We were privileged to welcome Susie Longman from MND Queensland as guest speaker. Susie’s powerful talk began with her background in homelessness work and moved into her personal connection with MND through her friend Pete. She shared deeply moving stories of resilience, care, and the challenges families face.
Susie told us that MND can progress rapidly, with some patients declining within months, while others live for years. The financial burden is enormous—over $300,000 annually for care and equipment—with many over-65 patients excluded from NDIS support. She highlighted the crucial role of MND Queensland in providing equipment, therapy, and advocacy, despite ongoing funding struggles.
The emotional toll on families was another focus, with stories of trauma, grief, and the genetic impact seen in families such as one in Bundaberg who lost eight members to the disease. Susie called for greater awareness, research, and recognition of carers, particularly during events like Carers Week in October.
THIS WEEK'S GUEST SPEAKER
We will be welcoming Marg Sockhill from Green Mountains Natural History Association. It is a volunteer organisation dedicated to showcasing the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park by assisting rangers greeting visitors and maintaining the park’s natural and cultural values.
If you would like to help with packing the kits, this will be done Tuesday nights in Surfers Paradise. Click the Signup link above and details will be sent to you.
Hannah updated us about Delilah, a young student whose passion and initiative impressed everyone. She requested funding to attend the NYSF camp, and thanks to her efforts and contributions from other Rotary clubs, our support has been reduced to $500. Delilah has agreed to share her camp experience with us after the school holidays - a wonderful opportunity to hear how our support is making a difference.
Community Outreach
Everyone is encouraged to contact the team to purchase ducks and help raise vital funds. Nicola brought in items for the Outreach Kits and packing nights will be on Tuesday evenings, with a sign-up list available above. Volunteers remain at the heart of these efforts, and every contribution counts.
Volunteer Call-Out
New members were encouraged to get involved. Updates were shared on Duck Race promotions and the need for volunteers at Bunnings, Currumbin RSL and the surf club in the lead-up to the big day. Every duck sold brings much-needed dollars into the club fund. Signup link is above for duck sale locations.
Event Planning & Volunteer Coordination
Preparations are well underway for the Duck Race, with a volunteer briefing set for October 23rd at the RSL. Michael Cooper is looking for three volunteers to man the BBQ that morning. Let him know if you can help. Members can confirm availability for race day on November 2nd with Michael as well. Kieser will be providing backup support, and extra activities and fun games are being planned by Kokoda Youth Foundation to make the day even more engaging.
Past President’s Report & Red Cross Supplies
The Red Cross has provided medical supplies, and Mike Shambrook will be taking them to RARE as well as the hygiene kits that Miami High is assembling. He also acknowledged Nicola for kindly offering to host two of the Vanuatan delegates for the Zone 8 conference.
70th Anniversary Plans
As finding a suitable venue proved challenging and the other committments the club has in the next couple of months, we decided to celebrate its 70th anniversary with a simple yet meaningful acknowledgment during the President-Elect event on Thursday, 30th November.
Sunday at Bunnings Burleigh Heads, Michael Cooper, John Campbell and Vicki Kersey manned the desk for duck sponsorship and merchandise. Twenty-two ducks were sponsored for the Community Race. Next sales events are on October 5th at Bunnings (booked out) and Burleigh Surf Club (1 person needed), and Currumbin RSL on the 6th (2 people needed). Roster link above - click on the underlined words or the duck picture and it will take you directly to the sign up.
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.
Sunday the 21st, John Campbell and Vicki Kersey attended the unveiling of the newest peace pole in Cascade Gardens by the Rotary Club of Broadwater Southport. Three YEP students attended, with Didac from Spain giving an address.
What a Day!
Sep 22 – Elephant Appreciation Day
Sep 23 – Redhead Appreciation Day
Sep 26 – Pancake Day
Sep 29 – World Heart Day
Just Sayin'
“Teamwork means never having to take all the blame yourself.”
Saving mothers and children in Nigeria, Why I never struggle to go to work
By Olubunmi Afolabi, Communications Officer, Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria
I rarely struggle to get out of bed in the morning. The thought of the countless lives touched by Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria (THFN), a Programs of Scale recipient, gives me strength for each new day. Statistics on Nigeria’s maternal mortality – 512 deaths for every 100,000 pregnant mothers – may appear faceless on paper, but not to me. I see the mothers. I see the babies. I have stood in the very rooms where those numbers either become tragedies or triumphs.
On the second day of our Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) training, a woman in labor came in to a nearby health center in Aaye in Ekiti State. What transpired after I arrived will stay with me forever. The woman had been pregnant five times before and was now carrying twins at just over 36 weeks.
$1 million boost for Rotary’s compassionate grants
Philanthropist Dick Smith has reinforced his commitment to helping Australians facing hardship with a further $1 million donation to the Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants program, doubling the impact of Rotary’s grassroots fundraising efforts.
Administered by Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) under the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS), Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants (RACG) provide targeted financial assistance to individuals experiencing severe hardship.
This latest $1 million contribution follows Dick’s initial $2 million donation, which helped launch the RACG initiative. Since its inception, the program has distributed more than $6 million in grants to Australians facing rare diseases, medical conditions and unexpected life events – particularly those who are not receiving adequate support through other means.
Rotaractors with intellectual disabilities learn life skills
By Carol Frey
Cleo the two-toed sloth, cute enough to break the internet, was blowing Megan Marrero’s mind. She and a small group of fellow Rotaractors were visiting an aquarium in the tourism hub of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and marveling at the slow-moving, upside-down tree-hanging creature. It especially captured Marrero’s imagination.
The eight Rotaractors, whose club is based in the nearby town of Little River, are all students in a nonprofit program that provides life skills classes for people with cognitive disorders and intellectual disabilities. During their March outing to the aquarium, they were studying and gathering information about marine life and other animals for presentations to share with other students in the Current Transitions program.
Please check the roster for the next few weeks and advise David Ungar if you will be away that week. Please note this roster is a guide only and is subject to change.
Roles will be allocated via email prior to the meeting
over-65 patients excluded from NDIS support. She highlighted the crucial role of MND Queensland in providing equipment, therapy, and advocacy, despite ongoing funding struggles.
Campbell and Vicki Kersey manned the desk for duck sponsorship and merchandise. Twenty-two ducks were sponsored for the Community Race. Next sales events are on October 5th at Bunnings (booked out) and Burleigh Surf Club (1 person needed), and Currumbin RSL on the 6th (2 people needed). Roster link above - click on the underlined words or the duck picture and it will take you directly to the sign up.
