Past President Lesley's Year 2018 - 19 Says ………………...…...
Reflection Rotary Club of Beaudesert Inc April 2019 May 3, 2019
The month commenced with a Board meeting on April 1st where matters considered included the next steps with the potential Satellite Club at Tamborine Mountain.
We have enjoyed three Guest speakers:
• Rob Sibson – who spoke about growing up at Glen App just south of Rathdowney his childhood, world travel and return. Rob showed many memorable pictures of a different time and they were wonderful to see.
• Debra Howe, General Manager of Customer and Regional Prosperity at Scenic Rim Regional Council. Debra has a comprehensive position and is exceptionally customer focused – and it was great to have her tell us what is going on locally. We took the opportunity to give Debra a copy of our Club Strategic Plan and let her know some of the things we are working on – and our current and prior partnerships with Council as well as outlining some of the projects we have completed that benefit the community.
• Our first Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Applicant – Cassie – after a week in Canberra for Budget week along with thirty other youth from around the country – returned and gave a presentation to the Club which we all thoroughly enjoyed. As I said on the night – we sizzle sausages and sell raffle tickets and raise funds to support people like Cassie to become the kind of people we wish to have lead us in the future. I am so proud of her for stepping outside her comfort zone – and our Club members for making this possible. For your info the Club didn’t pay the whole sum – Our sponsorship was 2/3rd, Cassie 1/3rd. Cassie also made the Beaudesert Times online and print news.
We were successful in our application for a grant for volunteer equipment of a new marquee and outdoor seats – and are just awaiting the funds to land in our account. I look forward to having a marquee with our Club branding on it .
The Presidents informal Cluster meeting took place on April 6 at “Bean To” and was attended by Fassifern, Boonah, Jimboomba Sunrise and me. I enjoyed the catch-up and appreciated the others coming to our town for the meeting.
Mark McCabe continues to get the all abilities park equipment in order and we hope to be nearing ‘sod turning’. These things take a lot longer than anticipated – but it will happen.
I attended the Changeover for our local Probus Club. I shall introduce Linda to the Club as our incoming President in June, and at that time will also be saying words of thanks for our Clubs’ renewed friendship over this past year. Graeme Dore is the new Probus President.
New member Daniel Teese was inducted earlier this month – a giant welcome to you Daniel. We have received another application for membership that will go before the Club and Board at our next meeting, and another in the pipeline. Well done my lovely Club. Let’s keep the new and old interested and be inspirational people of action.
We were offered a catering Ninja Day during the school holidays in Jubilee Park but had to decline as it was during our working week and this affected our volunteer availability. We catered at the Country and Rock Festival at Jubilee Park on Easter Saturday. The music was great and the event has great potential– but the crowd didn’t show. Partial weather and partial (my opinion) lack of advertising. Still – a combination of the talent management and our expertise could be an excellent partnership and we shall have a ‘wash-up’ meeting with the organisers to see what the future may hold for this event.
Thanks to Treasurer Susie who has worked very hard to apply for a refund of expenses for our second exchange student. This sum is around $2500 and is a major effort to compile. The Club missed this opportunity last year and I am thankful to Susie for making sure all is in order this time.
We are now planning the changeover evening and it will be held on July 1st at the RSL. Invitations going out shortly – feel free to bring a friend. May has a heap going on so make sure you keep an eye on the Rotary Hoe.
Yours in Rotary Lesley President Rotary Club of Beaudesert
The month commenced with a Board meeting on April 1st where matters considered included the next steps with the potential Satellite Club at Tamborine Mountain.
We have enjoyed three Guest speakers:
• Rob Sibson – who spoke about growing up at Glen App just south of Rathdowney his childhood, world travel and return. Rob showed many memorable pictures of a different time and they were wonderful to see.
• Debra Howe, General Manager of Customer and Regional Prosperity at Scenic Rim Regional Council. Debra has a comprehensive position and is exceptionally customer focused – and it was great to have her tell us what is going on locally. We took the opportunity to give Debra a copy of our Club Strategic Plan and let her know some of the things we are working on – and our current and prior partnerships with Council as well as outlining some of the projects we have completed that benefit the community.
• Our first Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Applicant – Cassie – after a week in Canberra for Budget week along with thirty other youth from around the country – returned and gave a presentation to the Club which we all thoroughly enjoyed. As I said on the night – we sizzle sausages and sell raffle tickets and raise funds to support people like Cassie to become the kind of people we wish to have lead us in the future. I am so proud of her for stepping outside her comfort zone – and our Club members for making this possible. For your info the Club didn’t pay the whole sum – Our sponsorship was 2/3rd, Cassie 1/3rd. Cassie also made the Beaudesert Times online and print news.
We were successful in our application for a grant for volunteer equipment of a new marquee and outdoor seats – and are just awaiting the funds to land in our account. I look forward to having a marquee with our Club branding on it .
The Presidents informal Cluster meeting took place on April 6 at “Bean To” and was attended by Fassifern, Boonah, Jimboomba Sunrise and me. I enjoyed the catch-up and appreciated the others coming to our town for the meeting.
Mark McCabe continues to get the all abilities park equipment in order and we hope to be nearing ‘sod turning’. These things take a lot longer than anticipated – but it will happen.
I attended the Changeover for our local Probus Club. I shall introduce Linda to the Club as our incoming President in June, and at that time will also be saying words of thanks for our Clubs’ renewed friendship over this past year. Graeme Dore is the new Probus President.
New member Daniel Teese was inducted earlier this month – a giant welcome to you Daniel. We have received another application for membership that will go before the Club and Board at our next meeting, and another in the pipeline. Well done my lovely Club. Let’s keep the new and old interested and be inspirational people of action.
We were offered a catering Ninja Day during the school holidays in Jubilee Park but had to decline as it was during our working week and this affected our volunteer availability. We catered at the Country and Rock Festival at Jubilee Park on Easter Saturday. The music was great and the event has great potential– but the crowd didn’t show. Partial weather and partial (my opinion) lack of advertising. Still – a combination of the talent management and our expertise could be an excellent partnership and we shall have a ‘wash-up’ meeting with the organisers to see what the future may hold for this event.
Thanks to Treasurer Susie who has worked very hard to apply for a refund of expenses for our second exchange student. This sum is around $2500 and is a major effort to compile. The Club missed this opportunity last year and I am thankful to Susie for making sure all is in order this time.
We are now planning the changeover evening and it will be held on July 1st at the RSL. Invitations going out shortly – feel free to bring a friend. May has a heap going on so make sure you keep an eye on the Rotary Hoe.
Yours in Rotary Lesley President Rotary Club of Beaudesert
President’s Reflection March 2019
We opened the month with The Rotary Birthday dinner for 90, hosted by us and attended by many other Clubs and community members at the Centre. Entertained by Hugh Lunn, author and so much more and the great local Bamettes. It was wonderful also to have the motorcycling fellowship members joins us for the evening including one who rode 500 km. We made just under $500 with the special raffle for koalas as a bonus. Mitre 10 gave generously to the raffle prize, so did BAMs and thank to Eliza and Kathy for putting together scarves as prizes and a few bottles. The Rotary youth helped, and Hugh also had very good books sales. We received a lovely note from Hugh that I read out to the club during the month. Special mention to Linda and Erin for making such wonderful desserts and Ian for the theme and table fun.
We continue to raise funds for koala vaccinations, last month I sent a letter out from Beaudesert and Currumbin Coolangatta Tweed via Districts to all Clubs in the District seeking their level of financial assistance for the District program – I am awaiting feedback from CCT on the result, but we need to keep pushing this. We have books of raffle tickets to sell with a grand prize of a day for four at the Sanctuary and including a visit to the wildlife hospital. This is a great prize – drawn June 31st. Keith continues to sell Club raffle tickets and I thank all those who help him out.
We had a wonderful one day visit from Harry’s USA host parents Virgil and Shelley. One Day because their holiday was really in NZ . The day comprised an early airport pickup, morning tea at Yatala Pies, Burleigh Beach foot dip in ocean, Currumbin Sanctuary, home via Canungra, a snack platter, then to Brissy to see Eliza. We stayed in the city and they flew out the next morning. All Harry’s host families have now visited Australia and Harry flew up for the weekend and got to see Hugh Lunn too. Interestingly one of the rescued animals at the Wildlife Hospital was a brown snake with a bit of a crick in its neck.
Cassie Sharp our Rotary Adventures in Citizenship (RAIC) candidate is currently in Canberra – this is a big first for our club and I am sure she will have an amazing week. Cassie will spend most of the week at parliament with thirty others from around the country and hear the Budget. She will also visit the many attractions down there and we shall hear all about it on Cassie’s return. Cassie attends Grade 11 at Kooralbyn International School so maybe we can have a night out there to allow Cassie to invite Kooralbyn people to hear her talk.
We held a Satellite Club evening at Eagle Heights. There was a storm warning so that may have affected numbers, but we had about 7 people attend that were new to us. About 20 in all enjoyed the evening. Some joined in for fellowship for the evening (prior Rotarians). We are considering another meeting at a different time in the North Tamborine area to assess interest and will work with the Coomera River Club.
Mark McCabe is following through with the new round of work in getting the equipment in the park installed. He has met with Council and is currently liaising with the suppliers again. We held meetings with Council last year and decided to install the equipment in Councils’ preferred spot – and have shade put over the existing equipment in its current location. Now Council has reverted to the original location we wanted for the new equipment which means the shade will require expansion as it will need to be larger than initially envisaged and this size was not included in our original budget. Anyway – forge forward…
Our guest speakers this month were Rob Sibson – Glenapp stations – some wonderful local history and a very interesting story. AG Karen also caught up this month at our Club and again at Eagle Heights - Karen had an incident while working our west and hurt her back and wished to explain that we are not forgotten. Of course, we knew this and I have regular communication with Karen and we are well aware of her support.
We have catered this month with a BBQ at Bunnings, as well as a sausage sizzle at the Get Savvy Expo at the Centre – cooking 180 sausages while meeting and greeting many community members and other organisation. Many thanks to all our members and helpers – such things can never be done alone, and the contribution of each person is much appreciated. We decided to postpone the Mental Health First Aid course – the costs were getting out of hand and if we wait a few months we become eligible again for Council grants or grant in kind. This will make the course more workable and cost effective.
Ian and I shared a table with Joy and Doug Drescher at the BAMS production of War of the Worlds, Linda and I enjoyed the Zonta International Women’s Day lunch with Kay Tommerup as guest speaker, while Bernadette McCabe and I attended Council’s Women’s Day breakfast with about 150 other guests. These are all great opportunities to get out and about and have fun while learning.
We have donated $2000 this month to Rotary International Annual fund – I’d still like this to be $2000 US as the dollar exchange is against us. Susie has been hard at work as Treasurer trying to make sure all payments are up to date, that donations are made and that she is on top of raffle sales. The procedures Susie has in place work well when we all support her with them.
Sadly, former Rotarian Norm Johnston passed away this month.
Melvin and Pauline have met up with the other District YEP students during conference. Ruby turned 18 in Japan and spent the day snow skiing – lucky girl. Her dad took over 5 or 6 club trading banners.
We have two new applications for membership.
The month finished off with the great Rotary District 9640 Conference in Lismore attended by Linda, Tammy and I (noting that a whole heap of members were working the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle in Browns Plains). Guest speakers varied from Blueberry farmers to brain surgeons and everything In between including major efforts towards the provision of safe water in developing countries. Amazing insights and results from deep brain stimulus in areas or Parkinson’s, Tourette’s and other conditions. Took the opportunity to chat with a Gold Coast Rotarian working with refugee resettlement in SE Qld. Also enjoyed a wonderful presentation by the group study exchange team from the Philippines. It is incredible what we can do working together for good.
A fantastic way to end the month.
YIR Pres Lesley Turton
Rotary Club of Beaudesert President’s Reflection February 2019
A short month with lot packed in – and Doug LMcB is back!
We started off February meeting the PM the Honourable Scott Morrison at a meet and greet at Emmaus College Jimboomba.
Great to say hello and tell him about our projects.
A Bunnings sausage sizzle followed on the Saturday and we made about $1400. Thanks again to all volunteers. The Cambodia contingent of Linda, Mark, Peter, Susie and Melvin are now back – as is John Mann. The opening of the new school was reported in last month’s “Reflection” so I note only that all had a wonderful time – and that Melvin really had his eyes opened to a new culture.
Keith continues to sell raffle tickets when able but is increasing need of support to do this. Raffle AA series was drawn and both winners were very happy. Raffle AB is now half sold. Well done Keith.
Melvin has enjoyed a weekend with Susie and Peter at the Drags and has now moved from Mark and Linda’s home to living with Kathy and Geoff and their family. Melvin will have brothers and sisters and never a dull moment. Melvin’s first host family – TJ and Beth have finished the bus to motorhome conversion and passed transport requirements. Working on a bus conversion was certainly a new experience for Melvin.
Linda, Tammy and I attended weekend President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) in Stanthorpe – and met with the future Presidents of the District. Particularly ‘new districting’ will bring challenges as the district extends overseas - but personally I am hopeful for greater opportunities to make a difference and have closer relationships with people in the larger district. PETS was a weekend of ideas, sharing and friendships. Andrew, Rhonda and I attended a food safety workshop with Logan City Council – mainly intended for outdoor food vendors at markets – it was well worth attending and provided at no cost. These are held regularly, are free and I recommend them.
Linda and I also attended the “Arts Ablaze” information night about the major Arts event in Kooralbyn in October and the possibilities for Club’s catering involvement, as well as a Scenic Rim grants workshop to improve our understanding of the processes and availability and to discuss Rotary’s role for the June Queensland Day in Jubilee Park. We continued our Club commitment to youth by supporting three awardees to RYLA. One whom was co-sponsored by another Club. This is amazing for a small club like Beaudesert and is an investment to a better future for our community.
Eliza and I visited Tyalgum and joined in the RYLA dinner where we enjoyed a wonderful presentation including singing by our very own Lauren. The YEP rebounders day was at Linda’s house and we heard about the exchanges in Japan, Belgium and Austria. Further we have a successful Rotary Adventures in Citizenship (RAIC) applicant – Cassie from Kooralbyn. Cassie will spend a week in Canberra at the end of the month learning parliamentary procedures in Budget week – as well as attending the War Memorial, Questacon, Institute of Sport, the avenue of Embassies ( I think) and meeting with our Federal Member the Hon Scott Buchholz. I’m not certain but Cassie may be the only Queenslander attending , along with thirty other grade 11’s from around Australia. This is a first for our Club and I am very grateful for the Club’s willingness to part sponsor Cassie. Intense Planning continued for the Hugh Lunn dinner – a major event for the Club. At the time of writing the event has been held – but will be covered in next month’s catch up.
I enjoyed the monthly Probus meeting - and remind you all that Probus is a Rotary Community Service Project. A good relationship with Probus members is one of my biggest joys this year and I hope it is maintained. DG Terry has given us more “Rotarian at Work” vests at a great price – with proceeds towards Koalas. Letters went out to all clubs about fundraising for Koalas and Michelle Mitchell of Currumbin Coolangatta Tweed mentioned that some Clubs have committed funds towards the vaccine already. Our new trading banners are printed and delivered – the first in many years and two have been presented to our exchange students.
Guest speakers this month were Khan from Beaudesert Rock and Country, Jae Llewelyn Kirby about a community garden and a fantastic presentation from our youth – Melvin and Pauline talking about their home countries and exchange experience till now –and the RYLA awardees – Daniel, Jake and Lauren speaking of their RYLA camp.
We received official notice of receiving the Gambling Community Benefit grant of just under $35,000. Mark McCabe is working on the ground with moving this ahead and actual plans to build the all abilities sports equipment in the park.
It is time for members to register for Conference – which will be at the end of this month. We also need Conference volunteers to assist with the roster on the Koala stand set up by Currumbin Coolangatta Tweed. Conference is fantastic and free – so I urge you to attend.
The guest speakers are of an excellent calibre and the only costs are for the accommodation you choose, and where you choose to join in for meals.
Apart from Conference I hope you can join us for a friendly social meeting in March at Eagle Heights – and introduce Rotary to the Tamborine community. More info in the meetings.
Yours in Rotary Lesley March 3, 2019
A short month with lot packed in – and Doug LMcB is back!
We started off February meeting the PM the Honourable Scott Morrison at a meet and greet at Emmaus College Jimboomba.
Great to say hello and tell him about our projects.
A Bunnings sausage sizzle followed on the Saturday and we made about $1400. Thanks again to all volunteers. The Cambodia contingent of Linda, Mark, Peter, Susie and Melvin are now back – as is John Mann. The opening of the new school was reported in last month’s “Reflection” so I note only that all had a wonderful time – and that Melvin really had his eyes opened to a new culture.
Keith continues to sell raffle tickets when able but is increasing need of support to do this. Raffle AA series was drawn and both winners were very happy. Raffle AB is now half sold. Well done Keith.
Melvin has enjoyed a weekend with Susie and Peter at the Drags and has now moved from Mark and Linda’s home to living with Kathy and Geoff and their family. Melvin will have brothers and sisters and never a dull moment. Melvin’s first host family – TJ and Beth have finished the bus to motorhome conversion and passed transport requirements. Working on a bus conversion was certainly a new experience for Melvin.
Linda, Tammy and I attended weekend President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) in Stanthorpe – and met with the future Presidents of the District. Particularly ‘new districting’ will bring challenges as the district extends overseas - but personally I am hopeful for greater opportunities to make a difference and have closer relationships with people in the larger district. PETS was a weekend of ideas, sharing and friendships. Andrew, Rhonda and I attended a food safety workshop with Logan City Council – mainly intended for outdoor food vendors at markets – it was well worth attending and provided at no cost. These are held regularly, are free and I recommend them.
Linda and I also attended the “Arts Ablaze” information night about the major Arts event in Kooralbyn in October and the possibilities for Club’s catering involvement, as well as a Scenic Rim grants workshop to improve our understanding of the processes and availability and to discuss Rotary’s role for the June Queensland Day in Jubilee Park. We continued our Club commitment to youth by supporting three awardees to RYLA. One whom was co-sponsored by another Club. This is amazing for a small club like Beaudesert and is an investment to a better future for our community.
Eliza and I visited Tyalgum and joined in the RYLA dinner where we enjoyed a wonderful presentation including singing by our very own Lauren. The YEP rebounders day was at Linda’s house and we heard about the exchanges in Japan, Belgium and Austria. Further we have a successful Rotary Adventures in Citizenship (RAIC) applicant – Cassie from Kooralbyn. Cassie will spend a week in Canberra at the end of the month learning parliamentary procedures in Budget week – as well as attending the War Memorial, Questacon, Institute of Sport, the avenue of Embassies ( I think) and meeting with our Federal Member the Hon Scott Buchholz. I’m not certain but Cassie may be the only Queenslander attending , along with thirty other grade 11’s from around Australia. This is a first for our Club and I am very grateful for the Club’s willingness to part sponsor Cassie. Intense Planning continued for the Hugh Lunn dinner – a major event for the Club. At the time of writing the event has been held – but will be covered in next month’s catch up.
I enjoyed the monthly Probus meeting - and remind you all that Probus is a Rotary Community Service Project. A good relationship with Probus members is one of my biggest joys this year and I hope it is maintained. DG Terry has given us more “Rotarian at Work” vests at a great price – with proceeds towards Koalas. Letters went out to all clubs about fundraising for Koalas and Michelle Mitchell of Currumbin Coolangatta Tweed mentioned that some Clubs have committed funds towards the vaccine already. Our new trading banners are printed and delivered – the first in many years and two have been presented to our exchange students.
Guest speakers this month were Khan from Beaudesert Rock and Country, Jae Llewelyn Kirby about a community garden and a fantastic presentation from our youth – Melvin and Pauline talking about their home countries and exchange experience till now –and the RYLA awardees – Daniel, Jake and Lauren speaking of their RYLA camp.
We received official notice of receiving the Gambling Community Benefit grant of just under $35,000. Mark McCabe is working on the ground with moving this ahead and actual plans to build the all abilities sports equipment in the park.
It is time for members to register for Conference – which will be at the end of this month. We also need Conference volunteers to assist with the roster on the Koala stand set up by Currumbin Coolangatta Tweed. Conference is fantastic and free – so I urge you to attend.
The guest speakers are of an excellent calibre and the only costs are for the accommodation you choose, and where you choose to join in for meals.
Apart from Conference I hope you can join us for a friendly social meeting in March at Eagle Heights – and introduce Rotary to the Tamborine community. More info in the meetings.
Yours in Rotary Lesley March 3, 2019
Rotary Club of Beaudesert President’s Reflection January 2019
A great start to the Rotary year with a social dinner for about 25 people at ‘The Pav’ in Kooralbyn joined by Peter Truer from Boonah, friends and guests’. Dear AG Karen is still unable to travel distances and we wish her a good recovery even if it is not speedy. Peter inducted Jon Forbe-Smith and Eliza Turton. A couple of days later we had our first Bunnings sausage sizzle of the year and sold $2000 worth for a profit of $1300. We then catered at the opening of ‘Families Today” exhibition at the Centre. We had a great photo op there with photographer Louis Lim and we mixed and mingled and cooked our first vegan sausages. This endeavour will bring in $350 and we have another sizzle for Council in March . Many thanks to the volunteers. We have a further Bunnings sizzle in February and March – and I have requested consideration for April, May and June.
Ethan – YEP outgoing student from Jimboomba was our guest speaker at the first ‘regular’ meeting of the year . Ruby also attended and Ethan and Ruby have now departed to Belgium and Japan and will have an amazing year. Our beloved Secretary Doug is still away (I tell you absence of the Club Secretary really does make the heart grow fonder) but he will be back on the 4th February .
The Club and Board passed to fund heavily subsidised Mental Health First Aid training for community members at a cost of $50 each – and we pay the balance. This will take place in April and is currently booked for the Centre due to good access. The Club also passed to give $2000 to Rotary Foundation. Given the exchange rate this does not meet our DG goal of $100 US per person so funds permitting I hope the Club can supplement this donation before the end of my year – same goes for Polio Plus. There is also $200 given for Polio Plus via Centurions and another $200 anticipated in Centurions near future. The weather has been exceptionally hot – it is summer holidays – but this hasn’t stopped Keith being very keen to get out there and sell raffle tickets. Volunteers to help are low on the ground though – because of work or being away. I did put a call out via “Beauy Whispers” for help however the response was not huge. I am glad we have Bunnings to assist our fundraising. We have ordered 30 club trading banners and although they didn’t arrive in time for Ruby or the Cambodia trip (mentioned later) at least we will have some that we can post off.
Our March 2nd Hugh Lunn night is close – the invitation will be forwarded separately and we need to get all our friends, families and interested acquaintances there to make an outstanding night. Where possible I prefer that they book and pay via Rotary as we must pay a ticket cost of $2.70 per ticket via Council. Please take flyers and posters from the next meeting and put them up where you can. Hon Scott Buchholz’ office very kindly printed them for us If you have any vintage magazines, pictures, maps, car manuals or the like we would love to use them as decoration for the dinner night.
During the holidays our exchange students travelled - Pauline went to the Coast and to Melbourne for the Aussie open. Melvin had an incredible time in Cambodia and we hope to hear more from both of them when they are guest speakers for the Club. Lacey from Council (yes I asked for them) gave the Club “Disaster Relief” bright orange document folders and these have been distributed. DG Terry has sent more “Volunteer at Work” vests at a budget cost of $10 each and suggests that the $10 each be donated to the Koala fund. I aim to give these to the new members.
We have three RYLA candidates – again this is an amazing result – for budget reasons I have requested that the third candidate be supported by another Club – but the outcome remains to be seen. The “Rotary Club of Beaudesert” signs at Jubilee Park entrances (three sides) have been replaced and look bright and great and noticeable.
Jon, Corrinne and I attended the Citizenship Ceremony and Scenic Rim Awards night, had a great evening and took the time to give an introductory “Invitation to Rotary” letter to all new Citizens. We shall improve how we do this – but at short notice I think we did very well. Of course the biggest event was the opening of the new “My Health School” in Cambodia. John and Chanthou are taking care of the day to day – Linda, Mark, Peter, Susie, Melvin and Lauren attended the opening. There was a HUGE crowd. The pictures of the great day are astounding and we are helping to give the best education possible to the village children – what an achievement! This school is funded by Zoe Fields and I hope we can provide more educational and infrastructure resources to improve the outcomes for the children. Well done Club.
The month finished off in a splendid fashion when Jon Krause MP phoned to say our grant application of $35,000 was successful and we can now install the “all abilities” exercise equipment in Jubilee Park – along with as shade structure for the existing exercise equipment installed in Mark McCabe’s year 2014 / 2015. We start February tomorrow with morning tea with the PM.
Yours in Rotary Lesley
A great start to the Rotary year with a social dinner for about 25 people at ‘The Pav’ in Kooralbyn joined by Peter Truer from Boonah, friends and guests’. Dear AG Karen is still unable to travel distances and we wish her a good recovery even if it is not speedy. Peter inducted Jon Forbe-Smith and Eliza Turton. A couple of days later we had our first Bunnings sausage sizzle of the year and sold $2000 worth for a profit of $1300. We then catered at the opening of ‘Families Today” exhibition at the Centre. We had a great photo op there with photographer Louis Lim and we mixed and mingled and cooked our first vegan sausages. This endeavour will bring in $350 and we have another sizzle for Council in March . Many thanks to the volunteers. We have a further Bunnings sizzle in February and March – and I have requested consideration for April, May and June.
Ethan – YEP outgoing student from Jimboomba was our guest speaker at the first ‘regular’ meeting of the year . Ruby also attended and Ethan and Ruby have now departed to Belgium and Japan and will have an amazing year. Our beloved Secretary Doug is still away (I tell you absence of the Club Secretary really does make the heart grow fonder) but he will be back on the 4th February .
The Club and Board passed to fund heavily subsidised Mental Health First Aid training for community members at a cost of $50 each – and we pay the balance. This will take place in April and is currently booked for the Centre due to good access. The Club also passed to give $2000 to Rotary Foundation. Given the exchange rate this does not meet our DG goal of $100 US per person so funds permitting I hope the Club can supplement this donation before the end of my year – same goes for Polio Plus. There is also $200 given for Polio Plus via Centurions and another $200 anticipated in Centurions near future. The weather has been exceptionally hot – it is summer holidays – but this hasn’t stopped Keith being very keen to get out there and sell raffle tickets. Volunteers to help are low on the ground though – because of work or being away. I did put a call out via “Beauy Whispers” for help however the response was not huge. I am glad we have Bunnings to assist our fundraising. We have ordered 30 club trading banners and although they didn’t arrive in time for Ruby or the Cambodia trip (mentioned later) at least we will have some that we can post off.
Our March 2nd Hugh Lunn night is close – the invitation will be forwarded separately and we need to get all our friends, families and interested acquaintances there to make an outstanding night. Where possible I prefer that they book and pay via Rotary as we must pay a ticket cost of $2.70 per ticket via Council. Please take flyers and posters from the next meeting and put them up where you can. Hon Scott Buchholz’ office very kindly printed them for us If you have any vintage magazines, pictures, maps, car manuals or the like we would love to use them as decoration for the dinner night.
During the holidays our exchange students travelled - Pauline went to the Coast and to Melbourne for the Aussie open. Melvin had an incredible time in Cambodia and we hope to hear more from both of them when they are guest speakers for the Club. Lacey from Council (yes I asked for them) gave the Club “Disaster Relief” bright orange document folders and these have been distributed. DG Terry has sent more “Volunteer at Work” vests at a budget cost of $10 each and suggests that the $10 each be donated to the Koala fund. I aim to give these to the new members.
We have three RYLA candidates – again this is an amazing result – for budget reasons I have requested that the third candidate be supported by another Club – but the outcome remains to be seen. The “Rotary Club of Beaudesert” signs at Jubilee Park entrances (three sides) have been replaced and look bright and great and noticeable.
Jon, Corrinne and I attended the Citizenship Ceremony and Scenic Rim Awards night, had a great evening and took the time to give an introductory “Invitation to Rotary” letter to all new Citizens. We shall improve how we do this – but at short notice I think we did very well. Of course the biggest event was the opening of the new “My Health School” in Cambodia. John and Chanthou are taking care of the day to day – Linda, Mark, Peter, Susie, Melvin and Lauren attended the opening. There was a HUGE crowd. The pictures of the great day are astounding and we are helping to give the best education possible to the village children – what an achievement! This school is funded by Zoe Fields and I hope we can provide more educational and infrastructure resources to improve the outcomes for the children. Well done Club.
The month finished off in a splendid fashion when Jon Krause MP phoned to say our grant application of $35,000 was successful and we can now install the “all abilities” exercise equipment in Jubilee Park – along with as shade structure for the existing exercise equipment installed in Mark McCabe’s year 2014 / 2015. We start February tomorrow with morning tea with the PM.
Yours in Rotary Lesley
President’s Reflection December 2018
I write this from fabulous Ballina – enjoying a great break at Lennox Head and getting thoughts and actions in place for 2019. We are through our first 6 months (and a bit) . Congratulations to all for surviving me!!! The month started with our AGM, and Board meeting with two new members passed - to be inducted by AG Karen Thomas on January 7th at our informal first meeting at Kooralbyn. Feel free to invite friends, family and acquaintances to join us if they wish. The new executive for 2019 is in place and President-elect Linda Jackson is considering her future Committee Directors. The Audit for our Rotary year ended 31 May 2018 is finished and we now move to years ending on June 30 – which makes life somewhat easier as our EOFY will coincide with the usual business EOFY. We commenced December with a Bunnings sausage sizzle on December 1st . Our pot increased by just under $1500 and David Jones did us proud again. Thank you to all volunteers on the day. We were invited to apply for future sizzles and Bunnings has given us dates in January, February and March 2019. These provide a great financial outcome for hard work in a dedicated time frame. Helpers are always needed - the date for the first is January 13th .
Next was the outstanding Carols In The Park in Jubilee Park. It was the best weather and best crowd that anyone can recall in recent times. The entertainers were awesome – dancers are back, and chips were jumping out of the van. We expanded to allow two local food vendors – Cuppalicious and Fruit Delights and they were grateful for the opportunity. Santa gave out more than 210 lollipops and we ran out towards the end. Great thanks to Warren and all his merry crew of elves for a very good outcome. Mark J and I have collated figures for the Carols and will account to Zonta and Lions for the sum we donate towards the Carols, and the sums they collect.
We enjoyed hearing our guest speaker (outgoing exchange student Ruby Vaars) give a presentation to our club in Japanese. No, we couldn’t understand the actual words – but her enthusiasm and happiness spoke to all of us. This fine young lady will be an absolute credit to our Club and our country. Her family are lovely, and I wish her all the best. Ruby also presented us with a full centurion column from her family for Rotary Foundation. Very gratefully received. Susie has been a continual quiet achiever. The job of Treasurer is a largely thankless one with a lot more work than you see. Especially since Susie didn’t receive a ‘handover’. To make life easier for Susie and her accounting please help her by being tidy with your own financial paperwork, receipts etc that need refunding. Thanks also to Greg for assisting with raffle ticket compilation. Not everyone is ‘seen’ to be volunteering and I am very thankful for those that do work behind the scenes. Warren led a team to volunteer for cooking a sausage sizzle at the pool for a local kindergarten/childcare centre as a community goodwill exercise, while a few others of us – and friends manned and womaned the bar at the Scenic Rim Regional Council Christmas party. The party was a roaring success – we had fun and made a good bit of coin for our endeavours. Which is just as well because we have a lot of endeavours. Warren also worked with the Beaudesert State School to allow them to use the van for their own end of year event. Now that the Van silly season is at rest Warren will seek to get a much needed facelift and bit of work done on the van. Santa was busy doing his own things – but his alter ego is still selling tickets and will be back in early January. Volunteers are always needed to assist Keith and I will be in touch with the admin of Beauy Whispers to see if community volunteers may be able to assist. Our Christmas party at the Chinese followed later in the month and was a fun well attended night.
Mark McC and I collaborated with our photo at the town Chrissy tree, Ian worked his magic - and we made a great FaceBook post that is our biggest ‘interaction’ post of the year. This follows training that Mark Mc, Tammy, Joy and I had about social media so I am happy with that outcome. Training wise – Rotary is very good and there are many training opportunities free of charge for all of us. I undertook a webinar on new memberships this month – taught out of Chicago. 6pm Chicago time, 10 am our time the next day. We received great press reports – online and in print about the Carols, Koalas and Mark and Linda’s generosity in giving an ultrasound to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. We have big events in 2019. The major one is the opening of the new school (My Health School) in Cambodia that we heard about at the Cambodian Evening. This will be a VERY BIG EVENT in Cambodia with dignitaries of extremely high standing in attendance.
Rotary is an international organisation and providing education to children must be the forefront of world peace, world health, reducing child and sex slavery, improving economies and helping the environment. The impact we have is huge, so every burger and chips sold, sausage sizzled and donation made is life changing for Cambodian children and for the world through Rotary Foundation. I keep in regular contact with John Mann and the progress made in Cambodia is phenomenal. Last year’s Board decided that in my presidency year 25% of funds raised (profit) will be for Cambodia. This has permitted me to take on a couple of personal interest projects – one being the koala support. The other I would like to do is a mental health first aid (MHFA) two-day course. So Rotary sponsor the training to the tune of about $2,000 (a sausage sizzle and a bit) and participants pay about $50 each instead of the usual $275 plus. They can also qualify for accreditation. Subject to Board approval I am looking at doing this is March or April and have been in contact with the tutor already. My idea (after discussions with Stanthorpe Rotary Club which does the same thing) is to first offer the places to other service clubs, front line organisations and the like prior to ourselves and the general public. The course is not for people who need help – it is for those that can help others in emergency situations until they reach professional help. In the first quarter of this year we have three sausage sizzles with Bunnings, a sausage sizzle ‘gallery’ event at The Centre, a stand at “Get savvy” along with another sausage sizzle there, the Hugh Lunn Dinner – March 2 nd for our Rotary cluster and friends at the Centre for the Rotary birthday – this will be a big night so need lots of support, the MHFA, District Conference, opening of the new school in Cambodia, RYLA for youth and the Koala fundraiser – which may be a special event or may be the proceeds of one of the sausage sizzles. We have not been successful in obtaining 10 Brisbane Street - however we have been successful in putting it on the agenda – so Council now is going to formulate its terms and conditions and call for expressions of interest to use the building and maybe it’ll be available for someone or something or some organisation in the new financial year.
I had some big ideas based on the potential use of a full time space and have had to put those ideas to the side. I realise now that sometimes with big ideas the seed is planted for the Club to carry on in the future – thus I have taken steps to further Mark Mcs exercise equipment as well as David’s work on a permanent space and the Club’s commitment to Cambodia. We have come further with social media, we have planted trees for the future, we educate children and promote peace, we have provided mobility to people with physical difficulties – we are doing pretty good. We are enjoying better friendship with other Clubs – particularly Probus and I hope this continues in the future. I give a special call out to my husband Ian – he has done great work on our presentation, our Carols booklet, our new Club Banner and I’ve got a couple more jobs for him. I miss my good mate Doug Lavers McBain – as he continues his treatment and hope he is back soon. He is certainly keeping aware of our goings on and giving me input whenever he sees fit Wishing you all and our Club the very best for 2019 – it is an incredible privilege to be part of such an inspiring group of fantastic people. YI Rotary Lesley
I write this from fabulous Ballina – enjoying a great break at Lennox Head and getting thoughts and actions in place for 2019. We are through our first 6 months (and a bit) . Congratulations to all for surviving me!!! The month started with our AGM, and Board meeting with two new members passed - to be inducted by AG Karen Thomas on January 7th at our informal first meeting at Kooralbyn. Feel free to invite friends, family and acquaintances to join us if they wish. The new executive for 2019 is in place and President-elect Linda Jackson is considering her future Committee Directors. The Audit for our Rotary year ended 31 May 2018 is finished and we now move to years ending on June 30 – which makes life somewhat easier as our EOFY will coincide with the usual business EOFY. We commenced December with a Bunnings sausage sizzle on December 1st . Our pot increased by just under $1500 and David Jones did us proud again. Thank you to all volunteers on the day. We were invited to apply for future sizzles and Bunnings has given us dates in January, February and March 2019. These provide a great financial outcome for hard work in a dedicated time frame. Helpers are always needed - the date for the first is January 13th .
Next was the outstanding Carols In The Park in Jubilee Park. It was the best weather and best crowd that anyone can recall in recent times. The entertainers were awesome – dancers are back, and chips were jumping out of the van. We expanded to allow two local food vendors – Cuppalicious and Fruit Delights and they were grateful for the opportunity. Santa gave out more than 210 lollipops and we ran out towards the end. Great thanks to Warren and all his merry crew of elves for a very good outcome. Mark J and I have collated figures for the Carols and will account to Zonta and Lions for the sum we donate towards the Carols, and the sums they collect.
We enjoyed hearing our guest speaker (outgoing exchange student Ruby Vaars) give a presentation to our club in Japanese. No, we couldn’t understand the actual words – but her enthusiasm and happiness spoke to all of us. This fine young lady will be an absolute credit to our Club and our country. Her family are lovely, and I wish her all the best. Ruby also presented us with a full centurion column from her family for Rotary Foundation. Very gratefully received. Susie has been a continual quiet achiever. The job of Treasurer is a largely thankless one with a lot more work than you see. Especially since Susie didn’t receive a ‘handover’. To make life easier for Susie and her accounting please help her by being tidy with your own financial paperwork, receipts etc that need refunding. Thanks also to Greg for assisting with raffle ticket compilation. Not everyone is ‘seen’ to be volunteering and I am very thankful for those that do work behind the scenes. Warren led a team to volunteer for cooking a sausage sizzle at the pool for a local kindergarten/childcare centre as a community goodwill exercise, while a few others of us – and friends manned and womaned the bar at the Scenic Rim Regional Council Christmas party. The party was a roaring success – we had fun and made a good bit of coin for our endeavours. Which is just as well because we have a lot of endeavours. Warren also worked with the Beaudesert State School to allow them to use the van for their own end of year event. Now that the Van silly season is at rest Warren will seek to get a much needed facelift and bit of work done on the van. Santa was busy doing his own things – but his alter ego is still selling tickets and will be back in early January. Volunteers are always needed to assist Keith and I will be in touch with the admin of Beauy Whispers to see if community volunteers may be able to assist. Our Christmas party at the Chinese followed later in the month and was a fun well attended night.
Mark McC and I collaborated with our photo at the town Chrissy tree, Ian worked his magic - and we made a great FaceBook post that is our biggest ‘interaction’ post of the year. This follows training that Mark Mc, Tammy, Joy and I had about social media so I am happy with that outcome. Training wise – Rotary is very good and there are many training opportunities free of charge for all of us. I undertook a webinar on new memberships this month – taught out of Chicago. 6pm Chicago time, 10 am our time the next day. We received great press reports – online and in print about the Carols, Koalas and Mark and Linda’s generosity in giving an ultrasound to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. We have big events in 2019. The major one is the opening of the new school (My Health School) in Cambodia that we heard about at the Cambodian Evening. This will be a VERY BIG EVENT in Cambodia with dignitaries of extremely high standing in attendance.
Rotary is an international organisation and providing education to children must be the forefront of world peace, world health, reducing child and sex slavery, improving economies and helping the environment. The impact we have is huge, so every burger and chips sold, sausage sizzled and donation made is life changing for Cambodian children and for the world through Rotary Foundation. I keep in regular contact with John Mann and the progress made in Cambodia is phenomenal. Last year’s Board decided that in my presidency year 25% of funds raised (profit) will be for Cambodia. This has permitted me to take on a couple of personal interest projects – one being the koala support. The other I would like to do is a mental health first aid (MHFA) two-day course. So Rotary sponsor the training to the tune of about $2,000 (a sausage sizzle and a bit) and participants pay about $50 each instead of the usual $275 plus. They can also qualify for accreditation. Subject to Board approval I am looking at doing this is March or April and have been in contact with the tutor already. My idea (after discussions with Stanthorpe Rotary Club which does the same thing) is to first offer the places to other service clubs, front line organisations and the like prior to ourselves and the general public. The course is not for people who need help – it is for those that can help others in emergency situations until they reach professional help. In the first quarter of this year we have three sausage sizzles with Bunnings, a sausage sizzle ‘gallery’ event at The Centre, a stand at “Get savvy” along with another sausage sizzle there, the Hugh Lunn Dinner – March 2 nd for our Rotary cluster and friends at the Centre for the Rotary birthday – this will be a big night so need lots of support, the MHFA, District Conference, opening of the new school in Cambodia, RYLA for youth and the Koala fundraiser – which may be a special event or may be the proceeds of one of the sausage sizzles. We have not been successful in obtaining 10 Brisbane Street - however we have been successful in putting it on the agenda – so Council now is going to formulate its terms and conditions and call for expressions of interest to use the building and maybe it’ll be available for someone or something or some organisation in the new financial year.
I had some big ideas based on the potential use of a full time space and have had to put those ideas to the side. I realise now that sometimes with big ideas the seed is planted for the Club to carry on in the future – thus I have taken steps to further Mark Mcs exercise equipment as well as David’s work on a permanent space and the Club’s commitment to Cambodia. We have come further with social media, we have planted trees for the future, we educate children and promote peace, we have provided mobility to people with physical difficulties – we are doing pretty good. We are enjoying better friendship with other Clubs – particularly Probus and I hope this continues in the future. I give a special call out to my husband Ian – he has done great work on our presentation, our Carols booklet, our new Club Banner and I’ve got a couple more jobs for him. I miss my good mate Doug Lavers McBain – as he continues his treatment and hope he is back soon. He is certainly keeping aware of our goings on and giving me input whenever he sees fit Wishing you all and our Club the very best for 2019 – it is an incredible privilege to be part of such an inspiring group of fantastic people. YI Rotary Lesley
Rotary Club of Beaudesert Presidents Reflections November 2018
We are the Champions – is exactly how we felt by starting the month with a joint venture Bohemian Rhapsody Opening night with Jimboomba Rotary in the v max theatre at Browns Plains. 100 people came from as far as Canada and the Gold Coast – we raised $1000 between us - $500 each and had a lot of fun. The $500 we raised will go directly to POLIO PLUS and we have now exceeded my Club giving goal for this. We donated $100 to the Rotary Club of Sydney for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners. The plan had been to donate the proceeds of a sausage sizzle day – but the day was washed out and not very successful – so we will make this donation instead.
Mark and Linda toiled as marshals at the Downhill dirt bike event at Wyaralong the first weekend of the month, while Tammy, Mark Mc, Joy and I attended a Membership Retention seminar on the Gold Coast. It was well worth it. We held another forum – the next will be in February as the shared view is that we have had the opportunity to frankly give opinions and share viewpoints and now it’s time to implement. We inducted new Member Brad Klistcher – and now have 20 paid up members and two honorary members. We have reviewed the “Friends of Rotary” and will work more on this. We have two more applications for membership -which are currently going through the process of obtaining views of members and, if in order - Board approval Carols in the Park look like being a great success – bigger and better than before. We do need help from everybody that is available. Lions will do their usual steakburgers and hamburgers, Zonta the raffle and handing out programs and carols booklets. This year will have coffee van and fruit delights van as well.
On Melb Cup Day Linda, Melvin and I joined about 8 Surfers Sunrise Rotary members and Traction at a Melbourne Cup event at the Island on the Gold Coast. Each team of two sold either raffle tickets or sweeps tickets and it was a great learning opportunity. Linda and I sold $900 worth and Melvin and his team mate sold about $1000 worth. Of these sums approximately 1/3rd were tap and go payments. The sums here are significant. Keith and John told us when they were selling raffle tickets that sales were lost because they couldn't ‘tap and go’ and it is apparent that we will lose sales to the young if we do not accept payment in the way they wish to pay. I acknowledge that our last forum requested that more information be sought about payment options – and the ‘square’ may be the most cost effective. I did enquire with another provider but our level of use did not appeal to the supplier (they wouldn’t make enough money I guess).
Funds raised with Traction (in total about $13,000 ) go to SE Qld youth – including a workshop at Beaudesert High School. The collaboration on the day worked very well and we may hold a joint fundraiser for Mothers Day Koalas are moving forward. The Rotarian Magazine based in USA has sought info on our tree planting and may do an article. We had an excellent visit with Currumbin Coolangatta Tweed Rotary to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to see the work they do. We now have a more comprehensive understanding of the hospital and the koala vaccine project. Linda and Mark donated an xray machine to the hospital too – and this has a value of several thousand dollars. Our role with the fundraising is not just to raise our portion of the $50,000 but also to ‘be the inspiration’ for other Clubs in the District. DG Terry suggested a joint club stand at the District Convention and I will take this to the Board. Pauline from Belgium won three events at the Beaudesert Tennis Club tournament – and her name will be on the “Wall of fame’ henceforth. Plus, she (and Rotary) got mentioned in the paper and in online news. Pauline moved to the next host family – Chris (Griff) and Lauren Griffin and their two beautiful children and now lives at Tullamore. Many thanks to Geoff, Kathy, Kyeisha and the children for providing such a warm welcome to Pauline in Australia – and to opening their home and for all the experiences she has shared with them. Melvin also has moved to his next family – Mark and Linda Jackson and we thank Beth and TJ for all their support and warm welcome and introducing Melvin to life in Australia and helping him get settled.
The Combined Service Clubs dinner was a success with an estimated 40 people attending from Rotary, Lions, Zonta and Probus – and a couple wearing more than one hat, so Beaudesert RSL were represented too. Sandy Murdoch from Traction was well received as guest speaker and made good contacts – and we were all enriched hearing the of the projects and plans of the other clubs. The event gave us great fellowship and sense of unity. Special thanks to Kathy, Linda and Wanita (RSL) for sending me calming words and actions when needed. Once again, we received very good print and online media coverage. About 14 members and friends attended the International Men’s Day dinner to hear former Olympian Mark Knowles (hockey) and actor and author William McInnes speak. They were both very entertaining and this event is worthwhile having on our calendar. A lucky member of the Rotary crowd – Michael – won a massive meat tray. We were all treated to giveaways and took home caramelised onion, special barbeque sauce or other delectables – all gourmet products of the Scenic Rim. I have noticed this Rotary year is that we are building goodwill and better friendships.
Probus members are helping Keith sell tickets, Linda and I attended a Zonta meeting. Our camaraderie with others seems (to to me at least) to be increasing. Probus members especially have said how they feel more connected with us – these are just personal comments from them. I would love to continue this relationship. David Jones organised a fun Barefoot Bowls game with Jimboomba Club – and they won and took home a great trophy. We all enjoyed burgers and salad, had a good laugh and made a bit extra for Rotary Foundation. We seem to be getting more fundraising enquiries – where we can make money. Last year John and I agreed to have an info stall at Get Savvy – a Council initiative. This year we have been invited to have another stand, and to have a paid sausage sizzle – plus potentially have a small stand at ‘pop up‘ events in other Scenic Rim locations. We have been asked to ‘do the bar’ for the Council Christmas Party and another Bunnings sausage sizzle .
I would like to do as much as is reasonably possible – but recognise the toll it puts on members. If we can return the membership loss of the previous two years we will be in a good place to advance – and to permit members to take part in activities that interest them. Plus we can better plan our major activities. Somehow I have landed the year of having the combined service clubs’ dinner and the combined cluster members dinner. I wish to turn the Cluster dinner into the night we have Hugh Lunn (author ‘Over the top with Jim’) as guest speaker – and we can invite guests who may be interested in hearing more about Rotary. This wasn’t the original plan – but it's ‘morphing’ ...... Yours in Rotary Lesley
We are the Champions – is exactly how we felt by starting the month with a joint venture Bohemian Rhapsody Opening night with Jimboomba Rotary in the v max theatre at Browns Plains. 100 people came from as far as Canada and the Gold Coast – we raised $1000 between us - $500 each and had a lot of fun. The $500 we raised will go directly to POLIO PLUS and we have now exceeded my Club giving goal for this. We donated $100 to the Rotary Club of Sydney for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners. The plan had been to donate the proceeds of a sausage sizzle day – but the day was washed out and not very successful – so we will make this donation instead.
Mark and Linda toiled as marshals at the Downhill dirt bike event at Wyaralong the first weekend of the month, while Tammy, Mark Mc, Joy and I attended a Membership Retention seminar on the Gold Coast. It was well worth it. We held another forum – the next will be in February as the shared view is that we have had the opportunity to frankly give opinions and share viewpoints and now it’s time to implement. We inducted new Member Brad Klistcher – and now have 20 paid up members and two honorary members. We have reviewed the “Friends of Rotary” and will work more on this. We have two more applications for membership -which are currently going through the process of obtaining views of members and, if in order - Board approval Carols in the Park look like being a great success – bigger and better than before. We do need help from everybody that is available. Lions will do their usual steakburgers and hamburgers, Zonta the raffle and handing out programs and carols booklets. This year will have coffee van and fruit delights van as well.
On Melb Cup Day Linda, Melvin and I joined about 8 Surfers Sunrise Rotary members and Traction at a Melbourne Cup event at the Island on the Gold Coast. Each team of two sold either raffle tickets or sweeps tickets and it was a great learning opportunity. Linda and I sold $900 worth and Melvin and his team mate sold about $1000 worth. Of these sums approximately 1/3rd were tap and go payments. The sums here are significant. Keith and John told us when they were selling raffle tickets that sales were lost because they couldn't ‘tap and go’ and it is apparent that we will lose sales to the young if we do not accept payment in the way they wish to pay. I acknowledge that our last forum requested that more information be sought about payment options – and the ‘square’ may be the most cost effective. I did enquire with another provider but our level of use did not appeal to the supplier (they wouldn’t make enough money I guess).
Funds raised with Traction (in total about $13,000 ) go to SE Qld youth – including a workshop at Beaudesert High School. The collaboration on the day worked very well and we may hold a joint fundraiser for Mothers Day Koalas are moving forward. The Rotarian Magazine based in USA has sought info on our tree planting and may do an article. We had an excellent visit with Currumbin Coolangatta Tweed Rotary to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to see the work they do. We now have a more comprehensive understanding of the hospital and the koala vaccine project. Linda and Mark donated an xray machine to the hospital too – and this has a value of several thousand dollars. Our role with the fundraising is not just to raise our portion of the $50,000 but also to ‘be the inspiration’ for other Clubs in the District. DG Terry suggested a joint club stand at the District Convention and I will take this to the Board. Pauline from Belgium won three events at the Beaudesert Tennis Club tournament – and her name will be on the “Wall of fame’ henceforth. Plus, she (and Rotary) got mentioned in the paper and in online news. Pauline moved to the next host family – Chris (Griff) and Lauren Griffin and their two beautiful children and now lives at Tullamore. Many thanks to Geoff, Kathy, Kyeisha and the children for providing such a warm welcome to Pauline in Australia – and to opening their home and for all the experiences she has shared with them. Melvin also has moved to his next family – Mark and Linda Jackson and we thank Beth and TJ for all their support and warm welcome and introducing Melvin to life in Australia and helping him get settled.
The Combined Service Clubs dinner was a success with an estimated 40 people attending from Rotary, Lions, Zonta and Probus – and a couple wearing more than one hat, so Beaudesert RSL were represented too. Sandy Murdoch from Traction was well received as guest speaker and made good contacts – and we were all enriched hearing the of the projects and plans of the other clubs. The event gave us great fellowship and sense of unity. Special thanks to Kathy, Linda and Wanita (RSL) for sending me calming words and actions when needed. Once again, we received very good print and online media coverage. About 14 members and friends attended the International Men’s Day dinner to hear former Olympian Mark Knowles (hockey) and actor and author William McInnes speak. They were both very entertaining and this event is worthwhile having on our calendar. A lucky member of the Rotary crowd – Michael – won a massive meat tray. We were all treated to giveaways and took home caramelised onion, special barbeque sauce or other delectables – all gourmet products of the Scenic Rim. I have noticed this Rotary year is that we are building goodwill and better friendships.
Probus members are helping Keith sell tickets, Linda and I attended a Zonta meeting. Our camaraderie with others seems (to to me at least) to be increasing. Probus members especially have said how they feel more connected with us – these are just personal comments from them. I would love to continue this relationship. David Jones organised a fun Barefoot Bowls game with Jimboomba Club – and they won and took home a great trophy. We all enjoyed burgers and salad, had a good laugh and made a bit extra for Rotary Foundation. We seem to be getting more fundraising enquiries – where we can make money. Last year John and I agreed to have an info stall at Get Savvy – a Council initiative. This year we have been invited to have another stand, and to have a paid sausage sizzle – plus potentially have a small stand at ‘pop up‘ events in other Scenic Rim locations. We have been asked to ‘do the bar’ for the Council Christmas Party and another Bunnings sausage sizzle .
I would like to do as much as is reasonably possible – but recognise the toll it puts on members. If we can return the membership loss of the previous two years we will be in a good place to advance – and to permit members to take part in activities that interest them. Plus we can better plan our major activities. Somehow I have landed the year of having the combined service clubs’ dinner and the combined cluster members dinner. I wish to turn the Cluster dinner into the night we have Hugh Lunn (author ‘Over the top with Jim’) as guest speaker – and we can invite guests who may be interested in hearing more about Rotary. This wasn’t the original plan – but it's ‘morphing’ ...... Yours in Rotary Lesley
President’s Lesley Reflections Rotary Club of Beaudesert October 2018
Oh, the frustration! I have 90 % written this Monthly update throughout the month – and now I can’t find it anywhere on my ‘systems’. So, this is all from my own memory cloud. We blasted our way into October starting off with the “A Cambodian Evening”. More than 100 people attended and it was a great night. There were a couple of minor hiccups that give us room to improve. The food was excellent, many thanks to all the kitchen helpers, setter uppers, drink sales, raffle donors and sellers, waiting staff and decorators. We made a very tidy sum for Educating Cambodia and John and Zoe told their fantastic inspirational story plus we enjoyed entertainment from Chanthou and our own lovely Lauren. A few days later was the Professional Bullriders night – a major fundraiser to make up for the disappointing Beauy Show figures. Alas it rained and was cancelled. Ever the optimists we continued to forge forward. DG Terry and his better half Carol visited on October 8 th and told us what is going on in the district. Terry has asked that we focus on memberships this year and spoke of koala vaccine project. Carol talked about her “Partners project’ raising funds for Brain research and left two books of raffle tickets. We saw Carol’s beautiful craftsmanship in the shape of a two-up game and amazing artisan rocking horses. Christmas pudds and cakes orders are being taken now. Talking about Raffles – Keith is back selling again and is always looking for helpers. Thanks to all those that have given their time to support him and our club this month. Our Board meeting was held in the middle of the month rather than the beginning – because of the DG visit and the Cambodian Evening. The club ratified its Strategic Plan and the Submission to Council to lease 100 Brisbane Street. It could be months before we have any feedback on Brisbane Street, but the Application has now been lodged. Many thanks again to all who contributed by way of attendances, comments or guidance in general. We had a strong team attend the Open Garden at Running Creek raising funds for Burrumbuttock Hay Runners – and drought affected farmers – but it rained all day Saturday and numbers were well down. Incredibly in the middle of a drought we had three events washed out by rain…. But soldier on is our middle name. We worked hard on getting numbers for November event Bohemian Rhapsody – in collaboration with Jimboomba Rotary Club. The night was a grand success and our goal was achieved. We held our monthly club forum where members shared their views. I think we can have forums once every two months because we have all had a chance to start afresh and I feel that your views are considered. Let me know if you have a different view. I attended the Probus October meeting. This is the fifth monthly meeting and it has been very beneficial. Our club has agreed to donate a meat or vegie hamper to the Probus Christmas meeting. I might turn this into a Christmas ham. Our newest member – Andrew Beohm was inducted by our Assistant Governor Karen Thomas. It is great to have Andrew with us – and he has many talents that will benefit our Club. Karen was our joint guest speaker with Dr Siddiqui towards the end of the month. We were very interested to hear about her role as a FIFO educator in the Mt Isa region, we were also fascinated to hear Dr Siddiqui share his experience of his pilgrimage to Mecca in September this year. We all enjoyed both talks and our national and world knowledge expanded greatly. Brad Klitscher also came along to meetings this month – and put in an application to join. Brad will be inducted in November. Welcome Brad. During the month Doug LMcB and I attended the unveiling of the Australian Volunteers Memorial at the corner of Anna and William Street. It does have a Rotary plaque on it – and if you think it is smaller than the rest it is because I followed the size rules – but we will get this fixed up. We have had media coverage - a story or a mention in the Beaudesert Times 4 times in the past month. This is a great achievement and PR Director Tammy and I will continue to keep our local media informed. On October 19th Ian, Mark J, Linda and I joined Gold Coast and other Clubs, and other Rotarians for the Charter of the Varsity Lakes Rotary Club. A fantastic bunch – stats – average age 37, 12 nationalities, 8 religions, short cocktail meetings with no ‘tradition’. They have already completed their first project. One gift presented to them was a Bunnings BBQ pack. This was a wonderful evening to be part of. In November as well as the Bohemian Rhapsody evening we will have our Combined Services Clubs meeting, and the annual Lawn Bowls night with Jimboomba. I also urge the men in the Club to join Mark McCabe and make a Rotary table for the Scenic Rim Regional Council International Men’s Day Dinner – a great event and at no charge with great speakers Our next big event is the Carols in Jubilee Park. This will be the biggest and best we have done so far. I have sent you all links for District Conference next year and I urge you to attend. It is a great weekend and you can attend as much or as little as you wish – but the more you attend the more you get from it. The city of Lismore suffered greatly in the floods around Easter last year and every cent spent in the city is appreciated. While there note the signs at the major crossroads in town– they show how high the water went. Yours in Rotary Lesley
President Lesley's Reflections - Rotary Club of Beaudesert September 2018
Our Club has done amazing incredible work this first quarter of the Rotary year and you should all be very proud of what we have achieved together. The skills, knowledge, ability and talents of us all working together gives us unsurmountable strength.
We started the month off with a Club forum where each member freely gave their views on what they would like to see more of and less of and a Board meeting followed.
On September 4th Provedore Warren - ably assisted by Peter, Susie, Mark and Linda catered for 100 people at the Turf Farmers lunch. We cooked all the food and desserts and made a profit in the region of $1000. The catering efforts are improving each month – and cost reduction exercises are going well – which in turn will benefit our wider community and international projects.
September 6,7, and 8 was the Beauy Show – On the 6th Warren got the van there, Peter cleaned it, Ian helped slice onions along with so many members helping throughout the Show in various ways. Friday was a steady day, but the rain came down on Saturday and affected sales. In the afternoon there was no activity in the ring and overall turnover on previous years was down substantially. We know our profit was down – but we still got a profit and thanks to the in advance work of our members we have more events on our catering calendar so were not relying solely on the one event for our fundraising. Melvin the exchange student was interviewed by the MC and this was broadcast across the event. Lisa was a great help during the show and her signwriting skills and hard work were evident during the Beauy Show. Lisa may be our first associate member but we haven’t quite got there yet.
Mid September David Jones, Tammy, Peter and Susie handled the Zupps sausage sizzle by themselves – and Zupps is donating the sum of $200 to the Club. The sizzle was to promote the Military Swap meet in October and gain a bit of publicity.
I attended the Probus September meeting and it was very good. I’ve been going every month and they are a very active intelligent group of people and I get a lot from attending. Almost 100 wise heads with a lot of experience and verve. I am certain my Presidency is well informed by the way Judy Searle handles her meetings and I hope to maintain this relationship.
We sent flowers to Corrinne following her operation on her arm (third or fourth) and received a grateful thank you. I am sure Corrinne is well and truly over having arm troubles and not being able to drive.
We have two new members since the Rotary year started and I’m very happy to have Andrew and Greg join us. Greg has been inducted and Andrew is soon to be inducted – but they are already both “in the books”. We also have active interest from others and these people have been invited to attend our meetings when a suitable occasion arises. Joy has stepped into the role of Membership Director and I know she will handle this role very well
During the month I attended the Zonta high tea and fashion show, The Beaudesert Historical Society Museum book launch, the Opening of Oceania exhibition at the Centre, a community presentation by Traction and a Chamber of Commerce Meeting. Various members attended these events with me – depending on their interests of course, and it is very evident to me that the more we get out and about – the more support Rotary and our events receive from others.
The planning for the Cambodian Evening progressed well and the help we received from members led to a great success (with minor ‘learning curves’). We discovered today that the power problem is ongoing in that church hall and was not connected to us. The event is now over and I shall write more about it in next month’s report – but there was so much hard work that went into the night and we have learned so much. I have no doubt that we can well accommodate more than 200 people at a major fundraiser at a different venue and by jove – we will. Maybe February March next year.
Our guest speaker this month “Trish” from Riding for the Disabled was organised by Lauren – and they brought 13 additional people. This was such a fun night - well done Lauren. Tony Heading and his wife Diane also attended to inform us about Rotary Foundation and we have committed to raising and providing $100 AUD each for RF this year. David Jones is our RF Director and it was great for him and Tony to catch up. Tony also provided Centurion columns for personal fundraising and having already filled one of these – they are a great way of making RF or End Polio donations over a period of time.
Koalas haven’t gone away. I attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Currumbin Tweed Coolangatta and we have agreed to spearhead the fundraising efforts of the District to raise $50,000 for Koala vaccines. We will talk more to the DG about this but their hope and mine was that we raise the $50,000 this year and the sum will then be matched 4:1 by government resulting in $250,000 overall. This is an incredible project and we need to get onto it quickly. Exchange student Pauline and her host sister Kyeisha attended the meeting with me and we enjoyed a good night with a great Club.
Doug LMCB, Mark Mc and I continue to work on the Rotary House Proposal. We have inspected the site and the interior, and the building will be great for us. However, there is much work to be done on finalising a submission and we have a long way to go. There have been a lot of staff and role changes at Council and this affects who we speak to about the proposal. Apparently, any decision for the premises not to be rented on a commercial basis must go through the Mayor and Councillors.
We have submitted a grant application for a new marquee and chairs. We also added more information to the request by the Gambling Community benefit fund for further information on Healthy Pathways.
Another minor project we did this month was in support of literacy and donating books and magazines with a Beaudesert Rotary specific label around town for people to take free. I have distributed some but will need a bit of help getting more out there. This is an easy project that spreads the Rotary good will quietly.
Our new banners arrived, and our meetings are looking very “Rotary”. We are working on keeping our promo material in line with Rotary branding and image and the results are good.
In the month of October, we have:
Catering Professional Bull Riders Event, October 6th
Catering – sausage sizzle – Open Garden at Running Creek – October 13th. All profits to Burrumbuttock Hayrunners via Rotary Club of Sydney
Information stand and raffle sales at Military Jeep Swap meet – October 13 and 14th
The Club has a tradition of supporting BAMS productions so anyone interested in attending the BAMS Theatre night to see Little Mermaid please let me know. We will choose a date next Monday.
Collaborating with the Rotary Club of Jimboomba on our special opening night of the Queen movie Bohemian Rhapsody at Browns Plains.
Our Club has done amazing incredible work this first quarter of the Rotary year and you should all be very proud of what we have achieved together. The skills, knowledge, ability and talents of us all working together gives us unsurmountable strength.
We started the month off with a Club forum where each member freely gave their views on what they would like to see more of and less of and a Board meeting followed.
On September 4th Provedore Warren - ably assisted by Peter, Susie, Mark and Linda catered for 100 people at the Turf Farmers lunch. We cooked all the food and desserts and made a profit in the region of $1000. The catering efforts are improving each month – and cost reduction exercises are going well – which in turn will benefit our wider community and international projects.
September 6,7, and 8 was the Beauy Show – On the 6th Warren got the van there, Peter cleaned it, Ian helped slice onions along with so many members helping throughout the Show in various ways. Friday was a steady day, but the rain came down on Saturday and affected sales. In the afternoon there was no activity in the ring and overall turnover on previous years was down substantially. We know our profit was down – but we still got a profit and thanks to the in advance work of our members we have more events on our catering calendar so were not relying solely on the one event for our fundraising. Melvin the exchange student was interviewed by the MC and this was broadcast across the event. Lisa was a great help during the show and her signwriting skills and hard work were evident during the Beauy Show. Lisa may be our first associate member but we haven’t quite got there yet.
Mid September David Jones, Tammy, Peter and Susie handled the Zupps sausage sizzle by themselves – and Zupps is donating the sum of $200 to the Club. The sizzle was to promote the Military Swap meet in October and gain a bit of publicity.
I attended the Probus September meeting and it was very good. I’ve been going every month and they are a very active intelligent group of people and I get a lot from attending. Almost 100 wise heads with a lot of experience and verve. I am certain my Presidency is well informed by the way Judy Searle handles her meetings and I hope to maintain this relationship.
We sent flowers to Corrinne following her operation on her arm (third or fourth) and received a grateful thank you. I am sure Corrinne is well and truly over having arm troubles and not being able to drive.
We have two new members since the Rotary year started and I’m very happy to have Andrew and Greg join us. Greg has been inducted and Andrew is soon to be inducted – but they are already both “in the books”. We also have active interest from others and these people have been invited to attend our meetings when a suitable occasion arises. Joy has stepped into the role of Membership Director and I know she will handle this role very well
During the month I attended the Zonta high tea and fashion show, The Beaudesert Historical Society Museum book launch, the Opening of Oceania exhibition at the Centre, a community presentation by Traction and a Chamber of Commerce Meeting. Various members attended these events with me – depending on their interests of course, and it is very evident to me that the more we get out and about – the more support Rotary and our events receive from others.
The planning for the Cambodian Evening progressed well and the help we received from members led to a great success (with minor ‘learning curves’). We discovered today that the power problem is ongoing in that church hall and was not connected to us. The event is now over and I shall write more about it in next month’s report – but there was so much hard work that went into the night and we have learned so much. I have no doubt that we can well accommodate more than 200 people at a major fundraiser at a different venue and by jove – we will. Maybe February March next year.
Our guest speaker this month “Trish” from Riding for the Disabled was organised by Lauren – and they brought 13 additional people. This was such a fun night - well done Lauren. Tony Heading and his wife Diane also attended to inform us about Rotary Foundation and we have committed to raising and providing $100 AUD each for RF this year. David Jones is our RF Director and it was great for him and Tony to catch up. Tony also provided Centurion columns for personal fundraising and having already filled one of these – they are a great way of making RF or End Polio donations over a period of time.
Koalas haven’t gone away. I attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Currumbin Tweed Coolangatta and we have agreed to spearhead the fundraising efforts of the District to raise $50,000 for Koala vaccines. We will talk more to the DG about this but their hope and mine was that we raise the $50,000 this year and the sum will then be matched 4:1 by government resulting in $250,000 overall. This is an incredible project and we need to get onto it quickly. Exchange student Pauline and her host sister Kyeisha attended the meeting with me and we enjoyed a good night with a great Club.
Doug LMCB, Mark Mc and I continue to work on the Rotary House Proposal. We have inspected the site and the interior, and the building will be great for us. However, there is much work to be done on finalising a submission and we have a long way to go. There have been a lot of staff and role changes at Council and this affects who we speak to about the proposal. Apparently, any decision for the premises not to be rented on a commercial basis must go through the Mayor and Councillors.
We have submitted a grant application for a new marquee and chairs. We also added more information to the request by the Gambling Community benefit fund for further information on Healthy Pathways.
Another minor project we did this month was in support of literacy and donating books and magazines with a Beaudesert Rotary specific label around town for people to take free. I have distributed some but will need a bit of help getting more out there. This is an easy project that spreads the Rotary good will quietly.
Our new banners arrived, and our meetings are looking very “Rotary”. We are working on keeping our promo material in line with Rotary branding and image and the results are good.
In the month of October, we have:
Catering Professional Bull Riders Event, October 6th
Catering – sausage sizzle – Open Garden at Running Creek – October 13th. All profits to Burrumbuttock Hayrunners via Rotary Club of Sydney
Information stand and raffle sales at Military Jeep Swap meet – October 13 and 14th
The Club has a tradition of supporting BAMS productions so anyone interested in attending the BAMS Theatre night to see Little Mermaid please let me know. We will choose a date next Monday.
Collaborating with the Rotary Club of Jimboomba on our special opening night of the Queen movie Bohemian Rhapsody at Browns Plains.
President Lesley's Reflections - Rotary Club of Beaudesert August 2018
Another fantastic month – but they go so fast. Started off on August 1 st with a service project of
assisting the Beaudesert Probus Club with their 25 th anniversary lunch for Clubs in the region. Our
Rotary Club volunteers Doug, Joy, Susie, Lisa and Melvin all worked hard between 9 and 2pm – and I
had lunch. Received a lovely letter of thanks too. Our help made their day affordable and allowed
the Probus Club to have a wonderful day as hosts.
A few days later we had a stall at Beaudesert markets and Keith selling raffle tickets, supported by
Susie, Kathy and myself. Doug stopped by to say Hi. Our ticket sales were positive, and we had the
opportunity to talk to quite a few people including prospective members. We had an excellent site
for the morning and set up a very decent looking display focusing on youth. We have ordered more
banners and display material to refresh our look.
Andrew Beohm has joined the Club this month and will be inducted on his return from overseas
travel – just waiting for new membership kits and his badge.
Geoff has indicated he is not able to commit fully to the role of Membership Director and this place
will be filled by Joy Drescher – in accordance with the choice of the Board and the Bylaws. It is great
to have Joy in this role and I am sure she will do it well. Joy and I have had several meetings and her
positive actions towards membership have commenced. We will attend a membership retention
seminar in November.
We have conducted a review of our membership – including a professions and skills baseline. We
have identified gaps and are looking to see who in our community fits in and will make a good
Rotarian. There are prior Rotarians in our community that we are liaising with as well. Gregg
(previously from Ballina Richmond) has attended a couple of meetings and has enjoyed his visits.
We have had two stories in the Beaudesert Times print version, and two on the online version his
month. One being Melvin (exchange student Switzerland) at the Probus lunch and I got a mention in
the press version – with a picture. The other was a very good story about our tree planting. The tree
planting could be a future fundraiser community day too.
Our exchange students have settled in very well. Melvin in Kooralbyn with Beth and TJ, and Pauline
(Belgium) with Kathy and Geoff. They have already been surfing, and to their first ‘camp’ and met
the fellow exchange students of 9640. Pauline has joined the Beaudesert Tennis Club and says she
feels like she is part of the tennis family. The President of the Beaudesert Tennis Club is Darren
Thorpe. Darren was the very first outbound exchange student from the Rotary Club of Jimboomba
back in the eighties.
We progressed and completed the tree planting – and this is so exciting. Waters Creek is a 32 acre
reserve and we have our own site – and planted 110 trees with more possible in the future. Council
is working towards this land revegetating to natural habitat and forming part of the wildlife corridor.
I can’t wait to see in ten years’ time what it all looks like. And lo and behold – after months of
drought – rain fell that weekend and we got happily wet and muddy. The gum trees are hardy, and
it is wonderful to be part of this. I counted 23 people helping on the day and having fun. You know
you have a good project when the journalist gets in and plants a couple too! Tammy, Aaron and
Eliza managed to get down from Brissy to help too – after each had a massive night before out on
the town.
Linda is moving ahead on organisation for the Cambodia Evening - the date is Oct 2 nd and the venue
the Anglican Church hall. Kathy designed great invitations and Scott Buchholz’s office printed them
for us. Suggested donation/cost is $25, and the evening includes food, wine and a bit of dancing.
John Mann and Chanthou will update us about Educating Cambodia. We would like at 80 guests so
please give this your best support.
We have had a bit of fun with new (lucky door prize) Club wine labels – designed by Ian – so good
that two people drew their own names as prize winners! Peter G has donated a projector to the
Club and this saves the $50 rental fee we were being charged. Many thanks Peter.
Negotiations are underway for a permanent Rotary home but are not necessarily easy and it may or
may not lead anywhere. I have liaised with Councillor Enright, Council property management and the
real estate agent in charge. I have put a submission in, had questions back and if it proceeds my
proposal will be subject to final approval of the Club. The site is, I believe, excellent. The downside
in negotiations is that is was previously rented on a commercial basis (good money) and this is not
feasible (nor desired) for our Club.
Our District Grant application for desks for Educating Cambodia was unsuccessful – so we need to
put our heads towards another source. The Cambodia Evening should be a help. The cost of 100
desks is about $5300. We were offered desks from one of the local schools but the organisation,
storing and shipping does not make this a good option.
Plans are underway and applications in for 3 rd stage of Heathy Pathways in Jubilee Park. Mark
McCabe and I have met with four different organisations to obtain quotes. There was fantastic
equipment quoted at around $35,000 however Council indicated that shade structures would be
welcome as well. In the end we have applied for funding for a suspension frame station in the new
location and a shade structure over the existing equipment. The costs of these items was a big eye
opener for me. Mark Jackson worked hard on getting the grant application up and running – not
helped by the glitch in the community benefit computer system – however I am delighted to say the
application is in and now we must wait a few months to see if it is accepted. Hon Scott Buchholz,
Jon Krause MP and Cr Michael Enright have all expressed their support for the project and are our
referees.
A Federal Government grant is available and after liaising with Provedore Warren we have put in an
initial proposal (met the deadline!) for funding for refurbishment of the van. We seek $15,000 and
then the Club matches it. The club already has these matching funds in place for the van. If the
initial proposal is accepted, then we will be invited to put in more detailed application.
This month I intend to apply for a small grant for a new Rotary tent/marquee – with applicable logos
in place. My view is that if a grant is available we may as well try.
Each member has now been placed in a committee of their choice (except the one that wanted Hells
Angels or similar) and a committee of Doug’s recommendation. These will be revealed next week.
Provedore Warren provided a cheque in the sum of $400 to Beaudesert Soccer Club – for the
Leukaemia Foundation. This cheque formed part of $10,000 raised by the Soccer Club for Leukemia
and I am glad we were involved by having the van at the Soccer Club Pink Day last month
We are catering next week at the turf farm and providing lunch for 100 people. Big thanks to Mark
and Linda because they are doing most of the work. Thanks also to anyone else involved in any way.
David Jones is doing a sausage sizzle on September 22 nd for the Military Jeep Club Swap meet
promotion at ZUPP’s and will need helpers. Hopefully this is our foot in the door for future swap
meet catering. The van will be at the Professional Bull Riders Association event at the Showground
in early October and we expect this to be very busy and a strong supplement to our fundraising
calendar.
Of course, the major big-ticket event for us is next week – Beaudesert Show catering– the big event
on our fundraising calendar. Hope to see you all there at some stage. An extra this year is that
Melvin will probably be doing the Grand parade is a feral ute – so watch out!
The DG Terry Brown’s visit on October 8 th – and I am really looking forward to our Club welcoming
Terry and Carol and hearing what they both must share with us.
Thank all for being the great people you are.
Lesley
September 1 st , 2018
Another fantastic month – but they go so fast. Started off on August 1 st with a service project of
assisting the Beaudesert Probus Club with their 25 th anniversary lunch for Clubs in the region. Our
Rotary Club volunteers Doug, Joy, Susie, Lisa and Melvin all worked hard between 9 and 2pm – and I
had lunch. Received a lovely letter of thanks too. Our help made their day affordable and allowed
the Probus Club to have a wonderful day as hosts.
A few days later we had a stall at Beaudesert markets and Keith selling raffle tickets, supported by
Susie, Kathy and myself. Doug stopped by to say Hi. Our ticket sales were positive, and we had the
opportunity to talk to quite a few people including prospective members. We had an excellent site
for the morning and set up a very decent looking display focusing on youth. We have ordered more
banners and display material to refresh our look.
Andrew Beohm has joined the Club this month and will be inducted on his return from overseas
travel – just waiting for new membership kits and his badge.
Geoff has indicated he is not able to commit fully to the role of Membership Director and this place
will be filled by Joy Drescher – in accordance with the choice of the Board and the Bylaws. It is great
to have Joy in this role and I am sure she will do it well. Joy and I have had several meetings and her
positive actions towards membership have commenced. We will attend a membership retention
seminar in November.
We have conducted a review of our membership – including a professions and skills baseline. We
have identified gaps and are looking to see who in our community fits in and will make a good
Rotarian. There are prior Rotarians in our community that we are liaising with as well. Gregg
(previously from Ballina Richmond) has attended a couple of meetings and has enjoyed his visits.
We have had two stories in the Beaudesert Times print version, and two on the online version his
month. One being Melvin (exchange student Switzerland) at the Probus lunch and I got a mention in
the press version – with a picture. The other was a very good story about our tree planting. The tree
planting could be a future fundraiser community day too.
Our exchange students have settled in very well. Melvin in Kooralbyn with Beth and TJ, and Pauline
(Belgium) with Kathy and Geoff. They have already been surfing, and to their first ‘camp’ and met
the fellow exchange students of 9640. Pauline has joined the Beaudesert Tennis Club and says she
feels like she is part of the tennis family. The President of the Beaudesert Tennis Club is Darren
Thorpe. Darren was the very first outbound exchange student from the Rotary Club of Jimboomba
back in the eighties.
We progressed and completed the tree planting – and this is so exciting. Waters Creek is a 32 acre
reserve and we have our own site – and planted 110 trees with more possible in the future. Council
is working towards this land revegetating to natural habitat and forming part of the wildlife corridor.
I can’t wait to see in ten years’ time what it all looks like. And lo and behold – after months of
drought – rain fell that weekend and we got happily wet and muddy. The gum trees are hardy, and
it is wonderful to be part of this. I counted 23 people helping on the day and having fun. You know
you have a good project when the journalist gets in and plants a couple too! Tammy, Aaron and
Eliza managed to get down from Brissy to help too – after each had a massive night before out on
the town.
Linda is moving ahead on organisation for the Cambodia Evening - the date is Oct 2 nd and the venue
the Anglican Church hall. Kathy designed great invitations and Scott Buchholz’s office printed them
for us. Suggested donation/cost is $25, and the evening includes food, wine and a bit of dancing.
John Mann and Chanthou will update us about Educating Cambodia. We would like at 80 guests so
please give this your best support.
We have had a bit of fun with new (lucky door prize) Club wine labels – designed by Ian – so good
that two people drew their own names as prize winners! Peter G has donated a projector to the
Club and this saves the $50 rental fee we were being charged. Many thanks Peter.
Negotiations are underway for a permanent Rotary home but are not necessarily easy and it may or
may not lead anywhere. I have liaised with Councillor Enright, Council property management and the
real estate agent in charge. I have put a submission in, had questions back and if it proceeds my
proposal will be subject to final approval of the Club. The site is, I believe, excellent. The downside
in negotiations is that is was previously rented on a commercial basis (good money) and this is not
feasible (nor desired) for our Club.
Our District Grant application for desks for Educating Cambodia was unsuccessful – so we need to
put our heads towards another source. The Cambodia Evening should be a help. The cost of 100
desks is about $5300. We were offered desks from one of the local schools but the organisation,
storing and shipping does not make this a good option.
Plans are underway and applications in for 3 rd stage of Heathy Pathways in Jubilee Park. Mark
McCabe and I have met with four different organisations to obtain quotes. There was fantastic
equipment quoted at around $35,000 however Council indicated that shade structures would be
welcome as well. In the end we have applied for funding for a suspension frame station in the new
location and a shade structure over the existing equipment. The costs of these items was a big eye
opener for me. Mark Jackson worked hard on getting the grant application up and running – not
helped by the glitch in the community benefit computer system – however I am delighted to say the
application is in and now we must wait a few months to see if it is accepted. Hon Scott Buchholz,
Jon Krause MP and Cr Michael Enright have all expressed their support for the project and are our
referees.
A Federal Government grant is available and after liaising with Provedore Warren we have put in an
initial proposal (met the deadline!) for funding for refurbishment of the van. We seek $15,000 and
then the Club matches it. The club already has these matching funds in place for the van. If the
initial proposal is accepted, then we will be invited to put in more detailed application.
This month I intend to apply for a small grant for a new Rotary tent/marquee – with applicable logos
in place. My view is that if a grant is available we may as well try.
Each member has now been placed in a committee of their choice (except the one that wanted Hells
Angels or similar) and a committee of Doug’s recommendation. These will be revealed next week.
Provedore Warren provided a cheque in the sum of $400 to Beaudesert Soccer Club – for the
Leukaemia Foundation. This cheque formed part of $10,000 raised by the Soccer Club for Leukemia
and I am glad we were involved by having the van at the Soccer Club Pink Day last month
We are catering next week at the turf farm and providing lunch for 100 people. Big thanks to Mark
and Linda because they are doing most of the work. Thanks also to anyone else involved in any way.
David Jones is doing a sausage sizzle on September 22 nd for the Military Jeep Club Swap meet
promotion at ZUPP’s and will need helpers. Hopefully this is our foot in the door for future swap
meet catering. The van will be at the Professional Bull Riders Association event at the Showground
in early October and we expect this to be very busy and a strong supplement to our fundraising
calendar.
Of course, the major big-ticket event for us is next week – Beaudesert Show catering– the big event
on our fundraising calendar. Hope to see you all there at some stage. An extra this year is that
Melvin will probably be doing the Grand parade is a feral ute – so watch out!
The DG Terry Brown’s visit on October 8 th – and I am really looking forward to our Club welcoming
Terry and Carol and hearing what they both must share with us.
Thank all for being the great people you are.
Lesley
September 1 st , 2018
