful and always supervised so the stats are bound to show them as the most safest. Maybe you also guessed that the most dangerous are provisionals in their first year.
BUT did you guess that you NEVER get back to the level of driver proficiency that you had when you ended your learner period?
Volunteer to help a RYDA program and you'll find out why?
Great modules in the RYDA course, a lot about finding out your personal risk profile, and the things to look for in safety systems, roads, cars, heavy vehicles, peripheral vision, music (yes), driving techniques and brain feedback while you're driving ...well done the RYDA folk.
But the star of the program was undoubtedly Meghan who gives voluntarily of her time to speak to the young drivers about how she was involved in a horrific crash and suffered terrible injuries.
She talked about choices we make, and her talk from the heart is all about the kids learning from her experience and making the right choices when they get behind the wheel. An amazing lady.
A certain scribe heard from Charmaine, who's been doing volunteer work up all over the pace and is now back on teh Sunshine Coast. Well done Charmaine, and we look forward to hearing about your adventures. Meanwhile here's a plug for a raffle that will help the Blalzeaid community and maybe get you a new TV to replace the one you've worn out watching the coronation...
The aim of this raffle is to raise funds to assist BlazeAid to continue doing their awesome work throughout Miles, Queensland and other flood and fire affected communities in Australia and help rebuild communities that have been affected by natural disasters.
A reminder that the draw is on 1 July 2023 and winners will be advised telephonically and also through various Blazeaid Facebook pages.
There are 3 options to purchase your Blazeaid Raffle ticket :
2. Scan the attached QR code which will take you directly to the booking site to purchase your ticket or :
3. Old school - phone Charmaine on 0478095759 - transfer your $20 directly into the BlazeAid bank account, phone head office and either Debbie (Co-founder of Blazeaid) or Melissa (CEO) will advise Charmaine that your $20 has been received - then they will send Charmaine a copy of your bank deposit and she will write out your ticket and phone you with your ticket number and email a copy of your raffle to you.
The prizes are as follows :
First Prize - 1989 Gold Coin (1 oz gold) - Kruger Rand Valued at AUS$2000
Second Prize - 2 nights family accommodation at Ingenia Noosa Resort, Sunshine Coast, Qld.
Third Prize - One 40 " Smart Blaupunkt TV
Fourth Prize – 2 nights family accommodation Ingenia Holiday Resort, Byron Bay
Blazeiad is a labour volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Working alongside the rural families, our volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.
Price per ticket : $20 each
(sale of one ticket helps Blazeaid erect approximately 4 metres of damaged fencing or supports the running of a Blazeaid Camp)
Ticket drawn : 1 July 2023
You do not have to be present when the tickets are drawn and winners will be announced telephonically and also on our Blazeaid Facebook page.
Kevin Butler (Founder of Blazeaid) recently spoke at one of our Rotary conferences and hence most Rotarians know of this project and will want to help.
P.S. Another THANK YOU for the recent Alex Headland Rotary Club donation to Blazeaid early in December 2023.
It appears that some of us are having trouble with our principles. I'm not referring to the ability to tell right from wrong, or should I say write from wrong? ..I am observing that the ability to spell is becoming rare. Or I am wondering if its deeper than that, is it that we are confusing the meaning of words? I blame social media...let me give you some examples...
Principal or Principle? If you were the Principal, would you have principles?
Effect or Affect? What affect do I effect?
Or I was just so happy I was wrapped?
...and some words to improve your vocabulary from Douglas Adams..practice using them in conversation.
Abeline (adj) - The pleasing coolness on the reverse side of a pillow.
Wike (verb) - to rip off a sticking plaster quickly in the hope that (a) it will show how brave you are (b) it will not hurt
Scamoge (verb) to cut oneself while licking envelopes
Scullet (noun) - the last teaspoon in the washing up.
Tara's amazing background and passion comes to the Coast
Great talk an Wednesday from Tara McKean who spoke about following your passion no matter where it leads to. For Tara that meant all round the world, helping to stage major events in Europe and the States, before Covid, which turned out a blessing for Australia and the Sunshien Coast, because that led Tara to return home, and eventually find her way to teh Sunshine Coast.
Still actively involved in organising major business events, Tara has launched self events co, which organises events that help empower young women to realise their goals and promote their passions. Self events are for women who want to be surrounded by other like-minded women and Tara has strong links to teh Sunshine Coast business community as well as women organisations on the coast.
On a lighter note, regular Jerry Sienfield viewers will recall the story about public speaking. It's true that public speaking generally ranks very high on people's fears. Often higher than fear of dying. Sienfield remarked, "That means at a funeral, your average person would rather be in the coffin, than giving the eulogy!"
It turns out that while Tara is very capable not to say brilliant at events organising, she is a newcomer to public speaking. Indeed this was teh first time she had spoken in public.
Most folks I know give to charity. Couple or more dollars often on an irregular basis. But if they are like me they struggle to know which ones to support. And if they are like me they can let the donations slide.
So why am I telling you this?
Because a club doesn't forget, and in Rotary we don't have to decide what charity to support.
Because we have folks in Rotary who run the Rotary Foundation, one of the top 5 most effective charities in the world. (Effective means that more of their dollars go directly to the folks in need).
So delighted to let you know that YOUR CLUB FUNDShave donated $1,000 to the Rotary foundation this week.
Eagle eyed readers would have noticed that Charmaine has stepped up to help out with RYDA. Pleased to say that after volunteering with Blazeaid, she has recently been working at Miles for over a month now and helped on 16 fire damaged farms and she says it's definitely time to head home now.
...
and on that subject here's an old photo with past members helping out at Murgon farms after the 2013 floods.
This email went out to all 500 contacts, past swimmers, kombi owners, supporters and helpers. We're a healthy club at the moment above average membership, but if you know of someone who is keen to "make a difference"...and we all know that its easier to make a difference with club support, then maybe let them know that the Rotary year is about to begin, and to think about membership?.
Thinking of joining a community club?
The Rotary Year starts on 1st July. This would be an ideal time to join Alex Rotary club if you’re thinking of joining a busy community club.
Why should I join Alex Rotary? Whats in it for me?
Well you get this……. and all for the price of a of cup of coffee a week !
Weekly club meetings at Alex Surf Club (Wed 7-8am) ...attend as many meetings as you like.
You'll be invited to our monthly club socials
You'll hear from our breakfast guest speakers about community issues on the coast
You'll be part of a wider Rotary community and be able to attend Rotary meetings and join specialist Rotary groups such as caravanners, motorcyclists, golfers etc.
You'll help other community associations, such as the one here at Alex, and provide a smile on kids faces at their wonderful "Christmas at Alex" celebrations
You can pass on your work experience to school students and help them transition to work, and you can join us in doing "mock interviews" with students to help get that all important first job.
You can join in Rotary community events such as Solstice Swim and Kombi shows
You'll collaborate with community service provider IFYS on small projects to "make a difference" to the folks doing it tough on the coast.
You'll help make kids better drivers by mentoring an amazing road safety safety program for local high schools. Google RYDA.
You'll have opportunities to help local sunshine coast amazing charities, such as SalTy Souls Legacy, Care Outreach and The Board Meeting surf charity
You'll be invited to "Pride of Workmanship" awards night dinners where we recognise local sunshine coast exceptional employees
You'll meet some of the top students at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where we sponsor bursaries
You'll be invited to a huge trivia fundraising night to support medical aid to PNG and surrounding islands
You'll hear from, and be able to question, local VIP's guest speakers from the Sunshine Coast Community at our breakfast meetings
You'll be part of a group that sponsors local kids on International Youth Exchange.
You'll learn new skills
You'll Keep in touch with Sunshine Coast infrastructure developments
You'll receive regular Rotary "Down Under" magazine, and "GIST" Queensland Rotary community news
If you bring your passion to help others ... we'll find a way to help you.
You’ll be invited to help at Bunnings BBQ …Really? Sorry, wanted to get to 20!!
Contact RCAHsecretary@gmail.com if you want to know more. Or let us know if we’ll see you at Alex SLSC on Wednesday morning.
This email went out to all 400 past Solstice Swimmers, in case you missed some impressive news from Alexa
Hi Folks,
The Solstice swim is only one month away now, and we're drawing in swimmers from Victoria and NSW ......it's always nice to be able to show them the beautiful Sunny Coast and amazing Alex Beach on those crystal clear, glorious mid winter days.
Also we'll be announcing our "personality" swimmer soon. As our regular swimmers know, we always have a VIP taking part in the swim and showing their support for the community. A certain local "pollie" and Surf Club supporter is also joining us this year.
In the past we have had Olympians, Cross English Channel swimmers, Community leaders, and last year you might remember the "MoveforLex" campaign and the amazingly inspirational Alexa Leary.
...and last month ....in case you missed it ........here is Alexa with her parents Russ and Belinda after being announced as a member of the Australian Dolphins team for the World Para Swimming Championships.
Wow, great work Lex. What an amazing achievement.
Who is going to be our VIP Solstice swimmer this year?
Next RYDA session team: a reminder of the next RYDA day session at Nambour…here's the latest ..we'll review again in Wednesday, but please check you diaries as we will likely need more help.
15th May
Graeme Hight
John Malloy
Patrice Robinson
Angela Quigley
Val Saunders
Charmaine Wheatley
Here’s the most exciting presentation from last months program by the Road Safety Team. The car is travelling at speeds up to 80 km/hr. The yellow model called “Dolly” is demonstrating to the kids the importance of judging stopping distances, and suffice to say Dolly collected a few knocks during the day, much to the joy, and hopefully education, of the kids.
The 90 students were chaperoned around the Nambour Showgrounds to the various modules of the Road Safety Education modules, from topics such as driver awareness, car design and ability, mental attitude, limitations on peripheral vision, and all the presenters were excellent. Some video presentations were also used, and you could see that their messages struck home.
The signs show where some of the students guessed where the car would stop. The car is stopped where the professional driver was able to stop with full brakes and ABS.
Meghan, a crash survivor, with subsequent brain and body injuries from a car accident, gave a very powerful message to the kids on road safety, and the Queensland Police Officer spoke very candidly about the carnage sees every day on the roads, and through his career.
All in all, a brilliant day of volunteering to “make a difference”, there’s no doubt that RYDA will save lives and prevent the lives lost that still exists on the road. A certain scribe wished that all drivers could attend this course. Brilliant course and well done everyone involved in delivering important messages to the students of Nambour State High School.
Excellent talk from Sam Parker, founder of the Sunshine Coast (and heading all over Australia) mens mental health group. Sam is clearly an accomplished and passionate speaker, and also a deep thinker about how to address the ongoing mental health problems of men in particular. And its all about connections, and particularly MATES. Scientifically men need 3 mates to lower their anxiety and mental health issues, particularly as it affects suicidal thoughts.
Here's some slides from Sam's presentation, (Thanks Tony & Sam) the first outlines the problem, and makes you think about the current situation, and the second clearly identifies where the various mens mental health groups occupy in the support area. Makes a certain scribe think.
Thank you Sam for your presentation and for all the great work you lead and have inspired in mens mental health.
A call has gone out register for the University / Rotary community fund dinner. If you haven't already replied, please let Skye or Wendy know if you can make it.
Rotary and University of the Sunshine Coast Community Fund
(RUSCCF)
Advancing tertiary education opportunities through a partnership between the combined
Rotary Clubs of the Sunshine Coast & the University of the Sunshine Coast
Presidents, Secretaries and Committee Members,
Just a reminder that bookings for the combined meeting at the USC close next Wednesday, so far we have very few bookings so I would appreciate it if you could please make sure that your members know about the deadline and ‘hurry’ them along.
If it is easier you can do a club group booking on line (this might be a way of galvanising the troops), please see Invitation attached and if you have any problem registering please give Ian Barnett a call on 0419 796 290
Next Bunnings BBQ Sunday 21st May - what's your T shirt size?
For those at next months Bunnings BBQ, can you please email the secretary with your T shirt size. The current roster is:
Morning shift 7.30 - 11.30
John M
Craig
Steve
Skye
John S
Val - front table
Standby if needed Tanya F, Angela Q
Afternoon shift 11.30 - 3.00
Grame
Mark
Wendy
Michelle
Anisha
John / Craig
Standy if needed, Rae S, Sean L
A certain scribe attended the Bunnings induction for the club and the key message, its that there has been a relaxation of the COVID requirements. However there are still quite a few things that our “newbies” nee to be aware of:
Start at 7.30 precisely. Don’t be early and don’t be late
Parking is strictly 2 hours undercover - so park outside
Ice is no longer available at Bunnings
Same rules as pre-covid - No cross contamination between money handler and food
Prepare bread layers and onions the day before to save pain on the day
T shirts
Would all the volunteers below please let a certain scribe know your shirt size as we’d like to offer all BBQ participants a Solstice Swim T shirt to wear on the day.
We’re not allowed any advertising at Bunnings except aprons or T shirts.
Although COVID requirements have been relaxed, we will still require 6 per shift…
Young Parents Centre
We took the opportunity on Wednesday night when we met with Liana, to ask whether the Maroochy State High School Art department would be open to an offer todo the murals at the Young Parents Centre Tanya is planning. Liana was supportive, so we’ve sent a call out for budding artists at the school to join with Naomi at a working bee later in May/ early June and create something amazing for the cherubs at the Young Parents Centre in Maroochydore.
Solstice Swim
Naturally the club took advantage of the Pride of Workmanship awards dinner to plug the Solstice Swim fundraising for the club.
It was good to see the boss of Structures, and Past President Scott B at the function. Scott has been a strong supporter of the club for many years, and has sponsored the Solstice Swim again this year.
It was also good to see that the Scott has not lost his sense of humour and his acerbic wit. For those who remember, hilarious speeches were a hallmark of Scott’s reign at the club. Scott's employee Summer took Scotts recollection of her initial job interview in good part, he’s obviously got a great team there at Structures.
Long Covid testing at next Wednesday's 3rd May meeting
By popular demand of the members, the club has arranged a GP to attend next weeks meeting to test all members for long covid. This will be particularly helpful for members who "forget" when the meetings are on, members who "forget" what they have volunteered for, members who have only a loose acquaintance with the Roman calendar, never mind the club calendar, folks who have trouble with the initials of the Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland, and a certain scribe whose navigation skills are rapidly diminishing. If you want to book an appointment, there's no ppoint if you have long covid, you'll probably forget.
A Dog’s tale
We all know the calming effect a pet can have on kids with mental health and disability issues, from horses to companion dogs, the results are quite amazing.
During the week a single Nambour mum reached out to the club for assistance with a companion dog for her son, who has some serious mental health issues. It was something I knew our mates at The Board Room Surf Charity had helped with in the past, and many others where NDIS support fell short. Unfortunately this level of support had to be withdrawn a 4 years ago after a nasty legal stows that the Charity was drawn into.
But some good news has been received today, and the club has now heard that a dog has been found for her son, and she is now seeking a lower level of support for the associated costs with developing a companion dog, including training, maintenance and vets costs. Stay tuned.
What a GREAT evening at Alex SLSC for the initial Pride of Workmanship awards evening. I say initial because after such a successful night, we can confidently look forward to more in the future. Well done to everyone involved, and a BIG thank you to the Alex SLSC for looking after the full house so well.
The award recipients with Fiona Simpson/From L to R President Skye Miller, Liana Gerbo, Helen Vincent, Colin Hope, Summer Woodland, Komang Infrawan, Bradley Brown, David and Cheryl Giles and local member Fiona Simpson MLA.
..and a big thank you to our amazing club photographer Tony for the photo’s and this media release, where you can see more about our community and more photo’s of the event at My Weekly Preview. Thank you Caitlin.
Recognition of pride in work!
Local employees recognised with Pride of Workmanship Awards by Alex Rotary.
Alexandra Headland Rotary has launched a programme in the Sunshine Coast business community to recognise staff who show outstanding work ethics and a wonderful pride in the work that is done.
The Rotary “Pride of Workmanship” Awards have been presented to about 30,000 Australians since their inception in 1976 in Sydney where awards recognise wonderful employees who contribute to the well-being of their employer.
On Wednesday 26th April, Alex Rotary conducted a Pride of Workmanship presentation evening at the Alex Headland Surf Club to recognise the efforts and contributions of 7 Sunshine Coast local recipients. The awardees represent a good cross-section of the business community and come from teaching, structural engineering, surfboard manufacturing, automotive spare parts, creation and sewing of school uniforms, grocery, and food service and hospitality. Alex Rotary approached the business community to encourage the recognition for employees who are worthy of recognition.
The awards were presented to:
Summer Woodland, an undergraduate engineer with Structures Engineering Design in Kuluin; Summer juggles her university lectures and course requirements with her work commitments to fit in as a valuable team member.
Komang Indrawan is the Head Laminator and colourist at Surman Surfboards in Kunda Park; Komang worked in many areas of this family business and now leads a team who produce work that is described as “the best in the industry”!
Liana Gerbo Head of Department Life Technologies and Vocational Training at Maroochydore State High School. Liana demonstrates outstanding service in the areas of Vocation education for a wide range of students in a broad list of “non-traditional” and “hands-on” subjects that focus on career development for so many students
David and Cheryl Giles own the Grill’d restaurant in Sunshine Coast Plaza and have been nominated by a customer who saw their business grow through dedication and hard work and the skills they have imparted to the many young people employed and trained in food service, hospitality and safe working practices.
Colin Hope was Grocery Department Manager for the Whites IGA group. Colin shows great attention to detail, he is a great trainer and mentor to encourage the staff under his leadership understand customer service in a demanding role.
Helen Vincent a skilled machinist and dedicated employee of Seaborne Clothing Manufacturers based in the Sunshine Coast Airport industrial area, supplies school and sporting uniforms to all parts of Australia. Helen has been working in the industry since she was 16; she is a great believer in the concept of “get it right” the first time. This is an attitude she shares with other machinists she trains.
Bradley Brown is Spare Parts manager for Cricks VW in Maroochydore, where he started in a junior role and during his 36 years with the business has worked his way through diligence, hard work and creating efficiencies which benefit the whole dealership. Having the right spare parts is important for delivery of new vehicles, the service department and customers outside the dealership who require the right parts from filters, brake pads through to replacement panels.
Alex Rotary is pleased to present these Pride of Workmanship awards that follow the theme, Do it Once, Do it Well and build a better Australia.
Alexandra Headland Rotary is one of 34,000 Rotary clubs around the world; the team at Alex Headland raise money through various projects to ensure those in need have a better future.
In recent years Alex Rotary has runs two major annual events the Surf, Show and Shine Kombi and Surfboard show and the Solstice Swim. The annual Swim, which will be held this year on the weekend of 24-25th June will also incorporate a major surf art show. The event will be held at Alex Surf Life Saving club. The swim invites participants to swim 1, 3 or 5km under the watchful eyes and support from the Alex Surf Life Savers.
Alex Rotary has a mix of male and female members across a wide age group and they meet each Wednesday morning at 6.45 for a 7am start and they finish around 8 am to allow business people to get to work. For fore information about Alex Rotary, contact John Malloy ( 0447 300 753 ) or Tony Freeman (0412 373 381)
Multi draw raffle - Big thanks To Anisha, Mark and Dave W, who need your help
The swim registrations are open, and that means swimmers are supporting your club by buying raffle tickets in the registration process for the Solstice Swim multi draw.
So please get out there are source some amazing prizes for our multi - draw on Sunday morning.
Minimum prize value is suggested at $50 and we're hoping for at least 20 prizes for the run down from our major prizes.
So that means each member can help the club raffle by bringing one prize. So the contacts for your prize notifications are Anisha, Mark and Dave who are standing by to offer suggestions, let you know how the multi draw prize collections are going.
The club secretary receives fairly regularly emails from Rotary Clubs around teh world. This week we received one from Ukraine.
We are the Ukrainian Rotary Club Korosten.
There is a war going on in Ukraine now. The population of Ukraine found itself in a very difficult economic and humanitarian situation. Our Rotary Club helps about 500 people with disabilities, families of migrants from the places of hot fighting in Ukraine.
The help of our club is as follows:
-In the purchase and delivery of food rations, medicines, essential goods.
- In providing individual assistance to people who find themselves in a difficult life situation due to the war in Ukraine.
Due to the difficult economic situation in our country, business and incomes have fallen hundreds of times.
Now our Rotary Club cannot independently provide humanitarian assistance in the required volume.
We are confident that your Rotary Club has already helped Ukraine many times over these months, but still, help is needed constantly, hourly, every minute, until the war is over. Therefore, we ask your Rotary Club to provide any financial assistance to our Rotary Club, even in the amount of $100, since this amount will cover the cost of food and medicine for one Ukrainian family for a whole month, and this is a significant support! Your support will serve to save the unprotected needy Ukrainians! In turn, we guarantee a full report on the costs of financial assistance. We will definitely write about you in Rotary International so that your Rotary Club will be marked with a badge of honor for your contribution to the cause of peace. All of us Rotarians of the world are one big family. Each of us is the most important and all good things start with each of us. Real happiness is helping others.
Our Rotary Club Korosten Ukraine expresses its deep gratitude to your Rotary Club for mutual understanding and support!
We wish you a peaceful sky over your head, health, stability and prosperity!
With respect to you!
Let's glorify Rotary with deeds!
Treasury Oleksandr.
The club is looking into this, and as you know Rotary has set up a support network at a District level in Ukraine and at many other places around the world where various man made and natural disasters occur.
The club is only able to make these donations from the contributions of our members and supporters. So just say, thank you for helping out with the fundraising and support that you give on behalf of the beneficiaries.
Caboolture Rotary Club are entering the Rotary Car in the Variety Bush Bash, promoting various Rotary clubs in the District. Its all following on from the R100 Australia Project. Readers will recall that Alex Rotary tried to get a recognition of Rotary's 100th birthday on the coast without success, so this is a good way of acknowledging the great work that Rotary has been doing on the Coast for the past 100 years.
Solstice Swim community support comes in from Scott, Anthony and James
Following on from last weeks support from the Mooloolaba Yacht Club, who are supplying the large. oversize buoys to provide a highly visible course to our amazing swimmers, we were delighted to hear from our mate Scott Brimelow at Structures (Past President) and James Brownsworth and Sheree Lyons at Innovative planning Solutions in Maroochydore and of course Anthony Miller at Miller Sockhill lawyers, who have all taken up Bronze sponsorship of the Solstice Swim.
Scott, James and Anthony are well known to the club as past sponsors, and we are very grateful for their past and current support.
Big thanks also to regular supporter Cameron at Evolve Accounting for their contribution towards a nipper program for a disadvantaged child. We hope to see Cameron and some / all of his staff at the swim.
There's also a strong rumour that we have received a valuable silver sponsorship for the swim...stay tuned for more details. The gold sponsorship has been taken up by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, so that means there's a place on the swim T shirt for a community minded business who would like to take up the opportunity.
District Assembly 29th April at Rothwell, Brisbane
AG Bernie Wilson has put out this reminder and plea for club members to attend this years District Assembly
"DGE Paul has asked us to write to you as the incoming Presidents for the coming year I need your help.
As you know the District Assembly is a key aspect of training for the incoming club board members. It would be reasonable to expect that the Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, and Directors from each club will make every effort to attend to take advantage of the training opportunity.
You would also be aware that our District Trainer and his team of presenters have put a great deal of effort into organising the Assembly. This not only includes a varied program of breakout sessions, but also a superb new venue with catering. And all for a small cost of $10 per person.
I also plan for the attendees to receive an important update on the Regionalisation Project, with this week’s RI Board approval of a business case and related funding for the project moving forward.
While the assembly is two weeks away, we need you to encourage your club members but especially your board members to register as soon as possible, to help John with the catering arrangements and in planning the various breakout rooms based on interest/size.
The link for registration is included below. Would you please contact your club officers and seek their support by getting them to register asap. It only takes about 2 minutes.
Please also note that one of the members from each club is required to vote at the General Meeting that precedes the Assembly, and advice of this persons details needs to be provided to the District Secretary asap as well."
Call out for volunteer to help with teenage driving skills RYDA on 26th April
Important message from Geoff, on the upcoming driver awareness workshops...if you can help, email the club secretary RCAHsecretary@gmail.com. Skye has put a call out at the local cluster so hoping for some help from other Rotary Clubs in the district. Meanwhile if your availability has changed, please let Geoff or the club secretary know.
We are 2 persons short for RYDA on 26th April 2023. So far I only have the following:
RYDA Schedule of Volunteers 2023
26th April
15th May
1
Peter Deane
Craig Laidlaw
2
John Malloy
John Malloy
3
Rae Smart
Wendy Gilson
4
Patrice Robinson
Mike Storkey
5
Graeme H
Patrice Robinson
6
Help needed
Angela Quigley
7
Help Needed
Val Saunders
8
We really need 7 volunteers plus me as there will be 220 kids on 26th. With only a week to go, its getting tight.!!!
Young Parents Project Update - Do you know a flooring supplier who would be interested in helping?
The club funds are a bit short to complete the Young Parents shaded area upgrade, so if anyone knows a supplier of outdoor flooring that would be suitable for a kids shaded area, we need about 48m2 of material to turn this barren concrete base into an inviting play area.
If you know of anyone, please email the club on RCAHsecretary@gmail.com
We've tentatively set a working bee date for the Saturday 27th May, so please put a few hours in your diary to help out at the centre with painting / general odd jobs around the centre.
Youth Exchange Program - The club tradition continues
The great news is that the YEP is back on, but unfortunately we only received the information last week from AG Bernie with cut off dates for applications being the end of April.
We are doubtful that we will get an applicant this time round given the rush and also that the age range has now changed with the emphasis being on year 10 students.
But we really want to find suitable candidates and potentially sending and accepting a student in 2024 for YEP.
So great news, that things are returning to normal, and hopefully we can make a life changing influence on a local student.
Big Thanks to Mooloolaba Yacht Club for helping out with the Solstice Swim
Once again the folks at Mooloolaba Yacht Club have joined in to help with staging the Solstice Swim at Alex Beach. There oversize buoys will be on show as swimmers are guided through an avenue of buoys, clear of the surf to commence their 1km, 3km or 5km swim.
The oversize buoys are complemented by the HUGE buoys from Surf Life Saving Australia and Alex SLC to guide our swimmers through the three courses.
While on the safety bandwagon, just to note that for your safety this year the swim will be limited to the first 300 swimmers registered.
The predicted long range weather forecast is for calm conditions and a bright sunny morning.
The courses and details are shown on the club webpage, and here below. The courses will be manned by the great Alex SLSC volunteers on paddle boards, jet ski's and rubber ducky's. A big shout out to Chris, Lex and their team of volunteers.
This amazing Sunshine Coast Charity Swim could not happen without the great folks at Alex SLSC.
Councillor Natoli, Marilyn Keely, and Eve Fraser Catch up at the club breakfast meeting
The breakfast meeting last week had the above distinguished guests, and we heard first from Marilyn who has been the driving force behind the learn to swim and surf awareness programs on the Coast. This was a personal journey for Marilyn who has first hand knowledge of tragic drowning and a lengthy history in helping migrants and refugees on the Sunshine coast. Councillor Natoli got behind this effort and we recently saw graduates from this brilliant initiative.
"Here is the photo of our first excited graduates from the swimming program for international students on the Sunshine Coast. They attended the wonderful surf awareness program at Maroochy SLSC and attended eight 45 minute learn to swim classes at Cotton Tree pool. Now they can join the surf club and enjoy our beautiful beaches."
We also heard from our Eve Fraser on how the Solstice Swim will help support the program she has developed following her work on the Rotary Water Safety Project and her experiences in Asia in delivering train the trainer and learn to swim programs. We'll hear more about thi sas we get near the sharp end of the Solstice Swim, meanwhile the club is focused on sponsorship, and of course helping with the HUGE Multi draw raffle and selling raffle tickets in future.
Club members have noted that getting old brings with it certain super powers, and one of them is invisibility. Unfortunately this super power is a bit unpredictable, but it always works when you are in a queue waiting to be served in a certain chain store.
You'll generally find that when you approach the shop counter the (usually) younger staff are engrossed in a deep philosophical discussion on human relations, and their discussion will be punctuated with lots of phrases such as "I was like" and "he was like" and "she was like" etc. etc.
Anyway, its certain that our human need is to be recognised and relevant, and to "have our say" is fundamental. So its incredibly frustrating it is when this right of recognition is taken away.
A certain scribe was reflecting on this during the weeks "development" on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament (not sure development is the correct word?. ed).
This lack of respect for others, does not affect only old people and First Nations people. I first noticed this at very senior business meetings where those women who held senior positions at the table, were nevertheless struggling to have their voice heard. Often when they came forward with good ideas, the conversation was highjacked by politically driven senior managers. Just saying.
There is no doubt in my mind that lack of respect has gotten worse over the past few years. But the response to the Voice threatens to take us to a new low.
How much worse then is it to politely request your say, only to be told that "we think we know better and will get back with you with our ideas" and "we really care for you" and "we'd love to help you if it wasn't so complicated" etc.
Now I am not in any way comparing the old people's invisibility with the plight of our First Nations people. Just saying that the lack of respect for others cannot continue the way its going in the community.
I also wonder what the situation would be if the First Nations people had the power of governance, and they refused a voice to the privileged minority?
I can think of quite a few folks who should have their megaphone removed, and made to sit quietly in the corner, well before First Nations People. I'd do it respectfully. Just saying.
Editor
Dear Ed,
I totally disagree, old folk are not invisible. I get beeped and waved at all the time when I am driving around. I always acknowledge this, and wave back to my new friends, most of whom who seem only to have one finger in their left hand.
Freddy,
Alex Heads
Thanks Freddy, I have forwarded your details to an optician. Ed
Dear Ed,
Politicians should not have a voice on matters of science. They should NOT be allowed to talk about pandemics, vaccine's or climate change. Most of them would struggle to explain the 4 stroke cycle, never mind a complex eco cycle.
Underwater islander, Fiji.
Agreed. Added. Ed.
Dear Ed,
People who think Facebook and Twitter are research tools and use them to voice their opinion.
Agreed. Added. Ed.
Dear Ed,
Radio shock jocks who promote community divisiveness should not have the voice to the public.
Shirley, Noosa
Agreed. Ed.
Dear Ed,
Noisy children in business class.
Privileged business traveller, Mooloolaba
No, just turn up your B&O headphones, and enjoy the flight. Ed.
Dear Ed,
Folks who accost me in the shopping mall with "can I ask you a question?" and then flog me some subscription or other.
Sue, Maroochydore
Suggest you change your appearance. Make yourself look older. Old folk are invisible. It's a known fact.
The views expressed in this column are the personal reflections of a certain scribe and club members who may contribute, and do not reflect the views of the club, or Rotary.
Who knew? On International Women's Day we found out a couple of things. (i) That Alex Rotary became the home of Rotarians who resigned from another Rotary club in protest against them refusing membership to women and (ii) there's also an international mens day.
So on Wednesday President Skye reminded us that we have a female Rotary International President and women are playing a much larger role in Rotary, and in our little patch of teh world Alex Rotary doing our bit and fast approaching 50% female membership. who - hoo. On that note, we welcome new corporate member Tanya Frazer from IFYS.
A certain scribe couldn't let International Women's Day pass without noting that Rotary founder, Pau Harris, married hi Scottish bride in early 1900's and in a very romantic gesture, built a home for her and named in Comely Bank after Jeanne's home district in Edinburgh.
Chairman Bob and President Skye in relaxed mode.
Women in Rotary started as Melbourne initiative, but as you can see from their website have gone international with many countries now part of the program ..
..and from an earlier edition of Rotary Down Under ...
Homelessness on the coast: A Noosa Daybreak Project makes a difference and gets a thank you from The Salvo's
From the latest Noosa Daybreak newsletter....well done folks...
The Salvation Army Homeless Fund Project Update;
February news;
A homeless couple, had been sleeping in parks and under bridges in the Sunshine Coast area. Whilst sleeping under a bridge, they got bitten by spiders and a snake, and the couple faced a range of vulnerabilities. The Department of Housing granted temporary emergency hotel accommodation, but this didn’t last for long, and ‘they no longer met the eligibility for this program’.
The Salvation Army Homeless First Response Team stepped in; the couple were granted urgent accommodation, for a week of respite and safe haven, to allow them to connect with various agencies, and apply for private rental accommodation, ie to self-fund hotel accommodation from their next payday.
This couple are extremely grateful for our help! Their health has dramatically improved with short-term, stable accommodation. Plus, they gained quality time with their daughters in a safe environment, and time to plan the next steps in their lives and avoid the risk of sleeping rough again.
“Thank you Noosa Daybreak Rotary, for bringing hope to this situation!” Matt G (Salvation Army)
Turkey earthquake - The media has moved on but Rotary keeps giving
Regular readers will recall that your club made a donation to Shelterbox to provide temporary accommodation to folks affected by the Turkey earthquake. Here's an update.
Imagine fleeing a war zone only to be hit again by an earthquake. That’s what happened on 6 February 2023 when a series of powerful earthquakes ravaged northern Syria and Türkiye (formerly Turkey). The region where the earthquakes struck is home to significant numbers of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people.
In northwest Syria many buildings were already damaged by years of civil war, and that’s where some of the worst damage has been reported. 17th February 2023; Crucial supplies from the international disaster relief charity ShelterBox have arrived in Türkiye and Syria to help people affected by the devastating earthquakes that have claimed more than 40,000 lives across the two countries.
“Our tents have arrived in Türkiye on free flights by Turkish Airlines from Panama – where we had stock pre-positioned. We strategically pre-position aid all over the world to help get crucial supplies to disaster
affected communities as quickly as we can. “A truck of aid, carrying thermal blankets has crossed the border into Syria and has reached our local partner, Bahar, who will be distributing our aid. We’re expecting more trucks of our aid to arrive in northern Syria in the coming days and weeks, containing more vital supplies.”
Club Fundraising
A valiant attempt by member Steve to get a Car Boot Sale project up has hit a bit of a setback, so its on teh back burner till end of year. Meanwhile we're pushing along with the Solstice Swim preparations, and will soon have the online registration desk up and running and be looking for sponsors and volunteers for the fundraising through sponsors, prize donations, etc. A certain scribe has been busy with event and grant applications, so fingers crossed for a positive outcome.
Also we've been honing on on where we can really make a difference in saving preventable deaths, and learn to swim and community education around suf awareness and being safe in the water will feature strongly as our beneficiaries of the swim. Meanwhile here are a few pics to whet your appetite...
This classic photo epitomises what the swim is all about. This lady has just driven up from NSW to take part in the swim and her mate was there to get her out of the water and across the finish line...Missing part of my leg? ..no problem!!. What a woman.
We'll also be having a Zumba community and swimmer show and warm up with a stage at Buhk park. Here's an earlier one with our mate Gary as cheerleader.
.the start does get a bit serious....nobody wants to be last...
Pride of Workmanship
It's getting close, and we have an amazing line of of employees...
Women in Rotary," making a difference " through action
Olympian "Dragon slayer" Duncan Armstrong signs up to help Alex Rotary with the Solstice Swim
Great news.
As members would have seen there has been huge media focus on swimming and surf safety in the past few months. Some members took up Councillor Joe Natoli's invitation to attend the launch of the Sunshine Coast Councils new initiative to save lives through a program on Surf Awareness and safety in swimming. This program is primarily aimed at USC & TAFE international students and was on ABC TV news.
A certain scribe grabbed Dragonslayer Duncan Armstrong who was keynote speaker fo rthe program launch and explained what Alex Rotary was proposing to do in a similar vein for kids through the Solstice Swim.
The great news is that we caught the attention of Duncan Armstrong who launched the SCC program and Duncan has said he would like to know more about what we are doing and is happy to help. Brilliant and a BIG thank you to this outstanding olympian who lives on teh coast.
Stay tuned for more information on the swim.
Now does anybody remember why Duncan gained the nickname "Dragonslayer?"
ROMAC Quiz
Report from our reporter at teh ROMAC Quiz night...containing a generous portion of sour grapes "we wiz robbed" but a great night and well supported by Alex who also made an ex gratia donation. Well done Caloundra Pacific Rotary and the team.
From our reporter on the spot.....
No photos from ROMAC quiz ... they all escaped like the school bell had rung at the end of the night.
Alex had two teams and we (on table 6) finished one point head of our second team (on table 7).
One point also being the difference between us and Caboolture which won "our" trophy. We should have won .... there were three answers we changed and had we left them we would have won.
Numbers were smaller .... there were 24 tables of 8 so about 190 people whereas a few years back there were generally a total of about 280 people!
We did not win the hair colouring or Bunya Mountain holidays this year! The raffle was a load of fun as normal.
I just phoned Greig lee-Archer who was the organiser and he believes they have made approximately $11,000. (They will have more accurate or final figure at tonight's club meeting).
Thanks TF.
Clean Up Australia Day
Sunday Morning saw the club members at Wilkes Park at Alex Headland, continuing our tradition of hosting the "Clean Up Australia Day". Members reflected on how the community had changed over the years, and how in the "good old days" we would collect 10 wheelie bins of stiff, plastic everywhere, cigarette butts, old rusty bikes etc. Nowadays we're struggling to fill a handful of bins...which is really great, and gives us more time for Wendy's morning tea.
Big shout out to everybody who helped out. You're champions.
The new hessian bags from our mates at Australia Day. org
Young Parents Project?
Big thanks to Melissa, a good friend of Mooloolaba Rotary, who dropped off toys, books, and nappies at a certain scribes apartment as he was making his second run to the Young Parents centre.
Here's Tanya and friend getting ready to sort out the donations, many will go to. other IFYS youth programs.
Keep up the good work guys.
Meanwhile Mooloolaba Rotary are considering our invitation for them to join us in upgrading the outdoor area at the Young Parents centre. We should know soon if they are able to help. Fingers crossed.
What famous writer / comedian said this?
"I had no money growing up. My dad was a labourer and mum did everything to make ends meet. Men worked hard. Women worked miracles. But education was free. As was the local library. I know books were a passport to a better life. Happy #World Book Day"
Who am I??
Two things will change your life
1. The books you read
2. The people you meet.
Just saying....
Message from Charmaine
Good morning Tony, friends and the rest of the Alex Rotary Club,
Thank you so much for your very kind words of comfort during this sad time and the loss of my dear husband.
I am currently working as a Trainee Camp Coordinator at Blazeaid in Victoria and this has been a time of great reflection and thought.
The plight of the farmers here is critical and some of the volunteers have even moved on saying that it is just too traumatic to be constantly reminded of their plight. It seems that once the media hype is over and the next "big" story hits the headlines - people forget what is happening in our own backyard here in Victoria.
My son is racing in the BIG DESERT RAINBOW RACE this weekend and I will only be 200 km away - so please keep us in your thoughts and trust that he lands on his 4 wheels right side up this time !
For the last couple of weeks, Alex Rotary volunteers have been helping the grade 11's at Nambour State College following an invitation from The Smith Family to augment their "Growing Careers Program.
And who better than Rotary with their background in Youth and Business to manage the gap between education and work. So Craig, Geoff, Tony and John have been providing some mentoring workshops on getting ready for work, and doing well with job applications and that all important job interview, as well as some guidance on how to approach career selection.
In total the group spoke to 180 kids over 2 days and while some of the students excelled, its clear that this sort of external support "makes a difference" to the students, no matter their academic achievements.
Saturday Garden
Inner Wheel & Birthing Mothers - a small group making a big difference
Every week...Suzanne and Leanne and this team of ladies get together and assemble birthing kits for the island communities. The kits provide basic sterile aids to help expectant mums deliver their babies in very primitive conditions. It's a major logistic exercise from here, to get the kits to the Rotary redistribution centre in Brisbane and then ship to PNG and islands, for the volunteers there to distribute the kits onwards to the mums in need.
Its a very practical way that these ladies are helping the health of Mum and Bub arrive safely in the world.
A certain scribe recalls seeing many "birthing trees" in Zambia when he was a younger man, and expectant women from the village would go to the village tree and hold on to the tree though the pain of childbirth, in very unsterile conditions. So these kits of a clean sheet, and wipes, pads and medical thread would have been a great help to those women.
Our mate Craig, came up with a brilliant suggestion to include a pictorial with the birthing kit on instructions on how the kit components were to be used. Might be particularly helpful to the men of the village who apparently steal the medical thread used to tie the knot for their fishing purposes !! doh!
Caloundra Pacific - what else do they get up to?
Cal Pac is famous for organising the ROMAC trivia quiz, but what else do they get up to? Here's theirs newsletter...interesting their speaker Mark MacArdle was an early member of Alex Rotary a few years back!
The yard clean-up was a small part of a project to extensively refurbish and repair the home both inside and out to make it liveable for the family.
The “before” photos show the task the team were confronted with and the “after” photos show the result of 12 Rotarian’s hard work. This project was certainly a case of “many hands make light work”."
Mark, Geoff and Roger and team from Mooloolaba, Ray. Michelle, Craig and Geoff and John from Alex.
..and not forgetting Wendy's morning tea which was very well received..
We'll done to everyone involved and a BIG thankyou to The Board Meeting Surf Charity who invited the Rotary team to help. Mark and his team to a great job in the community and its a privilege for Rotary to support such a great cause.
The great news is that the home is expected to be handed back to mum and kids in 3 weeks, with new internals and a freshly landscaped garden. !!
Young Parents Programs - Alex / Mooloolaba Rotary Project ?
Following on from a delivery of books and bookcase to the Young Parents centre, the club is considering helping out with a refurbishment of a shaded area that could be transformed into an exciting all weather play area for the toddlers of the young mums and dads who attend this centre for support and advice on bringing their precious cherubs.
We've also reached out to our mates at Mooloolaba Rotary who have been partners in helping with the larger projects in the past.
Stay tuned for more news..
Apparently a certain super artistic club member has a few ideas for those blank walls !
Some of us recall that both Mooloolaba and Alex Rotary clubs refurbished the front garden pre-covid and the front of the centre is in good condition with teh soft play and mud sinks in good order..
..a certain club treasurer's painting prowess, is still evident in the above play area.
Inside the Young Parents centre, its very welcoming, this is where the education and support takes place from Tanya Fraser and her team..
Solstice Swim - Now looking for ideas for sponsors
OK members, so the club is having only one major fundraiser this year, the Solstice Swim, so get your thinking hats on and help Bob and his team find some sponsors..any ideas...drop Bob a line on boblane55@hotmail.com The theme is "community education" especially saving kids lives through learn to swim so anyone with an interest in this should be on your list.
Clean Up Australia Day - Sunday 5th March
Attention readers...here's your chance to support your community. Register for a local clean up and do your bit to maintain the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Craig will have details on Wednesday...
btw, did you know that we have 2 turtle nests on Alex Beach for the first time in years...!!..so it's their backyard too..
ROMAC Trivia Quiz - Thursday 2nd March
Just letting you know there are still a couple of places available for the Caloundra-Pacific ROMAC Trivia evening at Unity College, next Thursday 2nd March.
We have two tables of 8 (total 16) and we have booked in a total of twelve – 2 tables of 6. Partners definitely can be booked in … we have a few partners within our booking of 12.
Please contact me pretty quickly if you’re interested in being a late starter.
Cost is $35 per head and that includes a “light supper”. The is a cash bar and an opportunity to buy raffle tickets which, if like previous years, will have MANY prizes!.
Start time is listed in The Gist as “Doors open 6.15pm and trivia starts at 7.00 PM”
Unity College is at 47 Lomond Cres, Caloundra West QLD
If interested, let Tony know and copy Wendy in as she is collecting the money and making a single payment for the club. If you’re a late addition, please also advise any dietary issues.
Email we were not expecting
Every so often the club secretary gets an email out of the blue. here's one that came this week...
Dear President/Secretary
Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland
Namaste from Rotary Club of Dhulikhel From Nepal.It is our pleasure and honor to contact your club for friendship and cooperation.
Regarding, the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel , it is one of the most active clubs in Nepal with many service projects . We have 30 members at the moment . We would like to take this honor to introduce my club visual presentation .
On Wednesday we welcomed back Amy Fris from Denmark. Amy was our amazing exchange student a couple of years back and she returned this time with her mum Heidi. Also present Stuart and Karen Aird who are no strangers to the youth exchange program with boarding Amy while she was here and of course their daughter Bianca who spent a year in Spain as a Rotary exchange student before returning to her studies.
...and here's what Amy looked like when she was a Rotary Exchange student at Sienna....
Memory Lane
..and while we are on memory lane, look what we found when looking for Club pennants...a very youthful Fiona Simpson and Chris Baker, and Scott B looks like he's just out of high school...but what's with the Scottish dancer and piper?
Fiona doesn't look a day older...
..whats the go here with the Scottish connection way back when??...
and did anyone notice the portrait on the wall that the Queen donated to her beau at the Chinchilla B&S, her majesty's last night of freedom ??
Mooloolaba Garden Project
A certain scribe brought in a project without notice at Wednesday's meeting. Here's some more details of what the clubs up to by helping out our mates at The Board Meeting Surf Charity with the garden of a mother of autistic children. We're collaborating with Mooloolaba Rotary to do a bit of a clean up to allow the landscapers to jump in and make a full garden makeover, similar to what we did previously with Casey's Yard project in Currimundi.
The yard needs a good clean-up before landscaping work can be undertaken & repair trampoline if possible.
Address: 33 Mooloolah Rd, Mooloolah (its on the right side heading to Mooloolah township)
Date/Time: Saturday 25th February / 7am (Trying to beat the heat of the day. If too early for the majority we could make it 7.30 or 8)
What to bring:
Work shoes or boots
Hat
Water
Sunscreen
Garden Gloves
Garden tools if you have them: Spades, Shovels, Rakes, Maddock, Wheel Barrow, Whipper Snipper, 1 push mower.
I believe with 9 volunteers we should be able to complete the clean-up 2 to 3 hours.
Kind Regards,
Geoffrey Hopkins
M # 0438 865 888
Mooloolaba Rotary Club
The Smith Family "Growing Careers"
If anyone knows of a good therapist, would they please let Craig know.
Following two sessions with Grade 11's at a certain High School where he delivered two sessions on preparing high school students for first steps towards work Craig is a little bit frazzled and in need of some TLC. Skye knows from her previous experience.
..and great news, we get to do the coaching all again next week with 2 other groups. Big thanks to Geoff for helping Craig and me, and a big big thanks to Craig and Tony who have volunteered for this weeks coaching sessions.
Book Donations
The club continues its help to the community with book donations to the Young Parents program starting up in Maroochydore under the auspices of IFYS.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed, in total over 200 books were donated, and a certain scribe has delivered them to the Young Parents centre. The older reader books will find their way to support the youngsters in the Foster Care program at IFYS.
Also a big thanks to Tanya Frazer for facilitating this.
Full card for the RYDA saving young drivers lives program
Message from Geoff on the RYDA program,
I now have a full dance card for both RYDA days as below:
RYDA Schedule of Volunteers 2023
26th April
15th May
1
Craig Laidlaw
Craig Laidlaw
2
John Malloy
John Malloy
3
Tony Freeman
Wendy Gilson
4
Rae Smart
Graeme Hight
5
Mike Storkey
Mike Storkey
6
Patrice Robinson
Patrice Robinson
7
Angela Quigley
Angela Quigley
Helping out in Turkiye
Further afield Rotary is known for its international aid and its endurance in providing aid after the media spotlight has gone..
Rotary Convention - Melbourne 27 - 31 May
Club news, community projects, and a look back in time
On Wednesday we had a really interesting talk from local mind works guru Bob Lane, who has helped thousands of folks lose weight, stop smoking and reduce their anxiety and other mental ailments.
All through his self help hypnosis techniques which allow folks to remove the latent and deep brain path ways of thinking. Bob explained that hypnosis has been used for thousands of years and helps correct behaviours in a harmless but permanent way by delving into the subconscious and removing goal / reward links that in some cases have built up since childhood.
Bob with one of his colourful shirts
Bob also confirmed that Sunshine Coast drivers drive using their subconscious, ie. effectively in a trance, until their conscious brain kicks in when they realise that they are about to run onto the car they have been tailgating for 5 kms...usually mine!
Later Bob demonstrated to the club how a simple 2 minute meditation technique could help empty the mind and stop "the chattering monkey" that is our brain at times when we are inundated with day to day life noises. By emptying the mind and focusing on breathing and a simple goal the mind blanks out the noise of every day thoughts and produces various levels of calm in folks.
Bob without a shirt
A certain scribe noticed that some members of the club were quicker at emptying their mind than others. Not sure what that says about their brains? Anyway, you know who you are.
Social BareFoot Bowls
Barefoot Bowling April 2nd 3.00 to 5.00pm at Maroochydore Bowls Club
You and your partner and children are invited to enjoy a Sunday afternoon playing lawn bowls
No experience is required - there will be coaches available to help you.
Cost : Adults $12 per person Children $10
Flat soled shoes to be worn and tidy casual clothes.
You may like to stay on for a drink in the bar or dinner in the Chinese Restaurant (Our experiences have been very good eating here)
Numbers will be collected at next week's meeting to make the booking
Work Life Coaching at Nambour State College
The club has been invited by the Smith Family to help their "Growing Careers" project at Nambour State College. This complements our "WorkLife" program with the same theme as helping youngsters transition successfully into work.
So next Wednesday and the following Wednesday we need a couple of Rotarians to talk to 300 grade 11 kids about the first steps to transitioning to work. ie. Job application and interviews.
RYDA looking for help
As mentioned yesterday RYDA dates are now finalised, and I am seeking volunteers for Wednesday 26th April 2023 and Monday 15th May 2023 as attached.
I need 6 volunteers for April and 7 for May as I will be away sailing in May.
Could all members express their interest to me via email by the end of February 2023?
Caloundra Pacific Rotary organize a really fun trivia night each year and we have attended most years …. Sometimes with two tables competing for the major prize.
We are putting together at least one table and if numbers permit, we will have more!!!
It’s a ROMAC fund raiser …. Cost is $30 per person and that includes a two course meal … historically a cold meat salad and a desert.
Drinks are available to purchase and they have a fun raffle with LOTS of prizes …. John Malloy won a hair dryer a few years back!
Can you drop me a note if you’re interested in joining us … partners are welcome too!!! (Marilyn will be joining us too)
Can you advise any special dietary needs so we can register them!
It’s down at Unity College in Caloundra, 6pm for a 6.30 pm start and it’s generally finished about 9 pm.
It is normally attended by about 180 people …. A mix of Rotary and non-Rotary …. With sponsorship, raffles, entry fees, drink sales etc they have made around $13,000 to $15,000 from the night … Alex Rotary usually makes a donation as well.
For new members, ROMAC is Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children …. Bringing sick and injured kids into Australia and NZ for life saving medical treatment they can’t get at home. There are some wonderful stories I will happily share!
ROMAC has brought over 400 kids in during the last 30 years …. Just two stories:
The youngest child was a few days old from up in the hills in East Timor and when she arrived in Brisbane she was just about on her last breathes! A tumour was removed from her esophagus and she is now a normal 6 year old kid running around and going to school.
The oldest was diagnosed at 15 with a tumour in the roof of the mouth and she probably would have died by mid-20’s!! She is now approaching 30, married, her own kids and has a “normal life expectancy” ….. she was from Cambodia.
Others have been kids with nail embedded in the head (Solomon Islands), herniated brains (quite a number); burns (Fiji, Indonesia and others); cleft palette (many); kids born with facial deformities (Vietnam, Korea) and many kids from Papua New Guinea, Pacific Islands.
Remember Alex Rotary has won the big Trophy a number of times and last year it was won by the team from Mooloolaba who beat one of our teams from Alex by only 2 points!!!
Pride of Workmanship - new date 26th April ... so start networking
Tony has been busy re-writing the invite to potential recipients of businesses who would like to reward their employees....its in your email, along with an application form for anyone in your circle?
Photo recognition
The editor has been asked to trail a "photo recognition" column similar to what our mates at Caloundra Pacific are doing. So send in a phot that you think may cause a few folk to scratch their head. It can be a person, or event or thing. preferably not too hard. So here's the first one. Prize will be offered to best answer. Judges decision will be arbitrary and capricious and final.
There's probably several hundred in your cupboard....but what is it?
The GIST of it - what's happening around the Rotary District
Ashley's column..... and what's the most important job at our club meeting?
Our Honorary member Ashley writes a column in the Sunshine Coast News that's usually informative and always very amusing, and this week with an important message.
This weeks column reminded a certain scribe to thanks those folks who perform club duties at breakfast meetings.
Steve is doing chairmans duties this month for the first time in 2 years, but I particularly wanted to thank those members who do the "meet and greet". This is I think the most important job at our meetings, as we rightly pride ourselves on being a welcoming club. If you don't agree maybe you haven't been to some of the gatherings I've been at.
At Alex it's noticeable that a few of members actively keep an eye on folks (usually visitors or guest speakers) who may be a bit lost before meetings and on their own. They go and engage with them prior to the meeting, making them feel welcome. So well done you. You know who you are.
Here's honorary member Ashley's column from SCN, printed without the authors permission.
The importance of saying hello by Ashley Robinson
"At the risk of repeating myself, I want to revisit my favourite topic.
I touched on some of this last week but I need some help getting my head around people who either can’t say “hello” at 5.30 in the morning or say it sometimes but not other times.
I find it quite baffling.
Sure, the three-abreast walkers and cyclists pretty much send a clear message: “Hey, it’s all about me.”
The runners are another interesting group. Some are running an Olympic marathon and have no time to say hello, while others are trying to beat Usain Bolt’s 100-metre record and fear saying “hello” may cost them the record.
Then there are the walkers who beautifully time looking at their phone just as you cross paths. I like to consider that an accident rather than a strategy.
The easiest to understand are people who simply don’t like me (a rather large group).
That’s fine.
“But how can you tell?” you may ask.
Well, the grimace or shake of the head as they pass is a pretty fair indicator and at least alerts me that I don’t need to waste a greeting on them.
I am quite comfortable with people who don’t like me. I don’t need to know why. What they think of me is no business of mine.
The confusing one is the “hello” one day, then ignore me for the next few days.
I find it thoroughly baffling as, again, I don’t want to waste a “hello” if I get ignored (I usually chuck one in anyway).
The thing is, though: how hard is it to say “hello”?
I am not trying to entice them into some cult. I am not trying to sell them something and I have no intention of following them home for breakfast. Just “gidday” or “hello” – that’s all I ask.
In a world that seems to be moving faster every year, in a region that has always been a mix of rural and seaside (and up until that past few decades, like a big fragmented country town), we must be careful not to lose our laid-back lifestyle that has appealed and appalled our migrants from the south.
If I want to be ignored at 5.30am, I’ll go for a walk in Sydney or Melbourne.
Ashley's column and what's the most important job at the club meeting
Welcome back to President Skye who briefed the club on her first board meeting since her return from chilly Europe. Here's the main points from the meeting for your edification..
The club confirmed donations of $500 to blazeaid and $250 to "Share a Meal"
The Pride of Workmanship dinner date has been pushed out to 26th April. More details and updates coming from Mike's team.
The club is always interested in members suggestions for community projects, if you have one, please be sure to let other members know. Anisha and John are going to investigate the situation with our 5 schools in regards to making sure schools have support to help with school breakfasts.
Mike is investigating Volunteer Fair opportunities in the region.
Tony is working on a new "coffee and chat" listing for the club.
Bob L is working on the Solstice Swim preparations. We'll be looking for help from sponsors soon.
Steve N is reaching out to the MSHS on the car boot proposal now that term is underway
The club approved the "All Rounder" award for each of the 5 schools we have relationships with in the region. (Grammar, Chancellor, Sienna, Mountain Creek, and Marocchydore SHS). Graeme has agreed to approach the schools with this offer.
There's a social event for the club coming up, probably involving rolling round balls on grass towards an impossibly small ball in the distance. To add to teh difficulty the balls seem to be incapable of rolling in a straight line. Sounds like fun?
Dateclaimer. Clean up Australia Day is on 5th March. The club has registered with the Clean Up Australia Day Council. Volunteers needed.
There's a club board meeting on Tuesday, so if any member has had a brainwave during the week, be sure to let the secretary know....
The club had a very interesting presentation and activity from Marylin Freeman on Wednesday morning. It involved thinking and more importantly, how we use our memory. A certain scribe supposes that memory is a filing system where you put things that you might need one day. Like his garage.
Anyway Marilyn took some of the Canadian research into this area to demonstrate that our memory works most strongly with images, and not text. We were given 15 images to draw and 15 words write down. This was to aid the recall activity we would do a few seconds after the lists were taken away.
Then in recalling them after a few minutes it was clear that most folk could remember at least 7 of the images and a lot less words. Some scored zero memory of words - eek, you will need to stop drinking out of the aluminium cans Wendy.
Anyway, a great demonstration and thank you Marilyn for very entertaining activity. Much appreciated.
Dave Woodrow travels to PNG to honour and remember Australian Service
No doubt we'll receive a full briefing from Dave on his return, meanwhile here is a few. pics he has sent through when he was on Kiriwini Islands. He has been to Milne Bay and is expected back on the coast on Monday. ....
Last year we welcomed Mark into the club and a few weeks ago he was invited to talk to the club about his life and interests.
Mark has a long history of "making a difference" to communities he's worked in around Australia, and clearly has always been in the business of "giving back" wherever his career took him. His work life in sales and communications has seen him now in account management with the local radio station.
Of particular interest was his volunteer work and his lengthy service in Rotary is to be commended. Of particular interest was his volunteer work as an Lifeline telephone counsellor, receiving calls from folks often in desperate circumstances, with issues that hopefully none of us have to face.
So after a career around Eastern Australia and Northern Territory we're delighted to have Mark in the Sunshine Coast community .....and especially to have him as a member of Alex Rotary.
Message of Bravery, Peace and especially Hope and a new logo from the new incoming RI President
We had a really inspirational talk on Friday from the incoming International President. Its not often that (in fact its the first time we believe) that all the various nationalities that make up Rotary hear the new theme in their own language. And its not often that you hear courage and bravery associated with Peace. But that was Gordon's message to Rotary. That Peace is not a passive thing, it requires action, to be courageous and brave an hard work. So it is with mental Health, seeking out help for mental health is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of bravery, courage and strength.
Gordon has clearly a history of international aid and related an experience with a woman who suffered really badly from the Tsunami. He reflected that the greatest gift we can give to folks in desperate circumstances is not always material things, but through practical help to deliver Hope, and so our logo and challenge is to "Create Hope in the world"
A certain scribe has been reflecting on the year ahead for the club and New Year resolutions. Suggesting that on a personal level (and maybe at Club level) there is value in words calling for a simple call to action.
The best NY resolution that he has heard (and that he can remember - because its only two words) is "Do Better"
This challenge has resonated with a few, including President elect Peter who is having a think about what it could be at club level.
One person who has already taken this on board is our very own Angela did well by providing confectionary at the meeting to sweeten our early morning temperaments while celebrating the year of the rabbit. Good onya Angela.
And big shout out to our resident GP, Phillip, who did well to remind the meeting that Wednesday was also the day that's celebrated all over the world to mark the birth of the worlds greatest poet, Robert Burns.
Also as a certain scribe noted in regards to the date of Australia Day, what was our reflections on the current community views about the date of the celebrations....could we, as a community "do better"?
and would the date of Australia Day pass the 4 way test?
What do you think?
Club meetings
A reminder that before next weeks meeting there are two ZOOM meetings.
On Monday Mike is charing a meeting on Pride of Workmanship project, and on Tuesday the first Board meeting of the year. As always all members inputs are welcome.
New Year resolutions, club challenges, and topical discussions
Always one to put his artistic flair to every project our mate Steve has been busy creating a collage for our new Club pop-ups showing off some of the activities Alex Rotary has been up to over the years. Some great memories here...Well done Stevo.
We had our first Wednesday morning meeting, and special guests from Caloundra Pacific members, Bonnie and Belinda. Bonnie is the driving force (force is the right word) behind "Share a meal" ...an initiative started several years ago by Judeth and Maureen, and taken up by the amazing Cal Pac club volunteers, to ensure that every Thursday the folks who would appreciate a chat and a meal have a place in Caloundra.
Unfortunately, as is often the case with folks who need a hand, mental health issues are all too common and it was personal tragedy that Bonnie related to the club that made Bonnie and her teams efforts all teh more meaningful.
Well done to everyone involved.
Wendy rounded up the fines and donations and we were able to match the funds from fines session from CalPac as a gesture of Alex Rotary's appreciation for the great work that these folks do every week.
In some ways the social side of helping the community is equally important, and Bonnie shared some heartwarming stories with us.
Love the graphics
Bonnie & Belinda making a difference to lives on the coast
Fire and Flood seem to be the new norm in Australia, what with fires in WA and Tasmania and floods in Queensland, NSW and Victoria. One of our members has taken to he road over Christmas to help out.
Member Charmaine went off to join Blaze Aid help and help out the community in Tasmania. Her amazing story below.
Members might recall that the club has a history with Blaze Aid, that you can see on the club photo albums on the website. Not sure exactly where this farm was, perhaps one go our readers could advise?
So here's some more photo's to add of Charmaine and her granddaughter and helpers reinstating trees that were lost during the floods in Tasmania, and a report from Tassie, below.
Hello from TEAM GALS at the Blazeaid camp in Rappville. I have the wonderful opportunity to work with my 14 year old granddaughter.
We planted 150 trees for a macadamia farmer who had all his 1 year old trees washed away in the floods, repaired many broken fences and erected many new fences. The gratitude from the farmers has been overwhelming.
Attached photos of our amazing Blazeaid experiences.
Kindest regards from Rappville,
Charmaine
Charmaine and granddaughter helping after the floods in Tasmania
New member and world traveller Narelle dropped us a line to let us know that she was not able to make Wednesday's breakfast meeting as she was teaching English to the community in Madagascar. Fair enough we thought, and its a great opportunity to bring you an more detailed update from Narelle in future newsletters.
Meanwhile here is some Madagascar questions to test your general knowledge. some more relevant than others...
What is the name of the dejected Zebra in Central Park in the original Madagascar ?
What is the name of the King of the Lemurs?
What is the capital of Madagascar?
What is the currency of Madagascar?
Get all 4 questions right to be in the draw to win $50 Bunnings voucher. Winner decided from readers responses tomorrow.
On Friday Secretary Val invited new members to think about ways to get involved with club meetings and activities. We're always welcoming of new ideas and although a small club we like to think we can make a difference when we work together. Some of the activities we have on the agenda for this year are:
Pride of Workmanship - celebrating the best employees on the Sunshine Coast. If you know of a community minded business who would benefit by having one of their employees contributions recognised and celebrated, let Mike know.
Car Boot Sale - a new project. If you want to help Steve out with getting a community car boot sale going and helping out Maroochy State High School Students with some valuable experience, let Steve know.
Solstice Swim - Did you know that kids drowning is the biggest preventable cause of kids deaths in Australia. Whats more surprising to you? (i) That 25% o deaths are from migrant families? or (ii) 75% of deaths are from Ausiie born kids?
Clean Up Australia Day (TBC) - One of Rotary's key aims is improving the environment. What can we, as a club do?
Mock Interviews (TBC) - Rotary occupies a key position between Youth development, Business and Education. We're always happy to support improving the skills and relationships in this space.
and we know that certain new members have a history of community activities that they're looking to bring to the club. So if you have a new idea for a community project, don't keep it to yourself, let the club know.
Meanwhile, here is a short video with a powerful message describing what Rotary is all about. Its also available on the club website. www.alexandrarotary.com
We've had a request for a printed copy of the WorkLife book that was created by the club with support from Sunshine Coast Council a few years ago. The club printed 50 copies of the book, as reference material and "door opener" for discussions with schools on how Alex Rotary could help bring the gap between leaving school and starting work. We included lots of advice and experiences from our members worklife and how they started their working lives and what was their advice to the younger generation.
The book content is available in module form on the club website CLICK where you can see some photo's of the initial contributors.
We've had a request for a printed copy and there's none left.
In fact we've not had any spare for years, as copies were taken up by Rotary clubs in Qld, NSW, Victoria, as well as the UK, USA and Alaska following an article in Rotary Down Under. So if you have a copy that you're happy to hand back, please let a certain scribe know as our old mate Bob Thompson would appreciate one for a family member who's doing great work in Argentina.
On Friday Marilyn Freeman spoke to the club about her experiences with Toastmasters and Rotary and how both organisations are working together to increase personal development. To be able to speak well in public speaking is a great "soft" skill and one that can be learned with practice and dedication. It can change lives and make a difference. An inspirational public speaker can move an individual or group to greater things. Thank you Marilyn for your reflections on your amazing journey with Toastmasters.
Toastmasters and Rotary have combined to provide tools to help individuals improve their public speaking. Here's what you need to know.
A Strong Alliance
In May 2019, two long-standing organizations, Toastmasters International and Rotary International, formed a unique strategic alliance, drawing from the strength of their many similarities and complementary differences. The opportunity for Toastmasters members is primarily to establish fellowship and make new connections, contribute more to communities, and potentially elevate clubs. Rotary members have the opportunity to develop new skills and may ask to visit Toastmasters clubs or receive evaluations. Toastmasters also developed eight educational courses for Rotarians and Rotaractors, available on Rotary International’s Learning Center, which can be accessed by their members in nine languages.
As if Friday's Christmas quiz wasn't hard enough for some ...here is a version of HARD Quiz for those who perhaps might be surprised at the answers
1. Xmas is a modern trendy abbreviation for Christmas for lazy folk who can't spell. True or False?
False
The term "Xmas" dates back to the 1500s
DIEGOGRANDIGETTY IMAGES
Contrary to popular belief, "Xmas" is not a trendy attempt to take Christ out of Christmas. "Christianity" was spelled "Xianity" as far back as 1100. X, or Chi, is the Greek first letter of "Christ" and served as a symbolic stand-in at the time. In 1551, the holiday was commonly called "Xtemmas," which was later shortened to "Xmas."
2. Who sent the first Christmas cards ...
a. President Herbert Hoover
b. Henry VIII
c. Queen Victoria
d. The pope
Queen Victoria was the first official person to send a Christmas card, but the first commercial card came in 1843 when Sir Henry Cole produced 1000 and sold them for one shilling each. There are currently only 12 of these cards left in the world with one going up for auction a couple of years ago for £30,000.
3. The genus name for mistletoe is Viscum album which in English means
a. White Berry
b. Glossy holly
c. Dung on a twig
d. True bush
Mistletoe, or as it is more well-known Viscum album (kidding), means “dung on a twig” in the Anglo-Saxon. According to the National Wildlife Federation, it spreads through bird droppings. Think about that during your next kiss.
4. The first song played in space was...
a. Happy Birthday
b. Jingle Bells
c. Rocket Man
d. Homeward Bound
On the 16 December 1965, the song 'Jingle Bells' made history by becoming the first song to be played in space during NASA’s Gemini 6A space flight. At-least… we think it was the first…maybe Santa sang to Rudolph on his trips??
Club is trialling Wednesday morning breakfast meetings in 2023, please take note...
Our first club meeting in 2023 will be on Wednesday 11th January. We'll give it a try and see how that works for everybody. The primary reason is that Friday mornings were getting busy at the SLSC so trialling this for a while.
Meanwhile, check outage club calendar its on teh top right hand side club website and if you have the club website on your phone, its the first thing you will see when you open the link.
Joke: I am a bit worried about the calendar. Its days are numbered!
What is it about Wednesday?
Trivia quiz from a certain scribe.....What is the relationship between Chris Hemsworth and Wednesday?
Club Dinner at SLSC
Friday: Great night enjoyed by all, at SLSC Bistro. Unfortunately president Skye couldn’t be there as had a bad back, but Tony was again called on to step in as deputy. It was nice to see our 3 new members there with their partners. No photo's?
This was the scene at "Christmas at Alex" on Sunday night. A great community event that Alex Rotary is proud to be part of.
..and somewhere among this crowd is a guy in a red suit who makes it all happen..
...as the sun sets over the stage... so the demand ramps up for sausage "with" ...
and there is commander in chief Craig and his offsiders slaving away in the kitchen ..meanwhile....
....the prima donna's on the front desk bask in the crowds admiration.....
But seriously, a great afternoon and evening, thanks Alex Headland Community Association , and many thanks to everyone who helped out and made the whole event such a success..
On Saturday 5 November 2022 – the Sunshine Coast Rotary Community Corps held their fifth annual Masquerade Gala to raise funds for a local Sunshine Coast charity and the other half to be sent to South African Rotary Clubs for their various projects.
The theme for 2022 was “Alice in Wonderland” and previous themes were “Once upon a Time, ABBA, Rocky Horror, Beauty and the Beast” all of which created much excitement and fun and the support of the regular festival goers of the local Sunshine Coast Community.
Over the last 12 years, Rotarian Charmaine Wheatley has escorted 55 self-funded Australian volunteers to various South African destinations to build 6 classrooms, 8 playgrounds, deliver over 500 wheelchairs, medical and education supplies,10 000 pairs of recycled LIONS spectacles in two x 40-foot containers (which were then also used as classrooms at their final destinations) through the RCC.
Two members of SCRCC Christine Radcliffe and Wendy Davis
Raffles, silent auctions, and ticket sales raised a substantial amount of money and the local Sunshine Coast charity this year was the local Bloomhill Cancer Care Centre. Previously the Orange Sky Laundry was also a local chosen charity.
Charmaine has just been appointed as a BlazeAid Camp Coordinator and is leaving the Sunshine Coast on 17 December for BlazeAid Training in Victoria. You can follow her progress on:
https://www.facebook.com/events/8013437209 48533
and make donations to BlazeAid on:
https://blazeaid.com.au/donations/how-donate/
with the reference: #Sunshine Please give a TOOT if you see her on the road.
On 1 December, A Current Affair featured: BlazeAid organisation helping flood-ravaged communities calls for more volunteers https://amp.nine.com.au/article/1665d8ec- 6639-4f59-9ab9-2243b3ca1d2b
Cynthia and Charmaine Wheatley
Charmaine Wheatley, RC of Alex Headland (from DG Newsletter)....well done Charmaine and team....
Charmaine’s Masquerade Gala and the Community Corps
We welcome back Maggie Alexander to produce this E-Newsletter after a 4-year absence and extend our many thanks to retiring editor, PDG Gina Growden, for her tireless efforts, not only with this newsletter, but with all the many other tasks she has undertaken since 2019.
Life continues to be exciting and hectic for everyone associated with ROMAC. In the last 3 months, we have brought in 4 new patients, made a presentation at the Rotary Zone 8 Conference in Canberra and conducted a large planning workshop in Brisbane. The Brisbane workshop included a professional development session and workshop for our doctors from around Oceania. Our Medical Director provides more detail below. There was also a special two day workshop for our key ROMAC office bearers and volunteers.
Our newsletter contains patient updates from our Deputy Chair and our Canberra Regional Chair on the progress of 4 patients Melenaite, William, Vinna and Jasminah and I am pleased to say the progress has been positive and encouraging. Our Treasurer writes about our information booth and presentation in Canberra at the Zone 8 Conference, which showcased our work in ROMAC.
We have commenced a process to update our strategic plan, by laws, referral process, risk matrix and our communications and evaluation plans and Brisbane provided us with an excellent opportunity to make a significant start on these tasks.
An important outcome of our meetings in Brisbane was that, with our new committee structures and all the tasks we are trying to undertake, we desperately need more volunteers to join our ranks at the District, Regional and National levels. We are specifically looking for Rotarians or Rotaractors with skills in areas like fundraising, marketing, communications, producing newsletters and maintaining databases, liaising with Government and Hospitals, paediatrics, finance, recruiting, hosting to join our committees. ROMAC is a wonderfully rewarding project to be involved with and appeals to all ages so give it some consideration and let us know how you would like to help by emailing me at chair@romac.org.au.
As 2022 comes to an end, it is a great time to reflect on the year and to thank the many people who have helped and supported ROMAC over the last twelve months. We are most fortunate to have come through the pandemic relatively unscathed and with the resources and enthusiasm to again embark on providing life-saving / life changing treatment to children from our neighbouring countries.
I would specifically like to thank all our hard-working ROMAC volunteers for all their efforts and the Rotary Clubs, Rotarians and friends who have continued to support us.
All the best to you all for the festive season and for the New Year.
Don’t know what to get someone this year? Got a really small Kris Kringle budget? Or a family member who ‘has it all’?
We have a beautiful, thoughtful and heartfelt solution – Operation Cleft gift cards. All profits from each beautiful card go to supporting cleft palate operations in Bangladesh.
The beginnings of Soccer - Wendy's Dad was ether at the start - who knew?
We all enjoyed the fantastic run of the Socceroo's in Qatar, but who knew the soccer connection to our Past President Wendy?.
The year was 1956 and Australia was host to the olympics. Great. But there's a problem. As hosts, Australia has to provide a Soccer team for the games that will do us proud. We need an international coach. Where to find on? Look no further than Len Young, Wendy's dad, who had a short career with "the Hammers"..aka West Ham before coaching at club and international level.
So Len came emigrated to Australia, and the Olyroos won their first game against Japan, only to lose to eventual 4th place India in the next game.
You can learn more about Len and soccers beginnings CLICK HERE and HERE
On Friday we met at the Tide recreation centre, and apart from the AGM which lasted all of 5 mins, the main business was to welcome new members, Naomi, Anisha and Mark. The great news is that the clubs membership is growing strongly and particularly pleasing to not only see the average age of membership declining, but also the enthusiasm and experience of the new members who have a strong history of giving back to the community.
Anisha and Skye...Skye showing off her jewellery.
Naomi and Mark with their new badges and shirts......Mark being the highly organised person he is, first ever member to be inducted while wearing a club "work" shirt. Could this be an omen?
Finally, thank you Val and John for hosting the meeting, and for the breakfast goodies...
New Board
So the new club board positions have been filled and we're all set for the new year, (commencing July) with :
President : Peter Deane
President Elect: Geoff East
Treasurer: Wendy Gilson
Secretary: Val Saunders
Director: Tony Freeman
Director: Rae Smart
Director: John Malloy
Big thanks Mike Storkey, retiring director who has been valiantly pushing the "Pride of Workmanship" program along, and also to Michelle who is now back in Oz after a very busy time returning to work. Great to see her back on the coast.
Reminder - No club meeting this Friday 9th - See you at dinner at Alex SLSC
Club Donations
The club has added to the presents donated to Care Outreach with a $150 donation, and also donated $500 to Blaze Aid (where Charmaine is going off to help in Tasmania next year) and also the club has a history if volunteering with (see pic from Murgon 2013) , and we've also donated $500 ROMAC to help the great work they do in critical health care in our region.
The Calendar
Don't forget to check out the Calendar
Wed: Morning Tea with Alex Community
Friday, no meeting , but club dinner
Saturday : Ojinka BBQ at Buhk Park
Sunday: Xmas at Alex at Buhk Park
Sunday: Have a lie down.
Update on the Namayingo Water Safety Project
Eve is to be congratulated on administering, (and persevering), with the water safety project, which is now complete. Here's a short update and as you can see the team exceeded the planned 50 first responders by a significant margin,
From Moses and Eve,
It is very exciting to finalise this project you kindly supported. By now you are aware of the impact of the training on the community with newspapers and television broadcasting the training across the district in Uganda. The response to the training was incredible and as we have seen before not everyone could complete the rigorous program required. Our goal was to train 50 first responders and a total of 68 graduated. There were several communities involved in the training as per the report attached. These trained personel will now train others in their local area to provide a more efficient response to an aquatic emergency.
A certain scribe had a neighbour called Cid, many moons ago. The scribe used to love it when Cid borrowed things from him. Especially if Cid borrowed the BBQ. Why? Because Cid was one of those rare neighbours who returned borrowed things in better condition than received. The BBQ would come back bright and shiny, and a certain scribes had avoided food poisoning, until the next time Cid borrowed it.
BBQ before
BBQ after
Why is he telling you this?
Because our neighbouring Rotary Club has borrowed the clubs BBQ trailer, and have offered to fix up the lights and the wheel bearings, which were well overdue some attention. So. BIG THANK YOU to the amazing Geoff and the Mooloolaba Rotary Club. It is very much appreciated. Cid would be proud of you.
Care Outreach Christmas appeal - amazing response from Club - but what's wrong with this picture??
President Skye and Judy dropped off these pressies at Care Outreach with Melissa....but our resident photographer has spotted something wrong...can you guess?
We've made a difference at Christmas..but what about the pic
**Just a reminder that next year Alex Rotary are the main organisers and Geoff will be looking for approx 10 volunteers to assist with the life saving program**
Big thanks to Geoff for organising the volunteers to facilitate the RYDA workshop to make youngsters aware of what can happen on the road. Truly a great program that shows new drivers what can happen, and the consequences of poor driving choices. We are all aware that between 17 - 25 years old is by far the most "at risk" period for a driver. This program actively reduces the carnage for that age group.
The program shows real life speeding incidents, speakers who have been in car crashes and the impact on their lives. It's life changing, and life preserving.
Charmaine, Mike and Geoff with the kids who are a bit safer on the road thanks to the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program.
RYDA is more than a program, it’s partnership which supports teachers on the journey as they provide their students with the tools and understanding they need to see themselves as active, responsible road citizens. Taking, largely, a student inquiry learning approach, RYDA becomes part of the school culture from the first to last day of a young person’s high school life. Beyond that, RYDA provides students with the tools, habits and motivation to take action and stay safe on our roads as both drivers and passengers throughout their lives.
AGM, inductions, and scrumptious muffins at TIDES community centre on Friday
No point in going to Alex SLSC on Friday, we won't be there. Instead we're having our special meeting, including AGM and new member inductions at TIDES community centre in Maroochydore. The AGM is usually a very short affair, I think the record stands at 1minute 20 secs, so we'll see how we go this week.
How do we pick the new board ?
New board members are drawn by ballot of those members who are NOT at Friday's meeting. Then if that doesn't fill all the vacant Board positions there is a count back from the meeting attendance records until all positions are filled.
A certain scribe has been trying valiantly to raise the knowledge with the club for the past few weeks. Not sure how successful - its a bit early for deep and meaningful at breakfast time.
Last week there was a bit of controversy over what aboriginal mob Artie Beetson came from. So the scribe did some research and came up with this interesting and important but sad story from the Courier Mail.
"Artie dies before finding family"(December 2011)
"GUBBI Gubbi elder Eve Fesl has revealed how rugby league legend Artie Beetson was keen to reconnect with his lost family when they met only a month ago.
IT was only a month ago that I first met Artie Beetson when he came to me at an indigenous function where I had been a speaker.
Artie told me he was a Gubbi Gubbi man and named his mother and relatives whom I knew to be related to me (I even had a photo of his mother with mine).
We agreed to meet before Christmas to fill in the family tree.
It is so upsetting to know of his death.
I only met him briefly but he was a very friendly, nice man. I came away impressed by him. I am proud he was my cousin.
Gubbi Gubbi is based on matrilineal descent - rights to speak on land are through the female line, so Artie through his mother was an important man in our culture as well as a sporting great.
He was very keen to reconnect with his family and it is sad that he has left us without probably knowing that our great-great-grandfather, James Crowe, was a member of Australia's first cricket team (all Aboriginal) that toured England.
Our cousin, Bill Monkland, who Artie probably met, played rugby league for Queensland and I, whom he met for the first time a month ago, captained Queensland women's netball and athletics teams and was Queensland discus champion and a member of the 1956 Olympic training squad in Melbourne.
My brother, Nurdon Serico, was all-schools champion in the 100 yards and high-jump champion and also played rugby league.
We will decide on a traditional memorial for Artie after speaking with all the family"
We were promised a talk about empowering women and an amazing young woman on the Sunshine Coast who is at the forefront of bringing women together to achieve their best.
But Bella's story could equally apply to us all of any gender and any age. Be strong and fearless, is the message, and told with enthusiasm and passion.
We also welcomed Bella's support team Rosie, Maddy and Lisa. (Are Alex Rotary folk really so intimidating?)
Seriously a great talk, thank you Joy for arranging such an inspirational speaker, it is always great to know that the future is in good hands with young women like Bella in the community.
Pretty in pink. Little known fact that until the 18th century pink was the colour preference of menfolk. (you're welcome)
Pause for thought, and Bella's community event on screen.
December 2 AGM meeting is going to be a Christmas cracker!!
Our December 2 meeting has some surprises in store, the first one being that it will NOT be at Alex SLSC. It will be at "The Pines" community centre where Val has organised the community room. Its just of Bradman Avenue in Maroochydore. Stay tuned for more details.
Invitation to join Alex Community Association Morning Tea
We weer delighted to receive 4 invitations to complementary morning tea with The Alex Community association on Wed Dec 7th. Its your oppurchancity to meet the volunteer folks who care for the beach foreshore 365 days a year and stage the "Christmas At Alex". Let the secretary know if you can make it.
Saturday 9th December - BBQ for the Early Learning Centre
We've been invited to provide a BBQ for the families of the future generations at Buhk park on Saturday 9th December. Our mates, Craig, Geoff, Peter and Wendy have stepped u for this new relationship with Alex Rotary.
Club Website - have you noticed?
There's some interesting photo's on the club website, (www.alexandrarotary.com) ...and its not a certain member queuing up for his THIRD helping at Skye's buffet ..no... below that photo carousel, there's other photo's of something going on with water safety...do you know where this is ......and its significance?
The club had some amazing talent on display at Naomi's "Sip and Paint" on Saturday arvo. It was a brilliant afternoon, and Naomi was absolutely correct, we were all nervous that our paintings would like like #*$# half way through the session, but be totally transformed at the end...which as you can see ..was what actually happened....there was some amazing paintings of beaches, seahorses, Kombi's dolphins, etc.
Thank you so much Naomi, great fun, 5 stars.
So there's some new wall art to some of the members homes (apparently)...
Some critical expressions here..
The torment of a talented artist ...is he looking for inspiration? ..or just another wine ?
It was a full house on Friday morning when the Rotary RV club members paid us a visit. Great "vibe" in the room of Rotarians and everyone really appreciated the visit and Tony had arranged the dredge to put on a show for our guests..
The room was a bit busier than normal but Wendy and the Alex SLSC coped admirably.
The NYSF needs your help in Brisbane in January for our budding scientists
Dear Rotary Clubs across Australia,
In 2023, the NYSF Year 12 Program will again deliver a mix of interactive digital and in-person sessions between 10 & 24 January.
We have volunteering opportunities in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, from 16-19 January. We are particularly in need of volunteers in our Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney Hubs.
Volunteering with the NYSF ensures our students get to make the most of their time on the Program. In turn, you will get to meet and spend time with the next generation of STEM experts, while visiting some of Australia's most cutting edge STEM facilities.
You can register to volunteer here. We appreciate your completed expressions of interest by 30 November, so we can onboard you and provide all our volunteers with online training and information sessions ahead of January.
To find out more about the NYSF and what we do for our STEM students, please visit our website. You can also read about how students have rated the COVID safe NYSF Year 12 Program format here in our report (PDF). We encourage you to share this with your fellow Rotarians.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch at programs@nysf.edu.au if there’ is anything we can assist you with over the next few weeks.
This year we're asking members, friends, complete strangers, anyone, to give a gift to the Care outreach Christmas appeal.
Late News: Tony received this email from the amazing Bill and Melissa at Care Outreach...its something for you to think about when you are out shopping for your Christmas act of kindness....don't forget to bring your wrapped gift with you to Friday's meeting. !!
HI Tony,
Great to hear from you.
This year our specific shortfall has been the boys 13-15 and girls 10-13.
With the other age categories for the children, we have done ok this year.
We are always scratching to get enough goods for the Adults - male & female that have been allocated a gift. This is another option.
Thanks to you all at Alexandra Headland Rotary.
Bill & Melissa
Rotary "Giving Tuesday" has turned philanthropy into an international event for everyone
Meanwhile at Rotary International....In 2019, the philanthropic event known as Giving Tuesday raised nearly $2 billion. And eight years after its inception, what began in the United States as a day focused on monetary donations has expanded across the globe and transformed to include volunteering, finding ways to show gratitude, and educating people about the value of altruism. For Rotary, as for many other nonprofit organizations, Giving Tuesday has become an important part of the philanthropic calendar.
In 2019, Giving Tuesday saw:
$511 million
in online donations in 24 hours
20.1 billion
social media impressions worldwide
27 million
U.S. adults who participated in some way
7.6 million
U.S. adults who performed volunteer service
60
countries that had an active #GivingTuesday movement
Rotary has embraced the concept, encouraging the use of Giving Tuesday as a fundraising opportunity for clubs and for The Rotary Foundation. Since 2017, Rotary has also used Giving Tuesday to reach out directly to prospective and current donors, and the campaign has grown each year. In 2019, Rotary raised over $550,000 from donors all over the world in response to a Giving Tuesday email campaign.
If you could save 8 lives with your signature...would you??
Brilliant talk on Friday from Shona MacDonald on organ donation. Such an important topic and to hear the issues from someone on the front line of this life saving work was very thought provoking and hopefully will spring some of us "oldies" into action.
Thank you Shona, and keep up the good work.
The slide below says it all, and although some folks have genuine reasons for not donating, it certainly makes those of us who do offer to donate, realise how important, indeed life changing, this can be to others.
Australia has some significant problems with organ donation, not least the relatively small number of donors, but also our geography makes it extremely difficult to deliver donated organs in time. And not so obvious is that while folks can survive heart and kidney problems with medication and sport equipment, this is not so easy with lung transplant requirements.
...and if you would like to register...click on this...
Jake talks to club about his experience with community policing
The Queensland Police Service have been having some bad media and a tough time of it recently. What between mysoginistic comments and culture, shootings of citizens with drug and mental health issues, and inadequate responses to domestic violence situations, its been a worrying time.
So it was good to hear on Friday from a local detective about his career thus far with the Queensland Police Service. The stories highlighted some of the difficulties faced by officers in responding to community issues. (or as sometimes wrongly reported, the Queensland Police "force" called to "deal" with the perpetrator.
Straight away we learned that "police ain't police" the same over Australia. Jake hails from Victoria where his family his dad also served in th ePolice service, and if Victorian policemen want to transfer to Queensland (why wouldn't they) there is a reasonably lengthy program to train up on the differences. So now Jake is responding to community matters on the Sunshine Coast.
We know that at the root of all crime there are two issues, and they have nothing to do with the police service.
The two major issues are poverty and mental health. Intervening early in these issues dramatically reduces social problems and crime. Avoiding these issues, and increasing penalties ...well, we'll get what we always get, high levels of incarceration (percentages haven't changed in 50 years, and more unfortunates in jail, coming out to create more social problems). Lesson ends.
Unfortunately the police have to deal with the outcomes of these two issues and as Jake reflected, the situations that police find themselves in, often affect their mental health and well being.
So next time you're talking to a policeman, be kind, you don't know what they've been dealing with just a few hours before.
Clive and Cathy with 50 years of Rotary Service in South Africa
( Warning ....Distressing photo at end of article)
On Friday Clive and Cathy from the Rotary Club of Uitenhage South spoke to us about the Eastern province of SA and som eof the amazing community work that Rotarians do in that part of the world. The work they do is a million miles away from the world of clamping in the game parks, and gave us some insight to the daily struggles of the folks in that part of the world. A big shout out to the Rotarians for the work they do to "make a difference" to their communities.
The club has several connections to Southern Africa, through our members Sean and Charmaine, and of course our support of Rainbow House in Zambia, and now our connection to Uganda via Eve's life saving programs, and many of us have travelled there to see this amazing country first hand. For those who have seen the spectacular land behind the tourist veil, its a land with huge problems.
A certain scribe lamented how in his 45 years of contact with Southern Africa since he worked there in the early 70's how he had witnessed its gradual decline for the average citizen. It's a sorry tale of a region is serious decline and makes this scribe very grateful for the part of the world that he now lives in.
Here's Clive and Cathy at one of their clubs fundraiser, where a bunch a friendly bikers turned up to lend a hand. Goodonya Bikers!!
PS...while still in South Africa, teh club received the following email, which we're following up with a ZOOM meeting...
Good morning Sir/Madame,
My name is Torriano Salamba and I am the current President of RC Dar Es Salaam Mbezi Beach in Tanzania. I have lived in Australia for the last 40 years but I have been back in Tanzania for the last 6 years, I became a Rotarian 4 years ago, servicing as club secretary before becoming the club President for this Rotary year/
Im reaching out hoping that you could assist us in building some toilets for a school and hopefully we can do the same for the many government schools that are suffering from a hygienic toilet and drinking water.
I have attached the concept note for your reading and I hope to hear from you club.
Just a reminder if any member wishes to contribute to the Board meeting, we welcome any input, just drop the secretary an email. RCAHsecretary@gmail.com
Friday's speaker is from the Queensland Police Service
Don't forget to RSVP to Skye's lunch date
Don't forget to let Geoff know if you can help with the Rotary defensive driving program for kids (RYDA). Its a life saver.
..and further North from Texas, in Wisconsin, Rotarians are also helping their community
This from this months "Rotary in Review" this article reminds us that you don't have to look into Africa or Asia to find worthwhile causes that will improve your community..
How amazing is this, with clubs from USA and Europe joining forces to help the folks in La Crosse, Wisconsin
We've probably seen in the news where the state government on Texas have sent parents of school kids emergency DNA kits, which sent a shiver up the spine of this scribe. So here's some positive news out of that troubled state.
As regular readers will know, we also have contacts with USA and subscribe to The Arlington Sunrise newsletter, where our amazing and hard working director, Peter and Jayne have family. So here's something positive from that part of the world where these Rotarians are making a difference to their community.
Update on support for fight against children's Sarcoma.
Folks will remember Tom Handyman's loss to childhood sarcoma and the amazing support the family received from the Sunshine Coast Community.
Well, I am pleased to let you know that on Saturday Andrew and Ben flew out of Australia for the Himalayas. They are now climbing Mt Mera in remembrance and fundraising for Tom.
It's been a long few years but Andrew and Tom never gave up and now join a band of climbers in the Himalayas to complete their commitment.
We wish them well.
Summit for Sarcoma - sad news (30th April 2020)
Many of you will remember Andrew O'Connor coming to the club to talk to us about Children's Sarcoma and how it had affected his family. Andrew, and his son Ben, decided to do something to support the fight against this terrible disease that had affected Ben's cousin Tom Hardyman. They put together the "Summit for Sarcoma" funding call out, intending to raise $60,000 by climbing Mount Mera at $10 / metre.
I'm sad to let you know that Tom succumbed to the disease last Thursday and that his funeral is being held today.
Andrew and his sin Ben raised almost twice their original target for Sarcoma research. Here's the link if you wish to donate to help eliminate Sarcoma. Everyday Hero.
Alex Rotary shows its support for a life giving cause
On Friday we renewed our friendship with Eve Fraser, Director of OzSwim Aquatics. Members will recall that a few months ago our club was successful in getting a $4,000 grant to help Eve and her team save lives in Uganda though a water awareness program. Since that time, Eve has been super busy and has created a Rotary e-Club that has tasked itself with engaging with Rotary to save 2,500,000 lives around the world. That's the number of lives that the United Nations estimate are lives lost in water incidents, that could have been prevented.
So Eve, being a "can do" sort of person has set out a plan of 6 project clusters to break down this mammoth task into achievable parts. ..
The club is delighted to have Eve as a neighbour on the sunny coast, and a friend of Alex Rotary and already we're exploring ways of supporting this worthwhile cause through club projects. The Solstice Swim is an obvious collaboration that we're exploring.
The most preventable deaths...and its not what you think
On Friday Rex gave his former Rotary Club a big plug for their amazing Murgon Music Muster week. Any caravaners or country music fans out there (and who doesn't love a "pub with no beer?" ) are guaranteed an entertaining week at Murgon, in support of this great event.
Christmas at Alex - Sunday 11th December at Buhk Park
The Alex Community Association folks are again hosting the iconic and world famous (really?) "Christmas at Alex" on Sunday 11th December. The weather is guaranteed to fabulous, and there is a rumour that a man in a red suit will be there to spread some joy and create some bedlam among the kids (well done JH) ..after a few tough years.
The day started a bit dull, overcast and with a few rain showers but the day brightened -- suitable for walking from Mooloolaba, through Alexandra Headland and on to Maroochydore.
The annual Walk for Mental Health happened on Sunday with 400 pre-registrations and about 100 “show-ups”. After the event Vicki Stewart confirmed there were 550 in total that started!!!
Alex Rotary creates an encouragement point and the 4km turn around point; we also wave the flag to provide encouragement to those walking the full 8km to Maroochydore and back!
We saw lots of people, colourful costumes, quite a few dogs, kids in strollers and prams, people with walking aids and at least one “walker” in a wheel chair!
Delighted to see a past president of Alex Rotary, Prue Byrnes, with husband Chris and their wonderful guard dog!
Andrew Wallace MP is a keen supporter of the event and a regular “walker” and this year he ran the 8km. Fiona Simpson, our local member of Qld Parliament is also a regular at the event and promotes the walk to colleagues and the community.
The event raises much needed funds for Australian Rotary Health which allocates all of the funds raised from the walk into research to understand Mental Health and the hope of finding a cure.
At the Rotary District 9620 conference in March, Angie Mansey was a guest speaker who captured the attention of all attendees and mostly because her story was so natural and one with which we could relate. Not that we had been down her path but because of her life experiences and how she overcame them to move forward.
PDG Patrice Robinson making the PHF Award to Angie Mansey
Angie's second son required bucket loads of medical attention which drained all their cash reserves and more!!
When Angie and Luke were able to get their head above water, they established a charity to support families in need.
When then District Governor, Wendy Protheroe heard the full story she made Angie a recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow -- an award that recognises great contribution to the community. It involves quite a story but the Award was delayed and became available only a couple of weeks back. Wendy was not able to attend and present the award which was made by Past District Governor Patrice Robinson at Alexandra Headland Rotary just last week.
A "Paul Harris Fellow" Award is named after the founder of Rotary and requires a contribution of $1,000 US to The Rotary Foundation which uses the money in humanitarian projects around the world. The Rotary Foundation has all-but eliminated Polio; has installed water and sanitation in developing countries, built low-cost housing for people in need, worked on drought and emergency relief projects, built schools, educated kids in need.
Rotary Foundation projects are mostly completed by Rotary volunteers which means very low administration costs are incurred.
Angie Mansey has lived an interesting life with a few “ups” and many “downs” and then established a charity to help provide support for families in need!
We have talked about Angie’s story … homeless at 14; pregnant at 16 and gave birth to her son Rhyz; they escaped domestic violence; lived in a caravan and she studied to finish her schooling. She subsequently married Luke and they added three wonderful boys – but not without a few “hassles” on the way.
Their first boy, Corben, was born with a few medical difficulties including missing a piece of his esophagus; born with 3 kidneys and a problem with liver ducts and spent an amazing amount of time in hospital in Qld, Perth and Melbourne. Corben underwent 22 surgeries and the medical teams made sure this little boy survived – even when the medical monitors “flat-lined” a few times. The family sold everything to pay the bills.
When they returned to the Sunshine Coast with four boys, they bought a “dead business” using ‘vendor finance’ and built a nursery in the back so they didn’t have to pay daycare fees. They were amazed how well suppliers and customers accepted the need for baby feeds and disruptions while they built up the business. They worked hard to pay the business bills and pay off the collection of debts.
Now, Rhyz is in the Army and visits whenever possible and especially when Corben was enduring some of his times in hospital; the other three boys are all at school and doing well. Corben still has some medical issues but is “doing OK”!
Angie and Luke’s business, Kuluin Mufflers, has grown and built an export business and then a year ago, purchased their nearest competitor which suddenly saw their staff grow from 4 to 13 over two workshops that are only 3 minutes apart. Angie shared some of the experiences with staff and how she is able to guide their attitudes … reminding one young man he should get back to work because this was his second lunch break!
The growth in the business has meant that Angie has also been able to become Founder and Charity Director of their charity called “Driven by KM” which quietly supports families who have gone down the same roads as they have …. Children with medical issues; children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Driven by KM has paid medical bills or school fees to help make sure that families in need can survive financially while caring for kids who require special attention.
It's mental health month - and here's Ashley's story
(Reproduced by kind permission of My Weekly Preview)
As Ashley mentions he is a regular at the "Lift The Lid" walk, but what he didn't mention is that he is a also a great supporter if so many other mental health and community causes on the Sunshine Coast.
He is an honorary member of our Club along with another wonderful community advocate, Fiona Simpson, also a regular "lift the Lid" walker.
Last week’s guest speaker at Alex, Judy Bates, shared an interesting life and her “escaping” and recovering from mental health issues through the power of pen and ink drawings!
Judy mentioned a domestic violence situation from which she escaped; her son being abused in boarding school and the trauma associated on the whole family from her son’s abuse. She explained, “When we send our 11 year old kids away to school, we expect them to develop and be nurtured, not abused while in care that has such a devastating effect!”
Affected by the trauma in her life, Judy moved around living in such diverse places as Melbourne, Port Douglas in one end and on a large cattle property in NW Western Australia where she rode as an observer/radio operator on mustering helicopters before she moved back to civilisation in Perth and more recently to the Sunshine Coast.
Her artwork is detailed and delightful …. Some simple and some very detailed ….
Judy says “I am producing this type of art to improve mental well-being.. it is very detailed .. so calming.” She believes anyone can do this.. no artistic ability needed. (Even I might have a chance of drawing something that is recognisable!!). Judy says that art of this type builds self esteem as it is non confrontational … only one piece of paper and one pen needed.
It can be used to create friendship… she is meeting with a large group of women on a wellness weekend to demonstrate her art but also threading laughter through it all.
Doctors have given a lot of encouragement to continue this.. .. she says “I would like to get small groups together and demonstrate with lots of laughter… the calming effect of this particular style of my art… As we know there are many broken souls amongst us.. I would like to help from my heart.”
Some of us heard Angie Mansey at the Rotary District Conference where she made us laugh, cry, understand and share and incredible journey.
In brief, Angie left home at 16, pregnant at 17, left an abusive domestic violence situation while still a teenager! She wanted to grow, so lived in a caravan, studied part time and then fell in love with a great guy. Their first boy had medical issues so they sold everything and went to Melbourne where they lived in Ronald McDonald house for a while. Returning to Qld, they purchased a dead business and built it up looking after the business and now with 4 boys!
BUT, that's not all ... she went on to establish a charity to provide help to parents in need as they were!
At the Conference (then) DG Wendy Protheroe awarded Angie a Paul Harris Fellow ... and we have the privilege of presenting that to Angie next week. It's not a surprise presentation, Angie was so excited I expected her to jump out of the phone!
Bring your partner, wife, husband, girlfriend, boyfriend to hear this amazing story!
Please let us know numbers so the club can be prepared.
Rae Smart is a new member to Alex Rotary however she has been a member of various Rotary clubs as her work commitments moved her around the world. Rae first joined in 1989 and has taken many leadership roles including President of her Noosa club twice and most recently at Sunshine Coast Central.
Her life experiences were interesting ….. she spent a lot of time in the Papua New Guinea area including the troubled and war-torn area of Bougainville – which at one stage was considered part of the Solomon Islands group. She was seen as a leader and had the skills to empower women and girls and was “accepted” by both sides of the warring parties.
Helping and empowering women took her to about 20 different countries and all the way to United Nations in New York! Some of the many places she visited or lived during those times included: Japan, Beijing; Honk Kong; Cambodia; PNG; Solomon Islands; Cook Islands; Fiji; Vietnam; Chile and the South Americas.
She and her husband had one child, a daughter who contracted encephalitis as a young child and the medical advice was cruel …. she will be a vegetable and die within two years! Their daughter has developed into a fine young lady and overcome many of the medical issues.
Rae has been widowed for a few years … her husband was found deceased in his car in the car park of a medical centre on Anzac Day 2016 – it’s believed he was unwell and seeking medical help at the time.
In 2020 Rae was lucky enough to travel to Argentina to see their youth exchange host son, his wife and two boys and arrived back in Australia on one of the last flights before Covid-19 shut all the borders.
Rae has held many portfolios in Rotary Clubs and at a District level. She has been a keen supporter of the RYDA teenage driver education programme and in recent years has been very active in the Rotary International Youth Exchange programme .. and she is looking for help in this area as she builds a team working on the allocation of allocating YEP students to local families.
Alex Rotary is lucky to have her join us recently as she brings her passions, experience and an incredible desire to help many others.
Last week saw a great celebration at Urban Angels …. They have been in their new premises exactly one year! It was also a celebration as they have been able to expand upstairs with more assistance from people like Peter Hall and donations from Alex Rotary!
Wendy Gilson and Tony F represented the Alex team at the celebration, inspecting the expansion and checking out the new upstairs meal packing arena that includes two new freezers.
Urban Angels are currently pumping out 10,000 meals a month to the homeless and needs, PLUS they run the kitchen at the IFYS Hub for Homeless at Kawana that we have visited a few times. The new facilities will mean an initial increase to 12,000 then to 15,000 and hopefully allow expansion to 20,000 meals a month. It’s incredible that in an affluent society there is such a high demand and Birgit, Emma, Michelle and the team do a marvellous job.
Birgit spoke of the successes, the expansion, the support within the community – especially from neighbours “The Men’s Shed” who build things, fix things and grow fresh vegies!
They were keen to share the success and hard work of the team plus many volunteers to achieve a defined growth.
The additional work and storage space means they can take advantages …. Such as the 250kg of chickens last week which is in the new freezers; the van load of UHT Milk on the new shelf units!
The wonderful afternoon tea included home made treats, fresh fruit platter and the celebration chocolate and beetroot cake!
Birgit and IFYS CEO Tony Pinata both mentioned the great support from Rotary.
Rumour has it Wendy was shy when offered the piece of celebration cake but was delighted to take home a piece so she could have it for dessert! The cake looked like a black forest cake without the cherries, but it was actually a very healthy chocolate and beetroot cake, layered with cream filling and hand decorated for the occasion! It tasted great!
Anna Owen Principal of Sunshine Coast Grammar gave a most interesting speech as Guest speaker
Last week we were delighted to have as our guest speaker Anna Owen, principal of Sunshine Coast Grammar. Anna enlightened us about her school and its values, curriculum and the focus of Staff and students, on creating a nurturing and challenging school climate, that promotes equity and engages students, “to be the best they can be.”
Anna talked about building a community within the School that fosters a supportive systems and positive relationships between all members of the community and promoters a strong ethos of mutual care and concern.
There was a most interesting question and answer component of Anna’s talk in which the audience of Rotarians were given an opportunity to learn more about the “passion and purpose” of the school. Anna addressed each question fully. We learnt that the students had access to specialist teachers in a variety of their subject selections. There was an emphasis not only in attending to a wide range of theoretical components that addressed subjects within the Australian curriculum, but also the students were introduced to the practical components that accompanied each section of the curriculum. The latest advances in teaching technology were employed at Suncoast grammar with a great measure of success.
A wellness programme that addressed aspects of the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of all students was an essential feature of Sunshine Coast Grammar.
The students had access in developing an empathetic “hands on” approach in serving the local community based on their identified needs. Sunshine Coast Grammar also linked in to help established projects like Rainbow House and Bloomhill Cancer Help, The students were given opportunities to attend oversea camps in their senior years, in sporting endeavours and in so doing ,develop an active knowledge of different cultures.
Anna said there is an emphasis in grammar in identifying the goals and aspirations of students and in helping them in an individualized way to achieving their goals.
Anna spoke about the Aquatic facilities that Grammar had at their disposal. The 50 metre pool that the school possessed was the only swimming pool in the Sunshine coast that was recognized by the standards set by FINA. Theses facilities were open not only to the Grammar students , but made available for the community.
The holistic approach to Learning and Well Being that Grammar promotes, goes a long way I feel in developing a student that can progress with Passion and Purpose in the 21st century.
School is very different from our school days …. Sunshine Coast Grammar School offer a total of 70 subjects including the choices to specialise within many subjects …. English, maths, sciences, business studies, humanities, arts, technologies including computing and design,, sociology, psychology; the choices also include options for trade training which lead to Certificate 11 or 111 for some trade course to prepare students for life, work and university.
Our guest speaker last week was Jason Todd who runs a local business that provides serious advice to owners and managers of Theme parks around the world!
Jason started work at the old Australia’s Wonderland which was developed in western Sydney during 1980’s, and became the centre of the universe for many teenaged kids who lived west of Parramatta. Jason picked up rubbish, sold tickets, dressed up in costumes – in fact did a million things to provide pocket money and then keep him going as a young adult at university.
He had great experience that allowed him to understand them parks and what made them tick. He had career experiences with an impressive list of parks running individual rides, running parks, before moving into the management area where he created strategic and start-up plans; developed training programmes and then subsequent testing of employees to make sure the employees understood the rides’ characteristics and emergency detail.
The pre-ride and technical checks for any ride are important for the safety of all customers. Jason discussed the importance of safety and, in answer to a question, offered some comments in relation to the DreamWorld accident that claimed four customers and closed the theme park for a period of time.
His business, AP Attractions International, offers support to theme park owners, operators and builders around the world; they concentrate on getting everything “just right” in a dynamic and ever changing business environment. How did he get to offer the advice …. through hard work at places like Australia Wonderland, Luna Park Melbourne, the Disney organisation, Johore racetrack plus parks in Singapore, Hong Kong, China. His life of global travel and fun now operates from his own central location of Buderim …. right here on the sunshine coast.
Forever Young at heart - Jason and the Theme Parks
Rotary Club of BOROKO (in Port Moresby area) reports there are some simple solutions to a major problem for many schools throughout Papua New Guinea.
The Need-Urban Drift into Port Moresby together with a birth rate of over 3.5% has seen the population of Port Moresby increase by over 2% a year. The result of this has been that primary schools have 60 or more children in a class. Many classrooms have insufficient desks in them and in some all the children are sitting on the floor. All schools are expanding and all schools are short of desks.
Rotary Clubs in Australia have been bringing in surplus desks from their local schools to DIK/RARE and very generously paying for the freight of the containers to ship them to PNG. However, shipping costs have and are increasing all the time and because the desks and chairs are ‘free’, ‘smart’ and ‘single’ they are easily movable and disappear off to the children’s and teacher’s homes. Moreover, it is difficult to repair these desks.
The Solution- Rotary Club of Boroko has been trialling the building of double wooden desks designed by Rotarian Graham Rowe, diagram attached. The plywood from which they are built is grown and manufactured locally in PNG. Using templates provided by Graham the parts for the desk are then cut and parcelled into “kits” for the schools to assemble and thus we hope there is a sense of ownership by the school. Importantly, being double desks with seat attached they are less movable and having helped construct the desks they will also be able to repair them if and when they get broken.
The “Kit” or Materials–To build the desks The Rotary Club of Boroko would provide the schools with the “Kits” of the required materials already cut and ready to assemble who with the help of our Carpenter and Interact Club members would show them how to put them together. A “kit” consists of:
1. Ten sheets of 18mm ply
2. Two Desk Patterns
3. One bag of 1-inch nails
4. One bottle of Wood Glue
5. One 4 litre tin of Varnish
6. Carpenter’s wage
COST OF KIT: PNGK2000 AUS$800 A “Kit” will make 20 double desks and seat 40 to 60 children
Support Our Desk Project– Is this a project considered worthwhile for Alexandra Headland Rotary??
The Need-Urban Drift into Port Moresby together with a birth rate of over 3.5% has seen the population of Port Moresby increase by over 2% a year. The result of this has been that primary schools have 60 or more children in a class. Many classrooms have insufficient desks in them and in some all the children are sitting on the floor. All schools are expanding and all schools are short of desks.
Rotary Clubs in Australia have been bringing in surplus desks from their local schools to DIK/RARE and very generously paying for the freight of the containers to ship them to PNG. However, shipping costs have and are increasing all the time and because the desks and chairs are ‘free’, ‘smart’ and ‘single’ they are easily movable and disappear off to the children’s and teacher’s homes. Moreover, it is difficult to repair these desks.
The Solution- Rotary Club of Boroko has been trialling the building of double wooden desks designed by Rotarian Graham Rowe, diagram attached. The plywood from which they are built is grown and manufactured locally in PNG. Using templates provided by Graham the parts for the desk are then cut and parcelled into “kits” for the schools to assemble and thus we hope there is a sense of ownership by the school. Importantly, being double desks with seat attached they are less movable and having helped construct the desks they will also be able to repair them if and when they get broken.
The “Kit” or Materials–To build the desks The Rotary Club of Boroko would provide the schools with the “Kits” of the required materials already cut and ready to assemble who with the help of our Carpenter and Interact Club members would show them how to put them together. A “kit” consists of:
1. Ten sheets of 18mm ply
2. Two Desk Patterns
3. One bag of 1-inch nails
4. One bottle of Wood Glue
5. One 4 litre tin of Varnish
6. Carpenter’s wage
COST OF KIT: PNGK2000 AUS$800 A “Kit” will make 20 double desks and seat 40 to 60 children
Support the Desk Project–If you are interested in helping our club in providing our Port Moresby children with a desk to sit at, please sponsor one or more “Kits” .
This was first published in the D9620 District Newsletter, September 2022
Our Guest Speaker last week was Dr Alana Harris who is a Cardiologist on the Sunshine Coast.
Having told us there are three critical areas of the heart - the electrical/wiring; the plumbing; and the structure, she then described herself as a electrician who specialises in the "wiring" with the heart and how it works.
She showed us heart beat mapping and took us through the process of what happens following a referral from your friendly GP and showed us pretty pictures of how the heart pumps and beats! From the stories and discussions later we think there are a couple of members who might take more notice of medical comments, diet and exercise suggestions!
Sometimes Alex Surf Club gets busy and has trouble providing facilities and catering for our meeting.
Welcome home Val and John (from UK and Spain) just in time to organise our meeting in the recreational club at the complex in which they live. We all really appreciate your speedy organising of the meeting space and while we were listing to the heart doctor, John was busy preparing a batch of muffins and croissants! It was just as well Dr Alana didn't stay to see what we ate as many of the members attacked the croissants with lashings of strawberry jam and thick cream .... low in dairy fats and cholesterol of course!!
The Rec Club has space, tables and chairs and a great BBQ area which might be good in summer if we have a location problem again!
Dave Woodrow recognised for services to Panel Beating Industry
In recognition for his support in keeping the panel beating industry alive during COVID our very own Dave Woodrow has ben recognised in the Premiers Award list for services to industry. There is also unconfirmed talk that the Insurance Council of Australia is considering a meritorious award for Dave.
We are all aware of Dave's reversing expertise, whether its a moving obstacle or a stationary tree, none are beyond Dave's accuracy behind the wheel but last week these expoloits were surpassed by a lady (who shall remain nameless) but who has clearly been studying the master behind the wheel and managed to reverse into her OWN car. Now that's an exceptionally difficult manoevere, well done Cherie. I'm sure you will also be receiving a certificate to go with Dave's.
2022 Rotary and University of Sunshine Coast Dinner - well attended by a mix of Rotarians and Academics from SCU.
The Rotary Clubs of the Sunshine Coast have provided funding for PhD candidates at Sunshine Coast University. This scholarship award and dinner at the University has been on the Rotary calendar for a number of years and, needless to say, the funding is greatly appreciated
Garden makeover shout out has been postponed - but here's a long lunch with a world surfing champ
Hi Folks, we're on hold with the garden makeover - so stay tuned with your wheelbarrows and shovels...meanwhile the team at The Board Meeting Surf Charity continue their good work.
Legends of Surfing Long Lunch tickets selling fast - DON'T MISS OUT!!
This is our 10th Annual Charity Long Lunch and to have 1977 World Surfing Champion, Shaun Tomson as our guest speaker is absolutely brilliant.
Shaun is such a legend of the sport and helped create our modern international surfing culture. Whilst born in South Africa Shaun is a world resident having lived and competed on every continent. He is recognised for his amazing tube riding ability and master of the Hawaiian breaks, which he dominated during the mid-70s.
When not surfing, Shaun is an author, movie-maker, world-class motivational speaker, brand maker and a truly inspirational family man. Now a resident of California, just having Shaun here for our lunch is a major achievement for the charity.
Shaun has stated: “I am so excited to be coming to the Sunshine Coast to help raise funds for local kids with disabilities. I am hoping that the wonderful Sunshine Coast surfing community turns out to support this amazing charity lunch and I get to meet you personally”
Charity auction and raffle with 100% of proceeds going to local kids with disabilities. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for event updates and auction items.
We are organising a Rotary Conference Cruise sailing from Rome in June 2023.
This conference provides Rotarians the opportunity to join in fellowship, to share information about successful projects, and to learn from each other.
It is by sharing information that our communities benefit from our knowledge, innovation, creativity, resourcefulness, and enthusiasm. Through Rotary we make the world a better place.
It will be fabulous!..Go to their website for more details...
Bunnings and 
Big thanks Olivia. 
Pam was too busy with the paintbrush to stop for the photo. 
We welcome back Maggie Alexander to produce this E-Newsletter after a 4-year absence and extend our many thanks to retiring editor, PDG Gina Growden, for her tireless efforts, not only with this newsletter, but with all the many other tasks she has undertaken since 2019.
