Can you believe it is already September? This month theme at Rotary is Basic Education and Literacy, a great reminder of how simple things like reading and learning can completely change a person's life. When thinking about what we can achieve together when we team up, I always love this quote from Helen Keller.
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
This was that “together” energy that was buzzing at our Club Initiatives Marketplace end of August. It was fantastic to see the room filled with so many great ideas, but even better to see the genuine excitement and commitment. A huge thank you to everyone who pitched an idea or stepped up to support a one of the board areas of focus. Stay tuned for some exciting future for our club.
Looking ahead, we are testing out a few things to make our club experience even better and we have great social events coming up thanks to Christina, Jacqui and Mish. On Thursday we will trial of a new meeting venue, the Beetson and I would like for as many of you as possible to come along. We really value feedback on anything, so please come check it out and let us know what you think.
Bunnings BBQ is on Sunday 20th of September. We still need a few volunteers especially for the morning shift. Please register.
Thanks for everything you do, your great energy, and for showing up to make a difference.
Image of Julian doing driving a TukTuk to raise money for an orphanage in Kerala
How long have you been a rotary member?
I have been a Rotarian for almost 16 years. I joined the Rotary Club of Adliya in November 2010 because I wanted to meet some like minded people who were interested in giving back to their community.
What project or moment are you proudest of during your time with Rotary?
There are two projects I am really happy I have been part of. One was bringing RYLA back to Bahrain after a 10 year hiatus. I was President of the Club at the time, and had a great team. It was so much fun and Hugo who was probably about 4 at the time, was marching around the school that hosted it shouting "RYLA" surrounded by participants around the Middle East.
The second was helping to get Shelter Box into Syria, through Jordan. It was a terrible timme for people in the camps and Shelter Box were not allowed in, however we managed to white label the tents and supplies and get them in using a Rotary Club in Amman, that we had met at a regional conference the year before.
What's something surprising members may not know about you?
I drove a TukTuk for 7 days up the West coast of India to raise money for orphanage based in Kerala. It was the scariest and most fun thing I have ever done!
What is your spirit animal?
A dog or possibly a mule. Quite stubborn but very loyal.
Shelter Bags Making a Real Difference: Thank you from Rosies
A lovely thank you was sent from Rosies – Friends on the Street for our donation of Shelter Bags, helping provide comfort and practical assistance to people experiencing homelessness.
We received a letter of thanks from CEO Jayne Shallcross, along with a Certificate of Appreciation:
"On behalf of our Board, volunteers, and everyone at Rosies, I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous support. Your contribution helps Rosies continue our vital work across Queensland, offering friendship, connection, and hospitality to people in our community who are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, or are socially isolated.
Rosies is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on the generosity of supporters like you. Your support enables us to remain present in local communities and continue providing care, dignity, and encouragement to those who need it most.
It is only through kindness and support such as yours that Rosies is able to inspire self- worth and help build confidence in others. Thank you for making a meaningful difference."
Thank Wayne for his ongoing commitment to the Shelter Bag project! If you would like to get involved, please reach out to Wayne Rushon.
Image of Certificate of Appreciation from Rosies.
TRIAL BREAKFAST VENUE: This Thursday @ The Beetson Hotel
We're trialling a new breakfast spot — join us at The Beetson Hotel, 33 Caxton St, Paddington (opposite the Caxton Hotel).
When: Thursday 17 September. Fellowship 7:00am, breakfast 7:30am Cost: $30, choice of 5 options plus coffee (choose on arrival) Parking: 2hrs free at The Barracks, Petrie Tce, or on-street
SPICE UP YOUR FRIDAY: Rotary Social Night at Siam Spice
Fancy a night out with great food and even better company? Join us at Siam Spice Thai Restaurant for a relaxed social evening with family and friends — all welcome!
When: Friday 25 September, 6:00pm Where: Siam Spice Thai Restaurant, Village Shopping Centre, 23/8 Carraway St, Kelvin Grove Cost: $38pp, BYO RSVP: Tuesday 22 September
Parking is easy too — 2 hours free at the Woolworths entrance on Ramsgate Street.
Come along for good food, good conversation, and a great start to the weekend!
FRIDAY SOCIAL EVENT - SATURDAY 25 September - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Siam Spice Dinner Kelvin Grove Cost TBA
THURSDAY DINNER - 01 October - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Wests Rugby Union with Youngcare, our major beneficiary of the Art Show
THURSDAY BREAKFAST - 08 October - 7am to 8.30am
Join us for breakfast at Paddington Cafe
SOCIAL EVENT - WEDNESDAY 14 October - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Fiddler on the Roof Musical
THURSDAY COMMUNITY BREAKFAST - 15 October - 7am to 8.30am
Outback Pioneers Longreach Hear from Family member Richard Kinnon about Longreach and Winton https://www.outbackpioneers.com.au and a potential club visit in the future.
SOCIAL EVENT - Sunday 25 October - 12pm to 2pm
Let's have fun on the river 10.30am to 2pm Cruise Brisbane River + Lunch at Breakfast Creek
STRATEGIC PLANNING EVENT - Saturday 31 October - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Kangaroo Point Strategic and Succession Planning event
MALLETS & MATES A Night of Fun with High Rise Club!
IMAGE: John Leech 1817-1864 a Croquet Match
Something new is on the calendar — a joint Croquet Evening with the High Rise Club! Come along for a relaxed night of mallets, laughs and friendly rivalry under the lights.
When: Sunday 25 October, 5pm–8pm Where: Yeronga Croquet Club Cost: $10 per person playing (minimum age 9)
The Yeronga courts are lit up for evening play, so we'll be swinging mallets well after sunset. There's plenty of free parking on site, and the clubhouse has a full kitchen if anyone wants to help out with food — we're planning to order pizzas and pull together some nibble platters and drinks, so extra hands or contributions are always welcome.
All welcome — bring the family, bring a friend, and come have some fun with our new mates from High Rise Club!
Looking for Raffle ticket sellers if you want to be part of the team please volunteer to register here.
Great news! 1,000 Shelterbags for the homeless sleeping rough in Queensland will be arriving soon. Place your order with Wayne Rushton. Info sheet ShelterBags FaceBookYouTubeShelterSuit Please contact Wayne Rushton email
If any people have laptops they don't need, we will give them to Teacher in a Box project contact Jeanette Johnstone at 0438659155. Details here.
Join WASH-RAG Membership sign up through the official WASH-RAG website and take an active role in our humanitarian efforts. (https://www.wash-rag.org/membership/) WASH-RAG is at the heart of Rotary’s mission to ensure sustainable access to clean water, improved sanitation, and better hygiene for communities in need.
Key Contacts
Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) contact Russ Stephenson (Northern Region and D9620 RAM Supervisor) rusmer1@hotmail.com or ring 0409 765 124. Russ Stephenson RAWCS
District 9620 Governor Ian Hope of the Rotary Club of Brisbane Northside
President: Valerie Simons I.Past President: Debra Lewis Vice President: Richard Carr Secretary: Gillian Moody Treasurer: Leslie Smith Admin: Peter Fell Membership: Michelle Davis Service Projects: Lyn Maddock Public Relations: Toby Ellis Foundation: Richard Carr Youth: Julian Clarke-Jervoise President-Elect: TBA
Club Officers
Insurance: John Clark Speakers' Program: Mish Davis Duty Roster: Stephen Kirby Youth Driver Training: David Frost Financial Literacy: Toby Ellis Kiva Loans: Bo Morse Women's' Shelter: Mala and Leonie Mirror of Hope: Valerie Simons Root Cause Kwanza: Valerie Simons Moonyah: Mish & Kim Brisbane Rotary Art Show: David Frost and Dani Conn Care Kits 4 Kids: Denise & Leslie Shelterbags: Wayne Rushton ShelterBox Australia: Valerie Simons Teacher In a Box Indonesia: Pam Davis Teacher In a Box Vanuatu: Denise Heyman Paddington Heritage Trail: Lyn Maddock Club Property: Valerie Simons Blue Cards: Denise Spencer-Scarr Newsletter: Gillian Moody
