I thought I'd do a quick report on our breakfast meeting and spend some time talking about our achievements for October.
Our breakfast meeting on Tuesday, well attended with the shipment of "cruisers" back in town, turned out to be a milestone for our Club. More on that a little later.
Several guests mingled among our Group:
- Honorary Member Pauline Hanley (visiting us from her new hometown of Melbourne and the Rotary Club of North Melbourne; so nice to see you again, Pauline).
- Les Ponton from our daughter Club, the Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific decided to do a makeup with our club; welcome Les.
- Chris Rees, our guest yet again, now living on the coast after escaping the UK; welcome again, Chris.
- The lovely Win Still, wife of Alan, who also brought along his son, Tony, who happens to also be a Rotarian, the President of the Geelong Central Club; welcome to all the 'Stills'.
Roger did a great job at the door, grabbing the money from everyone and Judy worked her magic with the Chair, both as last minute stand ins. It's a good job our Club has flexible members.
We were warned by Tony, his father's International Toast had failed the google test, but who bothers to check. It sounds so impressive, it must be true. Alan took us to Rotary District 2201 Spain and in particular the Rotary Club of Madrid.
We enjoyed listening to Bernie's 3 Minute Story about her life, culminating in what a selfless person she is. Always working tirelessly in the community. We know she will be a great President of our Club as she assumes that role in our next Rotary year. See Bernie's story later in this edition of The Reel here.
Our Guest Speaker, Andrew Elvin is the CEO of Coast2Bay Housing Group, an organisation specialising in community housing. He is also the Principal and Managing Director of Purpose Real Estate, the Sunshine Coast’s first not-for-profit real estate organisation with surpluses channelled back to the charitable enterprises of Coast2Bay. Such enterprises include building accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence.
I don't think I will be called upon to perform a more auspicious task in my role as President: As a surprise to all members, the reason Tony Still was present was to allow me to present his father, Alan, with a Royce Abbey Award. This Award is one of the highest accolades to receive as a Rotarian. It came as a complete surprise to Alan, as humble as he is, but surely the person most deserving of such an honour.
For further details and pictures of this momentous occasion, please follow this link.
I wanted to take the opportunity to keep you all up to date with the many happenings within the Club. Unfortunately, some members are having difficulty making our breakfast meetings, due to work or ill health. I don't want these people to feel left out. Remember also what I've said before about the Buddy System. Keep in touch with your Buddy. He or she will always appreciate your concern. If you don't know who your Buddy is, please ask me (I won't tell anyone) and I'll let you know. Of course, you may also go to the website and check it out - the direct link is here.
- Many of our members, the "cruisers", spent most of the month on the high seas, departing from Cairns, via the Solomons and PNG. Bernie even tried to make us believe it was a "makeup". It's good to see you all back, safe and sound. I believe Gerry will be back just in time for Melbourne Cup, he's taking the slow road. It was also Arnaldo's first day back after travelling through Europe, including a river cruise.
- Our Membership is strong and vibrant. Watch this space, but Jim may not soon wear the crown of most recently inducted member.
- Our Sunset Social at Moffat Beach Park was well attended and successful. We even attracted the President of the Rotary Club of Kawana Waters. Apparently a certain jeweller tried to get her tipsy by sharing his wine.
- Our Caloundra Hat Day Dinner at Pelican Waters Golf Club was a big success. After the donation buckets are collected next week, the final tally for funds raised for Australian Rotary Health Mental Health Research, will be provided. See the pictures from around Australia later in this edition of The Reel here.
- Our Guest Speakers for Hat Day, StandBy Suicide Support Program representatives, presented their stories so well, there was not a whisper amongst those present. Many of us were deeply touched by the sadness suicide can leave, but equally uplifted when Support and Social Connection is available and used properly.
- Our club's 63rd birthday was celebrated in the Park named after our Charter President, Ben Bennett. Thanks goes to Past President Mark Ward for organising the BBQ Breakfast and coffee van. As a result of this visit, our club is looking for members who would like to be involved in forming a committee to ensure the preservation of this green space. Please let me know if you are interested.
- We are currently in negotiation with banks and our own ClubRunner regarding the most suitable and cost effective form of Eftpos terminal. It's important that we move with the times and keep up with the cashless society we live in. It just takes a little bit of time to choose the right equipment. We promise it won't be long now; OK Darryl?
- What a success our Melbourne Cup Luncheon is going to be this year. The event was sold out almost two weeks prior to Cup Day. Fantastic work to our organising crew. The beneficiary for the day is the Sunshine Coast Branch of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Queensland (MIFQ). Representatives from MIFQ will be present, and are looking forward to the long lunch. Let's get behind this worthy Mental Health Service by purchasing tickets and donating raffle prizes for the event. Don't forget, our venue this year is the Pelican Waters Tavern. We will have the race on the big screen and full TAB betting facilities are available, on site.
- The Rotary Walk for Mental Health was held on Sunday 15 October. Our club's representative, Heidi, did a great job promoting the walk. Thank you to the members who participated. This event is shaping up to be an annual item on the calendar during Mental Health Month. Watch out for it again next year.
- Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is fast approaching. Would you like to be more involved with the running of the Club? Or would you like to nominate someone, or be nominated for a position on the Board? It's a great way to get to know the workings of an Executive for a Service Club, while at the same time, being part of the decision making process. It's also a lot of fun, too, believe it or not.
- Our final RYDA Road Safety Education course has now been held for the year and what a successful year it's been. A huge thank you to Neville and his merry men. Please enjoy a well earned rest so you're refreshed and ready for next year. See Neville's report here.
- Rotary Bursaries are a prestigious award given to selected students at this time of year at School Graduation Ceremonies. It's rewarding to see some our fundraising supporting our local school students, Thank you also to those members who've attended ceremonies and presented the bursaries.
- Thank you to all those members who've helped to sell our Melbourne Cup Trifecta tickets. This year we've had a selling bonanza and it looks like they will be sold out by this weekend. A great result, as we don't want to be left to sell any on Cup Day.
Have a great weekend everyone - I look forward to seeing you all at Fashions on the Field at the Pelican Waters Tavern for Melbourne Cup.