There is no such thing as bad weather.... just soft people!!! A weekend of supposedly raining and miserable weather turned out to be blue skies and fluffy clouds! Sure, the Suns didn't win, nor did the Titans, nor did Dan Ricciardo for that matter but the inaugural Gold Coast Ramble did win...! We had a great turn out of participants, volunteers and spectators for what was a extremely entertaining day... who would have thought even the locals and tourists would get involved! To all those who took part in one way or another, your efforts and time are greatly appreciated... thank you. We maybe onto something that has a lot of potential for future years to come! (And to those who witnessed my amazing impersonation of an 80's elite athlete, I apologise... but I can give you the number for my hairdresser and stylist 😜). [See photo in separate article below. Note: you may want to get your sunglasses before proceeding. ☺ Ed.]
Onto the next big thing.... the Flat Pack School for the Samoa Victims Support Group is in full swing now and we are in the final push to raise the last lousy thousand needed. The collegiate of Schools headed up by Helensvale High have already done a mammoth effort in raising over $30k! Surfers Sunrise have been working overtime to bring this all together and we are nearly there... so if you wanna help out with fundraising, grab a book of tickets! If you wanna help out with the build itself, be in Samoa during the September holidays (we do have more specific details!) or if you wanna be involved in any other way shape or form please let us know... to save and improve the lives of so many is at the heart and soul of what Rotary is all about!
...as the first quarter siren goes off for the year, next week is April! Time sure does fly when you're having fun... see you all on Wednesday!
“Coming to an event like this is cathartic” Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd exclaimed on opening his address. Cathartic? Your Editor made a mental note to look up the proper meaning: according to Wikipedia, it indeed means ‘the purification and purgation of emotions—especially pity and fear—through art or any extreme change in emotion that results in renewal and restoration’. Thank you, Commissioner! Perhaps we should invite more Policemen and women to join us for a Surfers Sunrise breakfast – one of the best stress relievers – we now have the Commissioner’s endorsement! ☺
Joining the Queensland Police Force over 30 years ago (remember the Fitzgerald Enquiry?), one can rightfully expect that there isn’t much to do with crime that Brian has not seen and experienced. The audience would be forgiven to expect lots of content relating to terrorism, shoot-outs, drug arrests, coward-punch attacks, and with Melbourne’s Burke Street tragedy still fresh in our mind, nut cases driving cars. “On the Gold Coast”, he asked, “where do you think is the most dangerous place to be?” Yes, it is the home. Domestic Violence, assaults, paedophilia. “50% of assaults are Domestic Violence” Brian explained. The officers loathe being called to a DV incident: Not only is it always a very tricky situation, but it can well be that both the perpetrator as well as the victim will turn against the officers.
On the Gold Coast, a new approach is being trialled with considerable success. Officers wear Body Cameras, thus recording every second of what happened, who said what. “There has been a 48% increase in DV cases reported” Brian elaborated. But he doesn’t believe that this is an actual increase. The incidents were always there, they just did not get reported in earlier days.
It has a severe effect on staff morale and even the officer’s mental health. Which brings us to his next most important topic. What would you think is the leading cause for violent death in the age group of 15 – 44 years old? Judging by the daily news, it would have to be Bicycle / Motorbike / Car crashes? Sorry, no. It’s Suicide. “In Australia, we have over 3,000 suicide victims every year. On average 8 every day. That is double the road toll. And, for every ‘successful’ suicide, there are 30 attempts.
So, next time you are annoyed when you get pulled up, just keep in mind that the guy outside your car window may have just come back from attending a domestic, or worse.
Picture above: President Simon Brook gets a brief demonstration how one deals with miscreants... ☺
Used properly, Facebook is a wonderful tool for connecting with people far and wide - and that's what fellowship is all about. But its right to be wary and important to learn how to use it properly.
Our very own Rosie McIntyre will step us through the advantages of using Facebook, how to use it to stay connected and importantly, spread the word about Rotary, our Club and the great work we do.
Also at the meeting we will host visitors from RC Burleigh Heads - joining us to promote their spectacular black tie Gala Dinner.
Our District Youth Exchange Committee Chair, Chris Thurtell is on a mission in Europe. After, together with his charming wife Marie, he safely delivered a bunch of northern Europe YE Students, he met with his counterpart in Denmark, Thomas Knudsen (picture left). This was followed by a meeting in Vienna with our former YE Student from Austria, Laura Burtscher, where he accompanied her to a Ball (picture on right). [Ah... the various onerous duties of a Youth Exchange Chair...! ☺].
Just some 30 years ago, our Charter President Bill Moir guided our Surfers Sunrise Club through the many trials and tribulations of getting the first Breakfast Club on the Gold Coast incorporated into Rotary International. (Check out the Charter Photo in the Photo Section on the right!). The first 'Provisional' meeting was held at the Iluka Inn in December 1986, and the club was formally given its Charter on 21st February 1987. It was a BIG do - note, everyone is wearing a dinner jacket!
Last Wednesday, President Simon Brook presented Bill with a well earned certificate of Honorary Membership. Congratulations, Bill!
Adrian Crowe was at the door, Mark Twyford was Chairman (for Tania Laird) and Andy Bell was Sergeant.
We had apologies from Peter Morgan, Ray Higgs, Tania Laird, Rosie McIntyre, Chris Thurtell, Al Sirovs and Darrell Brown.
President Simon Brook welcomed all members and visitors: Assistant Governor David Baguley (RC Gold Coast), Ross Augustine (RC of Franklin Sunrise), former member Russell Voyce, our Charter President Bill Moir and our Guest Speaker, Assistant Police Commissioner Brian Codd (see separate article above).
Simon immediately proceeded to present Bill Moir with his Certificate of Honorary Membership (see separate article below). He also briefly reported on the recent Board Meeting and a suggestion was made to have an evening meeting once per month in lieu of the breakfast.
Wheelchairs Trust Chairman Daryl Sanderson reported on the happenings at The Shed: 150 Wheelchairs will shortly be bound for South Africa. We also had contact with Graeme Bartlett, our man at the Gladstone Sunrise Rotary Club. It would appear that the project will be expanded to Mackay in the foreseeable future. And he received an email to collect a bin full of empty cans... It turned out to be a Wheelie Bin full of crushed cans, weighing a total of 34 Kg! That'll keep the boys in coffee and tea again for a while... ☺ The donor was also heavily involved with our schools projects for Samoa.
Foundation co-ordinator Gerald East wants you to bring your "Spare Change" Boxes back...
Graeme Isaacson is organizing a Chinese New Year do (which happened last Saturday 28th January)
AG David Baguley he briefly brought us up to date on the Gold Coast Ramble of which David is in charge, and presented two samples of posters, printed by our resident printing professional, Neil Thurlow. A big Thank You!, Neil. David also advised that promotional videos will be on Youtube and Facebook. David also advised that it is now up on all the Gold Coast Events pages (My Gold Coast, Eventfinda etc). The event is also promoted via the RYLA camp (it is an ideal Team Building Excercise), via the Churches, PCYC etc. All the key positions have been filled, we now just need volunteers and of course competitors!
Simon Brook, not just for forgetting to introduce the most important member of your board, but for telling one of the worst jokes. Adrian Crowe made the suggestion was made that perhaps a deal could be arranged whereby the Sergeant will refrain from fining Simon for the same thing every week, provided Simon refrains from telling his jokes. [At this stage, however, the outcome regrettably remains uncertain... :-( ] Gerald East, how old are you? You DO qualify for a Grumpy Old Man! Mario Fairlie: Knee report? ("Getting there")... Franz Huber, did you know that the Swiss equivalent first name of Adolf is Franz? [Once a Sergeant Major, always a Sergeant Major, even when it comes to silencing unruly members when the Chairman tries to get a word in edge ways. ☺ Ed.]Doug Lipp, are you ok? You look disinterested, slack... Ian Mayberry admits that he is holding conversations with his dog... Paul Seymour complains about having possums in his roof. Paul! As a South Effriken, YOU are the 'Great White Hunter'! Neil Thurlow, you are not supposed to answer your phone during the meeting... Bill Moir, good to see you, and congratulations! Mark Twyford, you're back to your Caveman's Shoes... Russel Voyce, good to see you back! Looks like you have been looking well after yourself! ("I'm built for comfort rather than for speed, Russel advised)... Ross Augustine from Frankston, welcome back! David Baguley, a man of your distinction is wearing 'Maori Socks'??
On Sunday 26 March 2017, Gold Coast Rotary in partnership with Surfers Sunrise Rotary and Griffith University Satellite Rotary Club will stage the inaugural Gold Coast Ramble - a major community event. This goes way beyond a Fun Run. It is great fun, since you need observation skills, the ability to solve some trivia questions. And last, but not least: you will help us support various very worthwhile local charities, including PCYC, the Salvos, Beyond Blue, Gold Coast Homeless Youth, just to name one. See more details on the Facebook page.
Whilst it is the inaugural event for the Gold Coast, the concept has been well and truly proven successful by the Rotary organizers in Perth. We are licensing their IP, the application software (apps) etc, so there is absolutely no doubt that it not only will work as planned, but it will be our club's major fundraiser for the year. It is a must participate event for all members and friends of Surfers Sunrise! Registration can be for individuals or for teams between 4 and 6 people. It can and should be promoted as a major corporate team building event. Spread the word! Organize a team! Register!
It will be held at the Alstonville Community Centre, just a 20 minute drive from Ballina, or if you prefer not to drive, a bus is organized. The band is Tallowwood Bush Band (yes, "No 96 to the snack bar please"...). The line-up includes a swag of incredibly talented multi-instrumentalists who present folk music from around the world with a strong Celtic influence and an emphasis on preserving the Australian family bush dance that transports the audience through time and emotion leaving no doubt why this band has been the winner of so many music awards and been so popular at festivals and events throughout Australia. And for food? Master Chef Tony Koelner will have an open spit bar-be-que.
You can register online right now: go to this link or go to the conference's main website: http://www.rotary9640conference.org.au/You can also book accommodation at that site. Don't leave it to the last minute! Conference attendance itself is free, but, fair enough, some fees apply if you want to get lunch, participate in the bush dance on Saturday night etc.
“Coming to an event like this is cathartic” Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd exclaimed on opening his address. Cathartic? Your Editor made a mental note to look up the proper meaning: according to Wikipedia, it indeed means ‘the purification and purgation of emotions—especially pity and fear—through art or any extreme change in emotion that results in renewal and restoration’. Thank you, Commissioner! Perhaps we should invite more Policemen and women to join us for a Surfers Sunrise breakfast – one of the best stress relievers – we now have the Commissioner’s endorsement! ☺.jpg)
Used properly, Facebook is a wonderful tool for connecting with people far and wide - and that's what fellowship is all about. But its right to be wary and important to learn how to use it properly.
Our District Youth Exchange Committee Chair, Chris Thurtell is on a mission in Europe. After, together with his charming wife Marie, he safely delivered a bunch of northern Europe YE Students, he met with his counterpart in Denmark, Thomas Knudsen (picture left). 
This was followed by a meeting in Vienna with our former YE Student from Austria, Laura Burtscher, where he accompanied her to a Ball (picture on right). 
Just some 30 years ago, our Charter President Bill Moir guided our Surfers Sunrise Club through the many trials and tribulations of getting the first Breakfast Club on the Gold Coast incorporated into Rotary International. (Check out the Charter Photo in the Photo Section on the right!). The first 'Provisional' meeting was held at the Iluka Inn in December 1986, and the club was formally given its Charter on 21st February 1987. It was a BIG do - note, everyone is wearing a dinner jacket!.JPG)
Simon Brook, not just for forgetting to introduce the most important member of your board, but for telling one of the worst jokes. Adrian Crowe made the suggestion was made that perhaps a deal could be arranged whereby the Sergeant will refrain from fining Simon for the same thing every week, provided Simon refrains from telling his jokes. .png){kind=logo}
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