Manuela Whitford, CEO and founder of Friends with Dignity. The Sanctuary Program supports families escaping domestic violence by fully furnishing homes, giving them a safe, fresh start without the financial burden of starting over. Rotary clubs and community partners play a key role in fundraising, collecting items, and providing volunteer support.
Through the corporate volunteering program, businesses send employees to help with collections and set-ups, raising awareness and encouraging wider community involvement. The organisation operates from a warehouse in Meadowbrook (Logan), allowing for quick turnaround when furnishing homes.
Funding remains a challenge, as the charity relies on private grants, corporate support, and community fundraising rather than government funding. Essential items like beds, mattresses, and new pillows are purchased when not donated, ensuring safety and dignity for families.
Volunteers are critical but hard to recruit and retain. A structured application process, including police checks, is in place, and both corporate and Rotary volunteers are encouraged to join. The program currently furnishes 50-60 homes across Queensland each year but needs more resources to expand capacity.
Vicki will liaise between Friends with Dignity and our club for any assistance we can offer. If any member would like to volunteer directly with Friends with Dignity, click here for more information.
THIS WEEK'S GUEST SPEAKER
This week we'll hear from Adam Russell about Fire Ant Eradication
The club warmly welcomed Nicola as its newest member. Past President David Unger conducted the induction, acknowledging his own contributions to the club’s history and stressing the importance of making new members feel part of the Rotary family.
Nicola joins Rotary representing her vocation in human resources and psychology. She confirmed her commitment to Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self”, and was presented with her Rotary pin, badge, and membership package.
In her introduction, Nicola expressed gratitude for the welcome and shared her professional background in telecommunications, marketing, business development, and sustainability. She highlighted her passion for environmental initiatives and her experience in psychology and youth coaching, with a strong interest in supporting projects for young people.
Funding, Shirts & Celebrations
A National Youth Science Forum applicant is looking for partial funding as the cost is around $3,500. Kevin, Hannah, and Mike will also be meeting with her before committing to funding.
We're looking at a new club shirt – watch this space for updates. And don’t forget, our 70th anniversary is coming up! We’ll be celebrating alongside Surfers Paradise Club.
We’re still seeking sponsors to support two visitors from Vanuatu who’ll be attending the Zone 8 conference.
Big Names Coming to Town
The Rotary International president and other international dignitaries are expected at the Zone 8 conference – which just happens to be the same time as the Duck Race. Andy is working on getting the International President to a breakfast meeting before conference.
RARE Depot & School Pickups
A big thank you to Ron Mullins, Richard Diaz, and Michael Cooper for helping unload books at the RARE depot. Michael and Mike also visited Coomera Springs State School to collect some foldable tables – only to discover way more than expected! The first load is already on its way to PNG, and we’ll be heading back for the rest soon. If you haven’t seen the depot yet, pop in – it’s inspiring to see the work being done for overseas donations.
Barbecue Tongs & Duck Wings
We’re aiming to sell ducks at different events, including Bunnings BBQs, Burleigh Surf Club and Currumbin RSL. A roster is up, and we’ll need plenty of hands to help.
Volunteers, We Need You!
Here’s the big ask: with 16 rosters and 48 volunteer slots, we need all the help we can get. Please consider signing up for more than one event – and family members are more than welcome to join in.
We’ll take a short breather from fundraising in November after the Duck Race. But, we’ve got a barbecue for Kieser on the 13th, so mark your calendars and put your name down if you can lend a hand.
If you are committed to assist at the Duck Race, there are t-shirts available for volunteers. Sizes are - Men's M to XXL and Women's 12 to 16. Please put your order in with Graham or one of the Duck Race committee members. There is a two week lead time for the shirts.
Absences
Whether it's a one-off or an extended absence, it's important to advise David Ungar if you are not able to attend a meeting.
Twenty-one members and partners attended the Friendship dinner at the Indian Hut in Burleigh. Big thanks to Mok for organising this. Delicious food, great company. What more could you want on a Friday night. Stay tuned for more social events.
At our Bunnings BBQ on Sunday, we set up a table to 'sell' ducks. Thanks to those who manned the stall and huge thank you to Manuela Whitford from Friends with Dignity who 'quacked' us up with her duck dancing. She certainly put on a show for the Bunnings customers and we had quite a few ducks 'adopted' as well as a heap of duck merchandise sold. Super cute earrings, keychains and Croc charms were a hit with kids and adults alike. At only $5 per item, it's a bargain! See Vicki if you would like to take a look at what we have available.
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.
From Margaret Lesjak. I first heard of GC Open House from a guest speaker in 2022 and have been to a few of the open homes and tours (my first tour was in Varsity Lakes so great to know history as I live there). Some are done each year (incl the Rotary Broadwater Chapel by the Sea - see 2nd link), others are new and the tours are great. Most are free, but you may have to register. If any Rotarian is interested in architecture, some history or new design or just a sticky beak like me, this may interest you.
Our Board met this week and I’m pleased to share some key outcomes and updates:
Corporate Community Partner Membership
We have approved a new model offering two tiers:
1 Primary Member – $500
2 Primary Members – $1,000
This initiative will strengthen our engagement with local businesses. The website will be updated and a brochure designed to promote the program.
Rotary Bundle Pack: The Board discussed putting together a bundle/pack for new members and current members that includes Rotary cap, Rotary shirt and car sticker and lapel pin. We are working on pulling together a cost for this which the Board approved subsidising a portion so that all members can wear the Rotary brand loud and proud.
POS Terminal
The Board approved the purchase of a new Square POS machine using the Karen Andrews Community Fund grant. This will streamline payments across BBQs, the Duck Race, and other events.
Scooter Program
Funds received from Ingwersen & Lansdown Lawyers have been fully disbursed to maintain and operate the scooter program. Their contribution ensures the program continues to run effectively. One scooter has been recalled for a precautionary safety check.
Service & BBQs
Kieser BBQ – Saturday 13 September: Rotary members will cover the two four hours shifts. Please see Richard or add your name to the roster.
Bunnings BBQs: a reminder to remain for the full rostered times.
Youth
NYSF: We have received an application from Delilah. We have scheduled a meeting/interview in the next week to vet Delilah and, if approved, the Board has agreed to support this application with a $1,200 sponsorship.
Hygiene Packs: Packing day Monday, Mike and Hannah will be assisting this initiative as they have just one more item to pack.
Public Relations
Consistency across our social media is improving. Flyers are being updated, banners inventoried, and speaker gifts are transitioning to Jeff Stonehouse’s chocolate nuts. A small PR support group is being formed to share the workload.
Duck Race
Corporate duck sales have commenced, with community sales events scheduled throughout September and October. Approximately 48 volunteer slots will need to be filled. Our aim is to exceed last year’s results across both the Community and Charity races.
70th Anniversary Celebration
Planning continues with Surfers Paradise Rotary Club. Options are being finalised for late November/early December.
Governance
The review of our bylaws and constitution continues toward the AGM.
Club News
We were delighted to welcome new member Nicola last week, and I look forward to getting to know her. Our membership is growing again – please take the time to connect with new faces and make them feel part of our Rotary family.
Thank you to Mok for arranging last Friday’s social dinner at Indian Hut. Although I was unable to attend, it was clearly a fantastic night with great company, laughter, and plenty of spicy food!
A big thank you to Michael Shambrook, who continues to be a great support not just for me, but the club, by working with our Interact Clubs and helping drive our international projects by collecting equipment and goods from across the Coast.
And to Kath, for the excellent work she is doing with Rotary Youth Exchange – your efforts are truly appreciated.
Acknowledgements
I continue to be grateful for the support and hard work of our Directors in their areas of “Service Above Self.” Our club is thriving – a testament to every one of you who make it vibrant, community-driven, and a wonderful club to be part of.
Save the Dates
Special Guest Breakfast – Thursday 30 October, Currumbin RSL
Members are strongly encouraged to attend this special event as we welcome distinguished international guests. Full details to follow.
Zone 8 Conference – 31 October to 2 November, Twin Towns
This is the Asia Pacific gathering, bringing together Rotarians from across the region with world-class speakers and valuable networking opportunities. I encourage as many of you as possible to attend.
Thank you all for your continued support, especially as I balance a heavy workload. I look forward to catching up with you on the other side of next week.
Yours in Rotary Jo Kane
President, Rotary Club of Burleigh Heads
By Marcelo Goberto de Azevedo, Rotary Club de Marília Leste, Brazil
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the world slowed down. But inside my home, something unexpected began to take shape – one fold at a time.
I have been a proud Rotary member since 2013. During the long months of lockdown, I found myself looking for a way to stay connected – with people, with purpose, and with hope. That’s when the idea of folding one thousand origami cranes came to me.
In Japanese tradition, a Senbazuru – folding 1,000 paper cranes – is believed to grant a heartfelt wish. My wish? For healing, for peace, and for the world to recover from the pandemic. So, I picked up a square of paper and started folding. Read about it here.
Rotary Causes
A Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a group of non-Rotarians who share our commitment to changing the world through service projects.
RCC members plan and carry out projects in their communities in collaboration with local Rotary clubs. Sponsored by a Rotary club, an RCC leverages Rotary’s network, brand, and mentorship by partnering with clubs to plan and implement service projects. RCCs increase Rotary’s impact and expand its reach by bringing the knowledge and talents of local people to strengthen their community through sustainable projects.
There are more than 12,000 corps in 105 countries and 257 districts. RCCs are active everywhere Rotary is present: in urban and rural areas, and in both developed and developing countries. Read more about RCC trends worldwide in the annual Rotary Community Corps report.
Rotary News
Rotary projects around the world
In the western Amazon, Rotary clubs in the city of Iquitos participated in a seminar in January to learn about the state of the area’s schools. Two District 4465 leaders, Doris Alván and Fernando Del Aguila, enlisted a well-known educator in the area, Josefa Ríos Gil, to share with Rotarians what they can do to assist educators. In May, the Rotary Club of Iquitos Amazonas finished one related initiative, a district grant-supported teen empowerment project that taught young people to make earrings sold at eco-lodges near Lake Zungarococha. The club also provided school supplies to primary schools in the area.
Manuela Whitford, CEO and founder of Friends with Dignity. The Sanctuary Program supports families escaping domestic violence by fully furnishing homes, giving them a safe, fresh start without the financial burden of starting over. Rotary clubs and community partners play a key role in fundraising, collecting items, and providing volunteer support.
The club warmly welcomed Nicola as its newest member. Past President David Unger conducted the induction, acknowledging his own contributions to the club’s history and stressing the importance of making new members feel part of the Rotary family.
At our Bunnings BBQ on Sunday, we set up a table to 'sell' ducks. Thanks to those who manned the stall and huge thank you to Manuela Whitford from Friends with Dignity who 'quacked' us up with her duck dancing. She certainly put on a show for the Bunnings customers and we had quite a few ducks 'adopted' as well as a heap of duck merchandise sold. Super cute earrings, keychains and Croc charms were a hit with kids and adults alike. At only $5 per item, it's a bargain! See Vicki if you would like to take a look at what we have available. 
