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News from your club
Surf Show and Shine almost booked out in first 3 weeks
Our Surf Show and Shine Kombi and Surfboard show is being held at Mooloolaba Beachfront this year on Saturday 18th April and Sunday 19th April. 
 
A BIG thank you to Sunshine Coast Council for allowing us to be the first club to host a community event at the old caravan park car park, which is destined to be the community events centre in the future.
 
An another BIG thank you to Dean and his team at CRICKS VOLKSWAGEN for their ongoing support of the event. 
 
More details are on our website. 
 
 
 
The Saturday night event is the GIANT Kombi parade, and the regular Kombi show will be on Sunday. Here's just one of the beauties that will be on show. 
 
 
 
 
Scientists of the future
The speakers on Friday were the young students that the club sponsored to go on the Conoco Phillips Science Experience. 
 
 
Its always great to hear from the younger generation, but the talks and enthusiasm from Oscar, Emily and Isabella are just amazing. It was obvious that they had made the most of the opportunity to mix with the University and scientists and in some cases this has helped them decide what branch of STEM (pun intended) the students have decided to pursue, which is just fantastic.
 
 
Oscar is interested in robotics and electro mechanics.
 
Footnote to scientists of the future story
 
 
A few years ago Peter Darnell was approached by a student from one of the high schools where the club had been running our worklife program to help the students transition to work. This lad stopped Peter to say thank you for Peters talk to his class and it helped him become "more professional". I mention this because we had another situation of people influencing others perhaps without realising it. 
 
In this case it was our very own David Woodrow. David's ears picked up when the students who went on the Conoco Phillips Science experience mentioned Professor Brendon Jones, an academic at UQ, who was a great inspiration to them. "I taught Brendon physics when I was science master at St Peter's College". said Dave.....so there you are, obviously Brendon was so taken by Dave's physics teaching enthusiasm that he went to from a high school student to science Professorship. 
 
The moral of these stories is that you never know what effect you're having on others...so take every opportunity to make sure you're impact is a positive one. 
Solstice Swim is Coming 
We're not over the Surf Show and Shine yet, so its a bit early to be talking about the Solstice Swim, but we've locked in the date with our friends at Alex SLSC.
 
So Sunday 28th June is the date when we'll be holding our annual swim, which just gets bigger and bigger every year. 
 
Already Mooloolaba Yacht Club have chipped in with a loan of VERY large buoys to help with the swimmers.
 
Here's a pic from past swims
 
 
 
..and one of our China correspondent...our wonderful Stevo..take care mate. 
 
Care Outreach news from Melissa
"A belated Happy New Year to you and all our friends at Rotary Alexandra Headlands. 
 
We are happy to report that there have been a few regions that have had some really good rain, some that have had quality falls that have seen green covering the dust and sadly others that have for the most part missed out on any meaningful falls.    The change in the optimism of many has been so good to see. 

 
Regarding feedback for projects – for our teams overall (including ourselves), the Christmas run was tough. 
 
Everyone was struggling which added to the necessity of the visit by our volunteers.  Bill was personally told of a long-term client who had fallen ‘into a hole’,  Bill went and spent quality time with him, working alongside him pulling a bogged cow out of a dam, loading cattle onto a truck so he could transport it to another property 1 1/2hrs away that had a bit more feed etc and generally hung out with him giving him an opportunity to talk.

With Christmas, even though we were on the lookout for projects, we found we were just ‘trying to keep people alive’ and support them right where they were then.  
 
I have again sent a message to our area leaders a month ago about identifying potential projects with Rotary funds in mind.
 
On a Care level, if there was funding for our use we have thought for a while we need to to start looking at upgrading our trailers one by one. We would also like to change the internal shelving in our pantry/toiletry area to a pallet-racking type where the shelves can be adjusted etc.
 
Anyway, we are really keeping an eye on the weather patterns and are rejoicing each time we hear of one of our families getting some quality rain.  

Bill & I are heading off on 2 weeks leave from Mon (our delayed Christmas break), so we would love to be in contact again after we return."
 
With kind regards
Melissa 
ROMAC quiz 
Unfortunately, the reigning champions for the past 2 years...(thats us, Alex Rotary ) ....are unable to get a team together for this years ROMAC, but we wish Bryan and the rest of the team at ROMAC well with their fantastic trivia night. 
 
 
Still it will give another Rotary club the chance to win...but not the same trophy (??) 
 
Salty Souls visits the Club 
Kerry Smith from Salty Should spoke to the club about their fantastic initiative to improve disanvataged, specifically disconnected kids lives though a pathway to surfing. 
 
It was a very emotional talk, as Kerry's drive for this began after a family bereavement, and following that he and his team have been running the Salty Souls and their surf program to "make a difference" to those kids who need a bit of a help in finding their way in life. 
 
Bravo Salty Souls, and also to our partners IFYS who are working with Kerry to identify kids who need this help at such a crucial time of their lives. 
 
Judging by some of the feedback, Kerry can be assured that the legacy he is working hard to create, (while bringing up a family) is just brilliant. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bill Bradley - All creatures great and small
Bill Bradley spoke to the club about his experiences as a vet in the animal kingdom, and very interesting it was too. From his early years in Sydney to his retirement to the Sunshine Coast.  
 
Bill still keeps up to date with the latest advances on Veterinary Science and has a large vocabulary of latin words....... usually from the vulgaris family!
 
As anticipated there were lots of vet stories and vet jokes told in Bill's inimitable style, and usually involving some activity in the "nether" regions. 
 
It's also fair to say that we learned a more about Bill allergies to certain animal fluids than we probably needed to know.
 
It was a fascinating insight into a vet's varied life from caring for large animals in the outback, to returning to Sydney and running one of the largest practices, before leading the Sunshine Coast fight against the equine virus, and then eventually retiring here on the Sunshine Coast. 
 
Thank you Bill, some amazing stories, most of which would make a maiden aunt blush!
 
It was pleasure to hear from someone who knew what he wanted to do in life, made a success of it, and still retains a tremendous curiosity for science and medicine. 
 
 
Clean Up Australia Day 2020
We hear a lot about concern for our Environment and Climate Change etc...so its probably no surprise that Rotary as "People of Action" are actively involved in Clean Up Australia Day. Alex Rotary has again registered for the clean up day at Alex Beach on Sunday 1st March where we host a BBQ and encourage community groups to come along and do their bit ...but most importantly show their support for caring for our environment. 
 
Alex has a long history of this event, and we're proud to see it continuing. 
 
A warm welcome is extended to anyone who wishes to come along on Sunday morning. 
 
Here's a picture from memory lane of past members and helpers who's legacy continues.
 
 
 
Bunnings BBQ Bonanza
Hi Folks we have two Bunnings BBQ's this month.
 
On the 11th and on the 28th.
 
The one on the eleventh went really well thanks to our fantastic volunteers, visitors and members, especially Treasurer Wendy who did two stints before she set off on the big metal bird. 
 
Here's some photo's below, and expect to be contacted by Secretary John who is now looking for volunteers for Friday 28th February
 
 
Left to right, Charmaine, now in South Africa for next few weeks on Rotary projects, John White, now busy at Canecutters rest, Phillip Gordon, our "ring in" from Pontefract and our tireless treasurer Wendy, now having a well earned holiday. 
 
 Wendy, Phillip and John 
Ironman - Its on 
Colleen is looking for volunteers to help out on the Ironman event. This is something the club and its friends have supported for years, so if you can spare some time please let Colleen know
 
 
Here's Colleens note to the club. All help gratefully received. 
 
Based on the number of members willing to continue with supporting this community event, our club is going ahead to provide volunteers for the Mooloolaba Triathlon on Sunday March 15th. Please consider putting up your hand this year to help out. It is not a hard task and it is only for 3 hrs. We will continue to receive a honorarium payment, not a large payment, but at least it is something and we are helping our community out and getting our faces out there for people to see the voluntary work we do. Plus, it’s a lot of fun with the right positive attitude, smile and inspiration, the competitors appreciate us very much. 
 
I have attached a link to register online, for those that are willing to commit to volunteering for this event. However, I will need you to indicate to me what time you prefer to assist so that I can fill the rostered times accordingly and ensure that we have enough volunteers. The online registration is not hard. This is what all volunteers are expected to complete now to register. If you are having trouble, please let me know ASAP so that I can assist. I have attached a Volunteers Information sheet and the link to register online. The following are the rostered times:
04:45 to 08:00….
05:00 to 08:00
08:00 to 11:00
11:00 to 2pm
 
I look forward to hearing from everyone soon as information needs to be in this week so that Fiona has the orders for the T-Shirts.
 
Colleen.
Big Waves on the front
Th recent rain depression and cyclone swells have been dramatic, and given great hope to farmers who have suffered through 8 years of drought. 
 
So we're hopeful that the suicide rate will be dropping and also that Bill and Melissa will be coming to the club soon with lots of suggestions for Projects that we can help them with.
 
Meanwhile the rain is playing havoc with their delivery teams, but its a nice problem to have and our best wishes to out to all the folks at Care Outreach. 
 
Rotary - what can we do for you?

New Theme " Rotary Opening Opportunities" and breakfast talk from Peter Morley - who knew?

 

Coincidentally there was a strong link between Peter Morley's talk to the club on Friday about, helping people with their "passion" or what drives then, and the Rotary theme for 2020 "Rotary Opening Opportunities"

 

 

Rotary International President-elect Holger Knaack is encouraging Rotarians to seize the many opportunities Rotary offers to enrich their lives and the communities they serve.

Watch the theme address at www.rotary.org

Knaack, a member of the Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mölln, Germany, revealed the 2020-21 presidential theme, Rotary Opens Opportunities, to incoming district governors at the Rotary International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA, on 20 January.

Rotary isn’t just a club for people to join, but rather “an invitation to endless opportunities,” said Knaack, who becomes president on 1 July. He emphasized that Rotary creates pathways for members to improve their lives and the lives of those they help through service projects.

“We believe that our acts of service, big and small, create opportunities for people who need our help,” Knaack said. He added that Rotary creates leadership opportunities and gives members the chance to travel the world to put their service ideas into action and make lifelong connections. “Everything we do opens another opportunity for someone, somewhere,” said Knaack.

 

Helping Bamboo Projects 

Your Club Helps out Bamboo Projects 

 
The club received this email from Kirsty during the month...FYI..we're pleased to let you know that we have made a donation of $500 on your behalf to help Chris and Kirsty with their great work. 
 
Good afternoon John, 
 
Hope you and the team are well. I just thought I would touch base to see if there would be any financial support in the future? 
We have expanded our programs even further to have a specialised cleaning up the waterways boat, which involves a "back to work" program with mentoring and mateship involved. Our boat is due to have completed construction in July this year. 
 
We continue to run our wheelchair access boat which takes out between 50-70 people each week for free. It's been amazing. 
 
We are trying our best to do fundraising programs and at the moment into our Keep Moving Forward Project where we are holding mental health events all around Australia for a 12 months period, while Chris runs rides and kayaks the whole way around. We have so far made it nearly 7000kms into the journey. 
 
Our wheelchair boat is the main item we need to ensure we keep afloat (pun intended 🙂). As the runnings costs (fuel, insurances, mooring fees, free monthly events/open days) continue to drain our own personal pockets. If there was a way that Alex Rotary could look at supporting us further with funding any of these costs; we would be very grateful for any support. 
 
Kind regards, 
Kristy 
Rotary, Drought and Bushfires

Drought and Bush Fires:

What have Rotary been doing?

 
The drought has been going for years and the bushfires for months, so what’s Rotary been doing to “make a difference?”
 
 
 
Here’s just some of the stories on how Rotary and Rotarians have been helping out their communities in the face of these personal and community disasters. 
As we’ve mentioned many times, Rotary has the lowest cost funding model. We have by far the lowest admin costs than our nearest Charitable Organisation. 
In other words more of your dollar donation goes directly to the community if you donate through Rotary. 
 
Also Rotary supports through Projects and encouragement many of the community service organisations…here are just some of the stories behind the funding and projects……
                                              ++++++++++++
 
Did you know that Rotary has been supporting the RFS for decades?
 
But you may not have been aware that Rotary also has been recognising the efforts of individuals through the Rotary Emergency Service Community Awards. Specifically the NSW Rotary Emergency Service Community Award
I enclose extracts from the 2018 finalist article below, where Rotary encourages and supports these volunteers through their actions, volunteering and funding.  
 
“Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant today announced 24 NSW and 8 ACT finalists for the 2018 Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW and ACT Emergency Services Community Awards.
Mr Grant said the expanded awards, which include the ACT for the first time, are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light upon the enormous contribution of emergency services workers such as nominee Alan Johnson from Batlow who has been a volunteer for over 52 years.
 
“These awards celebrate the outstanding commitment, sacrifice and spirit of service. As a community it is important that we take the time to acknowledge and thank volunteers and personnel who give so much of themselves and ask so little in return,” Mr Grant said.
 
 
 “This year’s finalists have more than 600 years of combined service and I thank them all for their exemplary community service.”
 
Finalists come from the following emergency services agencies:
·       Fire & Rescue NSW
·       ACT Fire & Rescue
·       NSW Ambulance
·       ACT Ambulance
·       NSW Rural Fire Service
·       ACT Rural Fire Service
·       NSW State Emergency Service
·       ACT State Emergency Service
·       Marine Rescue NSW
·       NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.
Commissioners from the NSW SES, NSW RFS, Marine Rescue NSW and the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association will each nominate an outstanding individual for consideration of the scholarship. A Rotary NSW panel will determine the most deserving candidate.
 
++++++++++++
 

Did you know that Rotary clubs have been involved at grass roots level? 

 
Here’s a typical story from Rotary Club of Taree….
The Rotary Club of Taree has shattered its bushfire relief fundraising goal of $30,000, reaching more than double that amount within a week.
 
"We're really deeply touched," said Maurie Stack, director of the club on the NSW mid-north coast.
He said that donations had been coming in from around the state in big and small amounts.
 
"On Saturday, I picked up an email from a local businessman who wanted to donate $20,000 but remain anonymous. He particularly wanted it to go to people who were uninsured, and there's plenty of those," Mr Stack said.
 
"On the other end, we've had lots of people give us $100 or $50. My eight-year-old grandson called me the other night saying he'd won $25 on the Melbourne Cup and he wanted to give it to people who'd lost their homes."
 
 
 
The group is working with the other six Rotary Clubs in the mid-north coast council area, as well as the local Lions club.
 
"Our starting point is to get the names of all the people who've lost homes," Mr Stack said.
A team of volunteers is working to compile that list and the affected residents will then be invited to make a claim.
 
"Some might choose not to because they're insured, and that's OK; but even those who are insured have suffered considerable losses," he said.
 
A grant from Australian businessman Dick Smith of $15,000 kicked in as soon as that fundraising amount was reached. While Mr Stack said they were delighted with the amount raised so far, he stressed the need was enormous.
 
Anyone wanting to support the Rotary Club's appeal can donate here.
 
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is welcoming donations through their fund, while may local brigades are conducting fundraising through doorknocks, letterbox drops or at community functions.
 
The RFS also warned of phony donation requests, saying as a general policy, it does not seek donations over the phone.
 
(From SMH)
 

 

Did you know that Rotary has set up a Queensland Bushfire appeal?

 
Rotary Bushfire Appeal and Assistance
From: District Governor, Darryl Iseppi
 
Over the last couple of weeks we have seen the start of one of the potentially worst Bushfire Seasons ever in our Rotary District and surrounding areas.
 
Some of our members have been affected though fortunately at this stage minimal damage and no loss of life. Our communities have not been as lucky.
 
I know many of our Rotarians, their families and our clubs are supporting frontline emergency staff and also the support personal and evacuation centres.
 
My call to those clubs and the Assistant Governors for those groups has been heart-warming knowing they are dealing with it at a local level and are keeping in touch with our Rotarian Families.
 
I have called upon a number of clubs to be available to provide relief effort to those clubs first affected. The response has been wonderful, and I thank everybody. I ask that we all be aware of the need.
 
The clubs and Assistant Governors in these areas have been asked to come through District if help is needed and I have promised on your behalf that we will be there. I know we will all do what we can for our Rotary Family.
 
In addition to this the RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) President, Treasurer and Project manager have set up a Relief Fund for the Bushfire Victims and Communities. This gives total Tax Deductibility effect to any donation to the Fund. It also eliminates any administration fees being charged. I thank the RAWCS executive for offering to do this.
 
By going to the RAWCS website www.rawcs.org.au anyone can donate to
 
Queensland Bushfire Relief Project (RARF*) with number 19-2019-20
  • The appeal will be titled “Queensland Bushfire Appeal”
  • It will relate only to the affected Rotary Districts of Queensland
  • It will be a project in RARF
  • The project is live on the RAWCS website and is able to accept donations.
  • RAWCS is organizing a quick donate button on the RAWCS home page.
*RARF = Rotary Australia Relief Fund)
 
The project will be managed as a RABS (Rotary Australia Benevolent Society) project for distribution and coordinated by the Queensland Bushfires Distribution Committee chaired by myself with Neil Black as Deputy. It includes representatives for all Districts connected to Queensland that have or will be affected by the Bushfires. Distribution will be to individuals, families and communities affected by the Bushfires.
 
 
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Australian Rotary Districts Drought Appeal

 
The highly successful Rotary Australia World Community Service Limited [RAWCS], Channel 9 and National Farmers’ Federation drought appeal closed on 30th September 2018 raising in excess of $10 million. These funds have been distributed direct to farmers and their families.
 
In October 2018, RAWCS initiated a drought appeal to continue this work and established the Australian Rotary Districts Drought Appeal.
 
The appeal covers nine Rotary District drought relief projects in the whole area impacted by this severe drought, west of the Great Dividing Range, from far North Queensland to Victoria and South Australia.
 
The appeal enables donations contributed after 30th September 2018 to continue to be distributed to these active RAWCS drought relief projects. Local Rotarians and Rotary Clubs understand which farming families are doing it tough, and this appeal ensures that this much needed support is received quickly.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
++++++++++++

Care outreach and Alex Rotary

 
Locally, Alex Rotary has been a big supporter of drought assistance through the Care Outreach program, and this year we reached out to Bill and Melissa and their organisation to get ideas from team leaders on how Rotary could help their communities through the Rotary grants program. 
 
We’re hoping to hear back from the team leaders in late January and start working on processing those grant applications to help the long-suffering Queensland Communities. 
 
Finally, a big thank you to all our supporters in 2019, and we look forward to 2020 in the knowledge that there are great people in our community who continue to help others in whatever way they can, either in a Rotary Club or personally. 
Upcoming Events
Bunning Maroochydore BBQ
Feb 28, 2020
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
 
Guest Speaker - Jeanne Motteram, Colomba Property
Feb 28, 2020
6:45 PM – 8:00 PM
 
test
Feb 29, 2020
6:16 PM – 6:16 PM
 
Australia Day Clean Up
Mar 01, 2020
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
 
ROMAC Trivia Quiz at Caloundra Unity College
Mar 12, 2020
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
 
Mooloolaba Triathalon
Mar 15, 2020
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
 
Kombi Parade along Sunshine Coast & Cinema
Apr 18, 2020
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
 
Surf Show and Shine - Main Show Mooloolaba Beach
Apr 19, 2020
6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
 
Summit for Sarcoma (Tentative)
May 01, 2020
6:45 AM – 8:00 PM
 
Bunnings BBQ
May 03, 2020
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
 
View entire list
Club Information

Our Meeting Details

We meet Fridays at 6:45 AM
Alex Surf Life Saving Club
Alex Beach
Alexandra Headland , QLD  4557
Australia
Email:
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Staying in touch 

 If anyone wants instructions on how to put the club app onto their phone, please contact John Malloy on 0447300753.
 
 
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