Last week we welcomed Marg and Maria from the Green Mountain National History Association, who shared their passion for Lamington National Park and its rich history.
They spoke about the O’Reilly family, early settlers before the park was declared in 1915, making it one of Australia’s oldest national parks. The park offers over 100 km of tracks, waterfalls, and attractions such as the O’Reilly’s Canopy Walk, funded by the Association.
As volunteers at the Information Centre, Marg and Maria assist visitors, promote sustainability, and educate people about local flora, fauna, and endangered species. They also honour the legacy of Bernard O’Reilly, who located survivors of the 1937 Stinson plane crash.
THIS WEEK'S GUEST SPEAKER
This week, we will hear from Anna Caldwell, the Community Engagement Lead for LifeFlight, covering both the Gold Coast and Brisbane regions. Her role focuses on building strong community presence and partnerships, engaging volunteers, and raising awareness of LifeFlight’s lifesaving work.
LifeFlight is a Queensland-based aeromedical charity that provides rapid response critical care to people in need, 24/7, at no cost to the patient. With a fleet of helicopters, Air Ambulance jets, and critical care doctors, they help someone every 62 minutes.
BBQ Training. We have training days from time to time but for new members, or those that missed the last training, please click here for our training document. Please ensure you have at least read this before working a shift at a BBQ.
Supporting Our Youth Exchange Student
The Board has agreed to provide additional financial support to Rotary Youth Exchange student Lucia, who will be coming from Argentina in January. Lucy will be enrolled at St Andrew’s School, where tuition fees are covered; however, an administrative fee of $600 per term remained. The Club will cover one term’s fee.
Duck Race Committee Update
Please help support the Duck Race Committee by selling sponsored ducks. Sales are slowly building, with 14 ducks sold earlier in the week and an additional 3 sold today.
Duck Race Rosters and Volunteers
A roster for Duck Race sales sessions is up on Club Runner, with some volunteer spots still available. See the link and pic above for the signup list. Members are also encouraged to put their hands up for Race Day on November 2nd. Let Michael Cooper know if you can hellp on the day. With new branding for the Duck Race, including new volunteer shirts, this year promises to be a standout event.
Special Rotary Breakfast
A special Rotary breakfast has been scheduled for Thursday, October 30th, in honour of the Rotary International President Elect’s visit. Tickets will be subsidised for members and will go on sale soon.
World Polio Day – End Polio Now
Tickets for the special October 30th Breakfast will include a $5 contribution to the global End Polio Now initiative. Members heard about the inspiring efforts of Susanne Rea, who has raised over $5 million for polio eradication by travelling to 32 countries through her World’s Greatest Meal project.
Club Administration Updates
The Constitution and By-laws Committee (Tony, Ken, Jo, Vicki, and John) met recently to review updates. Tony will be presenting their recommendations at the meeting on October 16th.
Upcoming Events and Presentations
The Zone 8 Conference was highlighted as an opportunity for members to connect with Rotarians from across the region. Looking ahead, the Club will host the presentation of cheques from the Duck Race funds to domestic violence support organisations on December 11th, coinciding with the AGM.
RARE News
Mike Shambrook updated members on ongoing book deliveries from schools and communities. Transport costs for the last container were covered by a donor and she will continue this funding. Some assistance is still needed for loading. Let Mike know if you can help.
If you do not have your Club Runner login information, you can go to the Club Runner website, scroll down a little and click on “Send me a Magic Link”. Enter the email address you gave to the club, and you will receive an email. Click on the login button and then select the club website. Go to ‘My Clubrunner’ and then ‘My Profile’. The ‘Edit’ button is at the top right and you can add/change any information on your profile. Click ‘Save’ and you’re done!
If you’re really feeling techy, you can download the Club Runner app.
If you would like any help resetting your password, or downloading the app to your phone, please let us know. There are a few members who can assist you.
We are looking to use Club Runner more for information and rosters, so it would be great if everyone is able to log in.
A visit to the seed bank: preserving the future of our history
by Christian Clauwers
As a documentary photographer and explorer, my work has always centered on humanity’s fragile relationship with nature. Over the past decade, I have documented the retreat of glaciers, the erosion of coastlines, and the disappearance of entire ecosystems across the Arctic, Antarctic, and Pacific. These experiences compelled me to seek out the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a place where our shared history and future are stored, frozen deep within the permafrost. Read about why he wanted to visit the Seed Vault.
Rotary Down Under
Book sale raises $20K for local community
Hundreds of keen readers turned out for the Rotary Club of Wānaka’s annual book sale in July, snapping up all sorts of books and jigsaw puzzles – and helping raise money for local causes.
The three-day Rotary Club of Wānaka Book Sale, held at the Lake Wānaka Centre, NZ, raised more than $20,000 for the local community.
“The result was excellent and we’re really grateful for the community’s support,” said club spokesperson John Huddleston.
Neighbors are helping neighbors through time banks
By Michaela Haas
In a quiet corner of Northern California, among the misty orchards and rolling vineyards that power the region’s rich agricultural economy, a curious kind of wealth is quietly accumulating. It doesn’t shine like gold or flow like cash. It’s not tracked on Wall Street or stored in Swiss vaults. But for those who trade in it, it may be the most precious currency of all: time.
Please check the roster for the next few weeks and advise Vicki and David Ungar if you will be away that week. Meeting jobs will be confirmed via email this week.
Mountain National History Association, who shared their passion for Lamington National Park and its rich history.
