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.
Our very own Ken Clark, spoke about his work with Avipro, a consultancy with strong military aviation roots, which secured a DFAT contract to improve aviation infrastructure and governance across the Pacific. Its work includes upgrading runways, terminals, and regulatory systems. In Fiji, Australian-supported aviation education faced major challenges, with poor facilities, outdated tools, and failed safety audits at Fiji National University. Efforts are underway to improve standards through safety management systems, human factors training, and a “just culture.” A partnership with New Zealand’s NMIT aims to meet international licensing standards. Cultural and operational improvements are emerging, supported by Australian expertise, though funding, tool control, and long-term sustainability remain ongoing challenges.
THIS WEEK'S GUEST SPEAKER
Victoria Benmore from the Palm Beach Neighbourhood Centre will speak to us about their programs.
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WHAT'S THE BUZZ THIS WEEK?
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
April 18th - RARE packing day
Bunnings BBQ coming soon. Stay tuned for more information and sign up link
April 25th - Anzac Day Service Burleigh Memorial Park
May 18th - Pride of Work
June 26th - Changeover Dinner
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Meeting Information
District Assembly Highlights
Jo Kane, Mike Shambrook, Vicki Kersey and Michael Cooper represented the club at the recent District Assembly. The session reinforced the value of attending these events for both learning and networking. A key takeaway was the District Governor Elect’s focus on quality over quantity in membership, with further discussion on membership strategies planned for an upcoming fellowship meeting.
Growing Membership & Club Visibility
New initiatives are underway to strengthen membership and raise awareness of Rotary’s impact. Plans include recording short “Why I Joined Rotary” video segments from members and launching a stronger external promotion strategy. A new LinkedIn page has also been created to connect with organisations and attract potential members.
Companion Clubs Concept
The concept of a companion club is being investigated, which could offer a more flexible way for people to engage with Rotary without the traditional structure. This approach aims to broaden participation and appeal to a wider audience.
New Van & Sponsorship Progress
Work continues on the club’s new van, including installing the winch and organising signage. Sponsorship would be fantastic to cover the cost and any suggestions are welcome.
Community Service Projects
There is an upcoming packing day at RARE on Saturday, April 18, which will involve packing containers, with support from a local school. Members are encouraged to assist.
Hosting Visiting Rotarians
Two Rotarians from East Timor will be attending the District Conference. The club is seeking members who can provide accommodation during their stay.
Social Events & Rotary in the Spotlight
Members enjoyed a recent social gathering at the Imperial Hotel. Additionally, Rotary received national recognition through a speech in Federal Parliament by Angie Bell MP, a former Rotary Youth Exchange participant, who highlighted the program’s positive impact on her life.
Pride of Work Awards & Community Engagement
Discussions are ongoing with Harvey Norman regarding sponsorship of the Pride of Work Awards. A recent community event on the Gold Coast showcased a “speed networking” format, sparking ideas for future guest speakers and engagement opportunities. Members are encouraged to suggest sponsors for upcoming initiatives, including the Duck Race.
Signature Sports Lunch
The inaugural sports lunch by the Gold Coast Academy of Sport is on May 15th. Help raise
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 recent meet-and-greet event with homeless men was well received, with thanks extended to all involved – Bruce Howlett, Rita Fellows, Michael Cooper, Mike Shambrook, Ron Mullins and Ross Smith. The initiative highlighted the meaningful difference Rotary can make through direct community engagement.
Our exchange student, Luci, had a Friday night
dinner with Rita at Temple of Spices, where they found they had much in common. Not only the same birthday, but also Italian heritage.
How a fifth-grader and our Rotary club helped fight hunger
By Derrick Kinney, Rotary Club of Arlington, Texas, USA
I got a call in November that immediately got my attention. It was from our district community service chair, Victoria Farrar-Myers. She shared an idea, “What if our Rotary club partnered with a fifth-grader to fight hunger?” I remember thinking, well, that’s a first.
Our club president, Randy Hendricks, set up a meeting in a coffee shop for a few of our members to talk it through. That’s when we met Leighton and her dad. Within minutes, it was obvious this wasn’t just a “cute idea.” There was a sincerity in how she talked. I could tell she cared and had thought it through. Without hesitation, I was in. Read more here.
Rotary Down Under
Lions and Rotary unite to help end polio
A joint Rotary–Lions celebration in Stanthorpe highlighted the power of collaboration, honouring outstanding service while raising vital funds to help finish the global fight to end polio.
At a recent joint meeting of the Rotary and Lions Clubs of Stanthorpe, Qld, two Lions were honoured with Paul Harris Fellowships and significant funds were raised for The Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus campaign.
Lion Mark McCosker and Lions District Governor Stuart Perrett were recognised for their outstanding community contributions, and their awards were linked to PolioPlus, supporting the global effort to eradicate polio.
The illness struck Danielle Stanisic while she was in New York for a research gig, her first time living away from home in Australia. It was her lab mates, though, who grew alarmed and insisted she get tested. It turned out Stanisic, who had traveled to Papua New Guinea six months earlier, had malaria.
The next week in the hospital was a blur of suffering, but looking back 20 years later, Stanisic’s overriding feeling about the ordeal is how lucky she was. “I had access to rapid and effective care in a hospital,” she says.
The inaugural sports lunch by the Gold Coast Academy of Sport is on May 15th. Help raise
A recent meet-and-greet event with homeless men was well received, with thanks extended to all involved – Bruce Howlett, Rita Fellows, Michael Cooper, Mike Shambrook, Ron Mullins and Ross Smith. The initiative highlighted the meaningful difference Rotary can make through direct community engagement.