Speakers and Club activities
Helping save lives in Uganda. See YouTube video
 
 
See us on Social Media
What IS Rotary ??
Rotary News Feed
First Rotaract RPIC talks about creativity, community, and hats

As World Rotaract Week (13-19 March) kicks off, Rotaractor and public image coordinator Philip Flindt shares his secrets for planning exciting events.

Measuring our results: Making sure that we’re changing lives for good

Measuring our results: Making sure that we’re changing lives for

Recipient of Rotary’s new Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award takes a global approach

Recipient of Rotary’s new Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award takes a global

Bigger than polio

Women make up two-thirds of Pakistan’s polio workforce. Meet five of these dedicated women.

Breaking down walls

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee led Liberian women in a nonviolent movement that helped end their country’s civil war. Now, she’s working to help other girls and women realize their own power. Hear her speak at the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne.

Alex Rotary Fees
What does Rotary cost? Our full members pay $150 every 6 months to support Rotary International (RI) causes. The only other cost is club breakfast, which can cost between $5 - $12 at the Alex Surf Club. 
 
In return you get to hear great speakers, meet like minded good citizens, find out what's going on around the world and local communities. By being part of a Rotary club you get involved in community and youth projects, some of them fundraising. Proceeds from fundraising are donated to  community causes suggested by the members. Some years we have donated  >$25,000 to local community. 
 
Friends of Alex, who are basically folks who volunteer to help out or attend very occasional Rotary meetings, pay $20 pa.
 
On joining, there will be a one-off cost for a personalised club shirt and badge. 
Alex Rotary WorkLife Coaching Program 
 
Rotary helping you transition to work
Here is a link to the complete WorkLife booklet developed by Alex Rotary as a mentoring guide to anyone starting work for the first time. (Also not a bad read for anyone going back into the workforce who would like a bit of inspiration and advice. 
 
We've also found that local businesses use it as a friendly support for their employees to help discussions along on the importance of work, (and how to be happy at work while making the boss happy!!)
 
 
.
Blue Card Connections
Club Executives & Directors
President
Skye Miller
Secretary
Valerie Saunders
Treasurer
Wendy Gilson
Membership
Peter Deane

Welcome to the Alexandra Headland Rotary Club

 
Are you an local community minded person who wants to make positive changes in your neighbourhood and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.
 
We meet every Wednesday morning at 6.45 for 7 am breakfast meeting. Guest speakers, catch up with what's happening in your community, amazing beach views, and kiosk breakfast. 
Club News
Education revolution, conferences, community projects and  local news

21st Century Education at Palmview

Principal Barry Dittman was our speaker this week, on the amazing new school at Palmview. Barry and his team have received an amazing infrastructure and and are busy building a strong culture ayt Palmview. "All we need now is a road" as development is ahead of access says Barry. Seriously an amazing school and community infrastructure is taking place in Palmview with the latest technology, and learning and sporting facilities. They are in good hands with Barry at the helm. 
 
Barry is well known to Alex Rotary as previous Principal of Maroochydore SHS where Rotary does some great work with mock interviews and more through our connections with The Smith Family. 
 
 
 
  
 
 

Palmview is one of 4 Newest Secondary Colleges that Queensland State education has built to cater for the exponential growth in population of the Sunshine coast Community, of which Palmview is an example.

One only has to study the Curriculum of Palmview SSC and the Structure and infrastructure of this College, to appreciate that there has been an enormous degree of planning , to ensure that this newest college in our Sunshine coast, is in alignment with the best that State education has to offer to its students. Barry as Foundation Principal, is the lynchpin of this whole development,

The school policy is designed in collaboration an consultation  with the school , staff and wider school community and within this context students are encouraged to be passionate in pursuing their personal best and teachers are encouraged under Barry’s stewardship to help all students “achieve their potential no matter what it takes.”

Barry’s vision for his school mirrors his belief in creating a dynamic school in which equity inclusivity and respect for all, ensures that the learning is delivered to each student with meaning purpose and success.

Here's Barry with Ray and Joy..

 
 

Young Parents setback - are we up for it?

Regrettably Mooloolaba Rotary cannot help with creating a shade play area for the Young Parents program. Nevertheless we push on and a certain scribe has put the word out together with our very own Mark Dafdge, to see what other support we can gather for this activity. Naomi is super keen to get started on wall murals for the kids, Wendy has her paint brushes ready to go, and all we need is some financial help with the floor and play materials and we can get to work. So if you want to help John and Mark with drumming up interest, here's what we need...
 

Ply boards on fence for mural (30m2)                        

Undercoat paint (16L)                                

Blue matt paint for sea mural by Naomi’s ocean art (20L)                 

Blackboard paint (6L)                              

Kids Benches (4)                              

Kids seats (20)                                

Storage boxes for kids toys (2)                  

Softplay (60M2) very pavers/ glued to concrete floor               

Conference News Brisbane & Melbourne

Two Rotary conferences coming up. Brisbane is the location for the District Conference, and Melbourne fo rthe International Conference. 
 
Rotary District 9620
 
Book here...CLICK
 
 
 

Rotary International 

 
27th - 31st May 
 
Represent Australia at Rotary’s biggest event of the year!
 
The Rotary International Convention is the biggest event of the year and it’s coming to us in Australia, 27-31 May. Thousands of Rotary members and Rotaractors from across the globe will be arriving in Melbourne, giving us a tremendous opportunity to welcome, network and learn from fellow people of action
 
 

T shirts giveaway at next meeting 

 
 
At next weeks meeting you will notice a table full of T shirts at giveaway prices. First come best dressed. Some magnificent Surf Show and Shine one's too..
 

Meeting decision time 

Have you emailed Skye with your thoughts on retaining the Wednesday meeting time, or reverting back to Fridays? Please email our President with your thoughts as we need to make a decision by end of March. There's also an idea we revert to fortnightly meetings, or alternatively guest speaker every fortnight ...let Skye know what do you think before our next meeting. 
 
 

Rainbow House ...who knew?

 
For many years a certain Sunshine Coast citizen of the year and very average golfer, Dave has been supporting the Rainbow House in Zambia, not far from where a certain scribe worked for several years in the 70's and a certain Anisha entered the world around teh same time. Small world indeed. Anyway here's an update from Rotary's RDU magazine FYI
 
 
Women in Rotary," making a difference " through action 

International Women's Day 

 
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;

page2image48714208

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...
 
 
 
 
Dragonslayer, Books changed this celebrities life, 4 way test for politicians?

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 !
 
Kindest regards from a very cold Victoria.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
 
Club news, Inner wheel, Club Projects and an unexpected email

Nambour State College and Worklife

 
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!
 
 
 

Smarty pants Bob

 
 
On Wednesday morning a certain member set the sartorial dress standard for future Rotary meetings...

Saturday Garden 

Rotary's good deed on Saturday morning
 
Thanks to the Mooloolaba Rotary scribe for this article...
 
"When a call for help was received from the The Board Meeting Surf Charity, Rotarians from Rotary Mooloolaba and the Alexandra Headland Rotary Club mobilised to clean up the yard at a house which belongs to a single mum who cares full time for her 4 autistic children.
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 . 
 
 
Thank you for your cooperation and looking back at your response. 
 
With best regards,
Ranjeev Shrestha-Past President
Rotary Club of Dhulikhel
RID3292 Nepal-Bhutan
Dhulikhel,Nepal
What's App/Viber-9851175960
 
"Rotary is in more countries that MacDonalds" 
 
Club news, community projects, and a look back in time

Welcome back Amy and Heidi

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
 
Mooloolah Yard 7.jpeg
 
 
 

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 

 
 
 
 
Confirmation that Sunshine Coast Drivers are in a trance behind the wheel

Hypnosis - what it says about you

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?
 
So let Geoff know on geoffndi@gmail.com
 

ROMAC Quiz...are you in?

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

 
 
 
 
 
What happened at Board Meeting  and club news

Feedback from Board 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....

Thinking

Thinking and memory - try it out for yourself

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.
 
Here's part of the problem for moi....
 
 
 
Dave's travels

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. ....
 
 
Some services memorabilia
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ashley's column and what's the most important job at the club meeting

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.  smiley

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.

 
 
 
New Year resolutions, club challenges, and topical discussions

A bright New Year start from Alex Rotary

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. 
 
 
Scottish RI International President talks to 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"
 
 
 
 
 
 
Get Involved

The Year to get involved?

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
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collage - did you see?

Our club artist has been busy

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 walked for Polio awareness 

Polio Walk - Thank you all  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not entireley sure whats going on here..something about starting bell for the walk...
..and a note from the prescient Joy..
 

A lovely Day to Participate in a Walk For Polio at LA Balsa Park

Sunday the 14th of August saw The Rotary Club of Alexandra headland engage in a successful Walk For Polio at LA balsa Park , at Point Cartwright. It was a brilliant day with representatives from The Rotary Club of Maleny; The Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific; The Rotary Club of Brisbane; and the Rotary club of Alexandra Headland  join together  with members of the local community groups,  with the purpose of raising awareness about the affects of Polio and the need to raise some funds, to eliminate this devastating disease, that targets children under the age of five. Our thanks also to the Rotary club of Nambour who gave a most generous donation in support of the Rotary Club of Alexandra’s  Headland’s Walk for Polio.

With some experienced Heart Foundation walkers and a Sports physiologist from the University of the sunshine coast, the walkers set off at a comfortable pace on the wide council path to the end of the breakwater wall.

A lot of interest was generated by costumed walkers one of whom was a Santa Claus.

Dogs came well attired by their owners with colourful collars or a knitted coat. One gorgeous toddler came in a bright yellow jump suit. There were prizes galore for many of the participants. Excitement was the order of the day especially when Santa Claus was spotted by the board riders. 

It was a day which lent itself to making friends and creating bonds with Rotarians from different clubs. 

It was lovely to see families spend time with their children in brilliant Sunshine with spectacular scenery , 

The Rotary club of Alexandra Headland sends out a voter of thanks for the visiting Rotarians from a variety of clubs and hope this event won’t be the last we all get to meet again.

Thanks also go out to the visitors who attended this walk  who  represent our local community.

A vote of thanks goes out to the high proportion of Alex Headland Rotarians who came together and set up for this event in the early hours of Sunday morning, to ensure a great day was had by all. 

Lastly thanks go out to President Skye and Past President Wendy who without their help this walk would not be able to occur.

It was a bonus to have at our walk the District Chair of Rotary Foundation for Polio-  Bruce McNaught, who himself is a survivor of polio. Also thanks to Sue Mackenzie who is  president of New Farm .Sue is also a polio survivor and is on the Board of Polio Australia.

Joy

Transition to work help now at Burnside

Alex Rotary Mock Interviews, Resume help and work coaching now at Burnside

 
 
 
Steve, Larney, Liana, Jack and Michelle with High School Student 
 
Alex rotary have had a keen interest in helping kids transition onto work, and have been part of the regular Maroochydore High School Interviews for many years now and are always willing to help out the future of Australia.
 
We're delighted to have been invited by The Smith Family and Burnside State High School to continue the tradition in August when we've been invited to help the senior students at Burnside in this area.  This will be the first time that we've gone to Burnside and we're excited. We're also looking for potential volunteers to help out on the day with some light coaching on interview skills and resume evaluations from a potential employer perspective. 
 
Here's what they've been saying about Rotarians passing on their experience at Maroochydore State High School..
 
"The annual Mock Interviews for Maroochydore State High School year 10 students not only form an integral part of their curriculum, they provide an excellent opportunity for Students to have a practice run at a Job Interview with “strangers” in our community so the actually get to feel some nerves, but more importantly, they gain valuable life experience in what it will be like when they actually apply for that job of their dreams.
 
The local Rotary Cluster on the Sunshine Coast always proudly supports this event and it’s one I am very glad to be involved with, pulling together between 20 to 25 Volunteers each year to work our way through the cohort. The legendary Morning Tea is a big drawcard for those that have had the pleasure of tucking in and the School usually provides a token of their appreciation with a box of chocolates and a certificate for each Volunteer. The most rewarding part? Knowing we have helped today’s youth towards a successful careers and meeting some of the truly talented up and coming youngsters who you just know are really going places in this world."
 
If you have an interest in this area, and are available in early August please let the club secretary know on RCAHsecretary@gmail.com
Solstice Swim Progress

 

Solstice Swim Results

Hi folks, well we said it wasn't a race, but I know many of you wantto know how you went, so here are the results....and just to say a BIG THANKYOU to all our swimmers...thanks to YOU we have raised about $15,000 (TBC) for our amazing Sunshine Coast Charities. The bigger ROTARY organisation will match dollar for dollar whatever we put in for special projects, so that will REALLY make a difference to a young persons life. Thanks so MUCH.
 
 
ROMAC - The stories

ROMAC - The stories 

Tony reminded us on Friday why the club has been a long term sponsor of ROMAC and some of the personal stories that he has seen in his 30 years of Rotary. Stories mostly of children who lives have drastically changed for the better after horrific birth defects, injuries and disease. 
The great Rotarians who donate their skills free to the pacific region are often not seen or celebrated. We'd like to acknowledge all the health professionals, general surgeons, GP's, Maxillofacial surgery specialists, Anaesthetists, helicopter pilots, etc. etc. and all members and community workers who volunteer for such a worthwhile cause.  
Our Programs and Causes
At Rotary we want to have fun while "making a difference" to our communities, locally and internationally.
 
However, we're a "can do" organisation..and if you have a cause or program that you want some help with, why not get in touch and we'll see what we can do?
 
The events that we run and support allow the club to raise money to support some of the many good causes in the community. All of Rotary donations and fund raising go to the community. All Rotarians are volunteers and give freely of their time. Club expenses are kept to a minimum, and the main Rotary Foundation is one of the top 5 Charities in the world in terms of its effectiveness, with the administration costs far, far, lower than many better known charities. 
 
  • Surf Show and Shine - Celebrating the Coast while helping the outback. We always need volunteers to help run this annual community event.
 
  • SunnyCoast Solstice Swim - Supporting our Young Veterans and other Rotarian community causes. It's getting bigger every year. 
 
  • Worklife Program - Rotarians are generally business people who are passionate about giving back. So its only natural that when they see businesses complain that the young are not "work ready", and they see overloaded school curriculums, and stressed out kids going into the workforce that they want to help. So Alex Rotary has been delivering and promoting a program to help first time workers transition to work, in a practical and positive way. Already we've been to high schools on the Sunshine Coast , Rotaract at USC and IFYS community worker work start programs. 
 
  • Golf Day - Last year we hosted a charity golf day to raise funds for Sunshine Coast helicopter rescue - an initiative started by Rotary here on the Sunshine Coast. 
 
  • Christmas at Alex - Every year we host a BBQ at Christmas at Alex, to raise funds for our local battlers at Christmas.
 
  • Christmas Hampers - Last year we gave 400 hampers to the Carers of Children to give a helping hand over Christmas
 
  • Mooloolaba Triathalon - we're delighted to help the organisers host this event that attracts thousands to the coast
 
  • Mooloolaba Ironman - For many years Rotarians have managed the gear tent for this great event
 
  • Clean Up Australia Day - every year we organise a BBQ for our volunteers who help clean up the coastline around beautiful Alexandra Headland
 
Read more...
Mark Hunter - Disability advocate extraordinaire

Disability – Death  -- Determination 

Mark is an advocate in supporting those in need. Through a water-skiing accident in early 20’s he became a tetraplegic and through determination recovered but has spent his adult life in a wheel chair. (Prior to the accident he was a State Champion water skier).

The wheelchair did not stop a successful teaching career, ending up Principal of various Qld country and city primary schools before retiring a few years back. But there were challenges … like the principal’s professional development programme being held in the Polo Club in Brisbane where there was only access via stairs. After three years at the same venue, he challenged Qld Education and won …. They now run the development programme in a disability access venue!

He also challenged Qld Police Service after being treated badly by a young police officer. He told us, he was self-represented against Senior Barristers and won the QCAT case!

Following retirement and during his mother’s end of life experience at Hopewell Hospice, he became a volunteer which led to a full-time job as CEO.  Through his determination he managed the hospice and made all “clients” feel comfortable. He even ran “Death Café” discussion groups to allow the hospice clients and their families to open the discussion to ensure greater understanding of what they had generally been through and how they could face their future without fear.

Mark mentored many young kids when life threw the challenges and continued mentoring his friends through Toastmasters. In Toastmasters he faced challenges with determination and ultimately became the World Champion of Public Speaking – a contest that starts with 30,000 Toastmasters at a club level and eventually ends at the World Championship!

Mark continues to share his dynamic speaking skills at events around the world; he also mentors many people around the world who aim to follow similar footsteps (or wheel marks).

While facing challenges of life and Education Qld, he was also the Chair of Disabilities Qld to ensure others in similar situations have successes! 

Mark Hunter shared his stories openly and courageously with us.

Urban Angels revisited

Peter Hall and mates come to visit

Dave Woodrow introduced his old mate Peter Hall …. Dave met Peter, Howard George  and others through Maroochydore Rotary and have been personal and Rotary Friends for 30 years about!.
Peter discovered that Urban Angels and Birgit were making meals for the homeless in inadequate conditions, so he acquired a commercial property and fitted it out with a commercial kitchen --- rumoured to be about $500,000 worth!!!  Peter does not seek publicity on the donation or his support and its great to see Brigit again and keeping up her amazing community work that truly "makes a difference."
 
 
Urban Angels provide about 10,000 meals a month to those in need …. And one of their offshoots is they run the kitchen at the IFYS Hub down at the stadium. They have three chefs  and ro0tate them to provide a variety of meals ….. including vegan and vegetarian.   They have even convinced some of their charges to try the vegetarian meals and their clients found they were good and in many cases now look for them as a preference!!!
 
Their neighbour at Maroochydore is Men’s Shed and Men’s Shed grow a whole bunch of fresh herbs, spices and vegies for them.
 
Alex Rotary know Birgit because she ran the Urban Angels café in Newspaper Place Maroochydore and the club went there at least twice for a vocational visit and breakfast and also a breakfast when we visited Push Productions and Paul Morton in November 2017). For the nostalgic readers..here's some pics from not so long ago..
Birgit has agreed that we should come up to Urban Angels for breakfast meeting and vocational visit …. Her comment was give me a few weeks to organise it. This is whats in store if our last visit is anything to go by...

Urban Angels Community Program explained..

 
Helping our Surf Show and Shine beneficiaries
At Alex Rotary we act local to make a difference. While we support all sorts of causes, we particularly want to help local volunteers who may not have access to the big funding that is available from governments and the like.
 
We think that's more effective for a small club like ours, for 2 reasons:
 
1.  Most important, these local volunteers need to know that they are valued. They need to know that they are appreciated and not alone. Their efforts are amazing, and can be relentless and exhausting. We want to help.
 
2. Its more effective. The funds go directly to the volunteers running the cause, and they decide how to best use the funds. 
 
So it you can help our beneficiaries from the Surf Show and Shine please go to these links.
 
 
 
Community Projects
ROMAC Trivia Quiz
 

This year the club are putting two teams into the ROMAC Trivia Quiz. Regular readers will be aware of the glorious history of the club in this event. (??) 

 
 
 
Club Photo albums
Rotary / USC Community Fund
 
 
 
Links to Rotary & Projects
Make a difference - Donate 
 
Rotary is run by volunteers and Rotary is always in the top 5 most effective charities in the world.
 
You can be sure that your dollars go to where they are needed. 
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