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 allocated via email before the meeting.
Ben from Beached@Burleigh shared his role as an ambassador and outreach leader at the charity. Drawing on his background running a medical staffing agency, he described being deeply moved by the strong sense of community and the growing need he witnessed, and noting the emotional impact of the work. He outlined the charity’s mission - providing food, clothing, and care as an expression of community service - and its rapid growth from supporting 15–20 people pre-COVID to over 150–200 weekly today. Volunteers play a central role, creating a welcoming, supportive environment. However, increasing demand has brought challenges, including the need for more funding, space, and resources. He called for greater community involvement, volunteers, and donations, while sharing a vision to expand services locally and across Queensland.
THIS WEEK'S GUEST SPEAKER
No guest speaker this week. Join us for a breakfast of fellowship and friendship.
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WHAT'S THE BUZZ THIS WEEK?
Upcoming Events
Anzac Day Memorial Service - Burleigh Heads Memorial Park
Preparations are underway for the Pride of Work Awards, including sponsorships and invitations. If you would like to be involved, please see Jo or Vicki.
Changeover Dinner
Changeover is on June 26th at Currumbin RSL. Save the date.
Duck Race and Funding Distribution
The Duck Race is noted as a strong fundraising success, with proceeds to be distributed annually based on member input. An example includes a proposal supporting a road safety education program, but we encourage further submissions from members.
Sponsorship and Community Support
Sponsorship guidelines for the Duck Race have been developed, with strong backing from council and local organisations. Members are also encouraged to connect socially and support local businesses, reinforcing community ties.
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The Buzz Box
Busy couple of Fridays for our exchange student, Luci with a visit to the Amberley Air Base organised by John Campbell and Vicki Kersey. We had a close up look at F-18 Super Hornets and Growlers, as well as the F-35, which is usually based in Newcastle. A tour of the base and lunch in the mess rounded out the day.
Last Friday, Ross Smith organised a group for a lovely evening of music at the Imperial Hotel.
Bruce and Kerry Howlett, Margeret Lesjak, Michael Shambrook, John Campbell and Vicki Kersey
What a Day!
March 30th - National Pencil Day
April 2nd - International Fact Checking Day (Did you fact check this?)
April 4th - International Carrot Day
Just Sayin'
“I don’t need an inspirational quote. I need coffee.”
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Club runner information
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 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.
By Leonardo Gonzalo Mangoldt, 2025-26 governor of District 4851 (Argentina)
At the beginning of my term as governor, I realized that the main challenge in my district was not simply increasing membership. The real challenge was restoring Rotary’s relevance in our communities.
Our district covers ten provinces in Argentina and includes very different social realities: large cities, small towns, rural areas, and remote mountain regions. In many places Rotary had been present for decades, but over time some of the clubs had become insular, old, and resistant to change. In other communities, Rotary had disappeared altogether. Read more here.
Rotary Down Under
The RYLA effect
A week-long RYLA retreat in Sydney was the catalyst that sparked Jordan O’Reilly’s resolve to transform disability support across Australia.
Early in 2012, Jordan O’Reilly arrived at Narrabeen on Sydney’s Northern Beaches for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), an intensive week-long program.
At the time, he was working on an idea for a new charity to support young Australians with a disability. His inspiration was his brother, Shane, who is 18 months younger and has cerebral palsy.
“I lacked self-belief and confidence in my ability,” Jordan says.
Young leaders honored as Rotary’s People of Action: Champions of Tomorrow
By Etelka Lehoczky
Honorees worked with Deaf communities, expanded access to education, and raised awareness about mental health.
Rotary International has recognized six club members aged 30 or younger as People of Action: Champions of Tomorrow. The recipients, based in Colombia, India, Italy, the Philippines, Uganda, and the U.S., have led transformative initiatives by and for young people.
“By leading projects that provide educational resources to those in need, foster personal development, support mental health, and champion conflict resolution, these honorees are creating more peaceful and resilient communities,” said Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo. Read about their projects here.
Ben from Beached@Burleigh shared his role as an ambassador and outreach leader at the charity. Drawing on his background running a medical staffing agency, he described being deeply moved by the strong sense of community and the growing need he witnessed, and noting the emotional impact of the work. He outlined the charity’s mission - providing food, clothing, and care as an expression of community service - and its rapid growth from supporting 15–20 people pre-COVID to over 150–200 weekly today. Volunteers play a central role, creating a welcoming, supportive environment. However, increasing demand has brought challenges, including the need for more funding, space, and resources. He called for greater community involvement, volunteers, and donations, while sharing a vision to expand services locally and across Queensland.
