Robert Paterson OAM is a retired Fire Services Officer and comes highly recommended (by no other than the ladies of the Gold Coast Innerwheel Club). He will do a presentation, in an entertaining, yet higly informative way, on Fire and Emergency safety in your household and everyday life. With the new Smoke Alarm rules becoming effective as of January 2027, this might also be a good opportunity to seek clarification on that front. Usual time and place: 07:00 am for 07:30 am start, Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club.-
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle
Bunnings - Nerang StoreOct 31, 2026
7:00 am – 4:00 pm -
Robert G Paterson OAM - Qld Fire & Emergency
Surfers Paradise SLSCNov 04, 2026
7:00 am – 8:30 am -
Nerida Dean - Australian Rotary Health
Surfers Paradise SLSCNov 18, 2026
7:00 am – 8:30 am -
AGM
Surfers Paradise SLSCDec 02, 2026
7:00 am – 8:30 am -
Big Bike Sale at the Wheelchair Shed
Surfers Sunrise Wheelchair ShedDec 12, 2026
7:30 am – 11:45 am
Welcome to Surfers Sunrise Rotary!
Robert Paterson OAM is a retired Fire Services Officer and comes highly recommended (by no other than the ladies of the Gold Coast Innerwheel Club). He will do a presentation, in an entertaining, yet higly informative way, on Fire and Emergency safety in your household and everyday life. With the new Smoke Alarm rules becoming effective as of January 2027, this might also be a good opportunity to seek clarification on that front. Usual time and place: 07:00 am for 07:30 am start, Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club.
PDG Lisa Hunt is the District Chair of The Rotary Foundation (TRF), Rotary's own major international charity. Charity? Yes, certainly, but "The Rotary Foundation is not just a charity, it is an engine!" she emphasised. Take the example of, via the foundation, Rotary clubs the world over facilitate and organise the installation of clean water supply in disadvantaged areas. As a result, the young girl is able to attend school, rather than walking for kilometres to carry water from a distant well back to her home. That translates to the simple formula: Clean Water = Education.Specifically relating to our District, and our club, Lisa elaborated on the various grants that can be obtained. She made it clear that the District does have funds, so it is a matter of finding and stating a goal, following the procedures. There are also Multi-District Grants, e.g. where a club in our District cooperates and coordinates with a club at the recipient's end. Our club, over the years, has many times been successful in obtaining grants, particularly in relation to our wheelchairs project. Recently, such a grant supported the shipping of a container to South Africa, where we work together with the Rotary Club of Durban.
Photo: Lisa was the recipient of the inaugural wine that featured our new label, with Geoff Croad (left) who won the Two-up and President Mario Fairlie. More photos and a report by Tulip on our Facebook page
For many Australians, polio is something we rarely think about today. But for a generation who grew up before vaccination, it was a frightening reality that could change a child’s life forever. During the polio epidemics of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, thousands of Australians were affected. Children could be left with permanent paralysis, and some needed an iron lung to help them breathe. Families lived with uncertainty.Some Rotarians know this story personally. Suzanne MacKenzie, a member of the Rotary Club of New Farm in Brisbane, was just two years old when she contracted polio in 1948. She spent two years in a children’s home, underwent numerous operations and wore a calliper until she was 13. Rather than allowing her experiences to define her future, Suzanne went on to build a successful career and became an advocate for polio survivors. Her story reminds us that behind every statistic is a real person.
Rotary began its fight against polio in 1979 and became a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988. Since then, global cases of wild poliovirus have fallen by more than 99%, and billions of children have been protected through vaccination.
Where are we today?
In 1988, there were an estimated 350,000 cases, in 125 countries. As of 7 October 2026, just 40 cases of wild poliovirus have been reported worldwide this year; 35 in Afghanistan and 5 in Pakistan. These remain the only two countries where wild polio is endemic. Forty cases too many, but what remarkable progress!
Did you know? A single dose of oral polio vaccine costs an average of just $US 15 cents. And thanks to the Gates Foundation’s 2-to-1 matching programme, every $1 donated to Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign becomes $3 towards eradicating this disease. How many children are you willing to protect? A small donation can make a world of difference. To ensure your donation is also allocated towards your credit towards a Paul Harris Fellowship recognition, please contact me. Click on this link: Christine O’Connor.
Due to the very rough weather over the last weekend, we regrettably had to cancel/postpone last Monday's Surfers Sunrise Golf Day. It is now scheduled for Monday 30th November 2026. All other details remain the same, with the same great raffle prizes as well! (Yes, first prize is $2,500 CASH!)And there is a prize that money can't buy: Peter Senior advised that he is "happy to gift himself and three others" to play a round of golf at Sanctuary Cove. So, now is the time to become involved.
The Golf Day now will be held on Monday, 4th November. This is not only a day of lots of fun and serious competition for the trophies, but is also one of our major fundraising events. Are you a golfer? You can book as an individual, but why not organise your own team? Click on this link: https://www.trybooking.com/DLTNQ
And, of course, we need more raffle prizes! Download the brochure - see Download Section of both our website and bulletin. (Note: still has the old date; new brochure coming up shortly)
This morning, Rotary Surfers Sunrise presented the 11th Lutzy Award to a young emerging leader, nominated by the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. The selection, whilst being a good surfer and lifesaver comes as par of the course, is made primarily on the basis of demonstrated leadership and commitment to the Surf Life Saving movement.
The winner, Brayden Andrews this year has clocked up over 200 hours of Control Tower duty, not a small achievement! He was presented with a fully fledged and signwritten surf ski - see photo.
Main photo Congratulations, Brayden! Photo (from left): Mario Fairlie (President Rotary Club of Surfers Sunrise), Scott and Breanna Andrews (Brayden's parents), Brayden, Jan Lutz, David Orchard, who chaired the selection committee. Many more photos on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/rcsurferssunrise
OK, I admit to being somewhat biased when it comes to describing the happenings at Rotary Surfers Sunrise, and might even be trending to hyperbole. If you weren’t present at this morning’s meeting, If you were unable to attend, I’m much regret to admit that my humdrum writing skills are not adequately describing the sheer vibrancy; the air was electric.
Our District’s Chair of Youth Services, Susan Howard (RC of Hope Island - photo right) opened up with a very brief outline of the District’s major Youth Service segments: RYPEN, RYTS, RYLA, YEP. You can find full details about these programs on our District Website www.rotary9640.org - Youth Programs.
Then, we learned about MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly). Our club sponsored three teams from Trinity Lutheran College to this event. Five of the participants, accompanied by their teacher Karoline Hlawatsch, outlined their experiences, and what a difference MUNA made to their studies. Imagine: You are asked to represent North Korea at the UN. And – literally – take it seriously. [Yeah, me neither. Ed.] We should have recorded it. It would be perfect to describe the word ‘Effervescence’. Thank you all!
(Lots more photos, provided by Ms Karoline Hlawatsch of Trinity Lutheran College, on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/rcsurferssunrise)
You may recall that we recently added some 12 Boxed Wheelchairs, 3 girls bikes, 3 boys bikes, 1 skate board, 2 scooters and 4 wheelie walkers that was sent to Wau, in Papua New Guinea, via RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service). Where is Wau? Well, let's describe it as "truly out in the sticks" in PNG, about 150 Km by road from Lae, but allow for about 3 1/2 hours travelling time. According to Donna Harvey-Hall, our Rotary contact there: "The kids have spent all day in a state of excitement.They are fluctuating between choosing the bikes or the DVD stereo as the best things. The girls of course, love the new shoes and clothing. The boys are loving the new soccer uniforms and bikes. I am still unpacking and trying to reclaim my house..." Will it 'Create a Lasting Impact'? You bet!
More pictures on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/wheelchairtrust
This morning, on behalf of Immediate Past President Paul Seymour, President 2026-27 Mario Fairlie completed the award presentations to two of our top members who were unable to attend last Sunday's Changeover Luncheon: he presented Doug Lipp with his Fellowship Cup, and Kane Chisholm is our newest Paul Harris Fellow. Congratulations!
There are some events that have all the ingredients of class. Our Changeover Luncheon on Sunday was one of these: organised by Graeme Isaacson, the TRYP by Wyndham Hotel in Southport again demonstrated what the difference is between ordinary and class. Gathering for pre-luncheon drinks and canapées in the downstairs foyer (sponsored by Kane Chisholm and his company Kieser Bundall), we then proceeded to the top floor where we enjoyed a superbly prepared meal.We were honoured by the attendance of Past District Governor Lisa Hunt and her husband, District Governor Elect Gareth Hunt. Lisa, in her reply to the Toast to Rotary International, touched on the importance of various Rotary programs and, in particular, the importance of continuing in our efforts to reach our goal of totally eradicating the scourge of Polio.
(Now Past) President Paul Seymour summarised his year's major points and recognised all our members' contributions to the success of the past year, and gave special recognition by handing out the awards: Paul Harris Fellowships were bestowed on Evan Mita for his efforts to bring our involvement with the Youth Outreach Centre and the Rotary Support for Students (formerly School 
Mates) to fruition, and to our club's Secretary, Trent Belling, in recognition of his silent background work of keeping minutes, running board meetings etc. A third PHF was awarded to Kane Chisholm (who was unable to attend today), for his ongoing contributions and commitment to our fundraising efforts. Paul then moved on to present the trophies:
Mates) to fruition, and to our club's Secretary, Trent Belling, in recognition of his silent background work of keeping minutes, running board meetings etc. A third PHF was awarded to Kane Chisholm (who was unable to attend today), for his ongoing contributions and commitment to our fundraising efforts. Paul then moved on to present the trophies:| Doug Waller Trophy: | Geoff Croad |
| Fellowship Cup | Doug Lipp |
| Quiet Achiever Award | Franz Huber |
| Rotarian of the Year | Charles Thomasson (image above) |
Congratulations to all!
Paul then proceeded to hand the President's collar over to Mario Fairlie, who briefly foreshadowed his ideas for new activities. (Mario will present his vision and plans at our first 'formal' meeting this coming Wednesday 15th July) Incoming President Mario Fairlie then presented Geoff Croad with a special Community Service Award (see pictures in the Photo Album). Well deserved, Geoff!
(Lots more photos in the Photo Album section as well as on our Facebook page, and the 2025-26 Changeover Report can be downloaded from the Download Section.)
On Saturday night, SBS World News broadcast a full 3 minute segment on our Rough Terrain Wheelchairs manufacturing from discarded bicycles. If you missed it, or want to watch it again, click on the above link!
Missed the SBS broadcast of our wheelchairs project? Watch it on YouTube! Click on this link
For website report, click here
For podcast, click here.
On Saturday night, Channel 9's A Current Affair screened an update on our Wheelchair Project, 28 years after the first screening in August 1997. Click on this link to view it on the Channel 9 Website. If you would like to contribute too, our websitehas facilities to donate bikes, time or money. Or send us an email to info@wheelchairtrust.org.au. Donations to our Wheelchair Project in consequence to the broadcast have been substantial. I'll provide a more detailed update as time goes on, and by the time we have our Social Meeting this Wednesday, we'll have more specific results.
Oh, and very important: It was of course our volunteer (and former member of Surfers Sunrise) Rick Old, who deserves a special mention: It was Rick who contacted A Current Affair to get this big ball rolling! Thank you, Rick!
At the last meeting, our freshly baked President Andy emphasised that he wanted to put the Four-Way Test back into the forefront of our consciousness. So, I did a bit of digging into old records, and here is what I dug up out of the archives of 1997-98 from one of my (then) President's Messages. Today, 27 years later, it's still as relevant as ever:“Rotary is a miniature model of a world at peace, one which might advantageously be studied by nations. Rotarians believe that the universal application of tolerance and friendliness would bring about the international peace so earnestly desired by everyone. “ Words spoken over 50 years ago, on the 36th anniversary of Rotary, by its founder Paul Harris. Words still as relevant today as they were in 1941: Imagine, just for a moment, the effect of all world leaders truly applying the Four Way Test, at ALL TIMES…
Whilst this may seem to be highly desirable, this might be just as impossible to achieve as Karl Marx’s model of communism or Ayn Rand’s ideal of capitalism, outlined in her work ‘Atlas Shrugged’. Both models (and numerous others in between the two spectrums) work on the concept of everyone wanting to participate in the same ideal. Yet, some people want always to be influencing and leading, some people want just to be left alone, and some will always perceive the world to owe them a living.
When you joined Rotary, your welcome kit should have included a certificate of The Four Way Test, to display above your desk. Just make sure that it faces YOU.
Last week, the project shed sent off the 11,015th wheelchair. Just on 3 years since we celebrated the 10,000th wheelchair in September 2013. The Photo on the right is our regular project shed worker Al Sirovs pointing out the number on the world map. The photo above shows some of the regulars, taken this morning. The wheelchair displayed is not exactly the 11,000th (that one is already on the way), but nobody needs to know... Third from left is Des La Rance OAM, who invented the concept and delivered the first 10 to Fiji in August 1997, 20 years ago! - See report in the Download Section on the right.
In view of the Wheelchair Trust Deed's fairly strict limitations (money donated can only be spent on materials for wheelchairs and nothing else, not even for the shipment to their destination), we have registered an alternative account for Containers for Change. If you deposit your empties directly, and wish to donate the proceeds to the Surfers Sunrise Rotary Club - General Account, please use this account code:
C10262571
(The account for the Wheelchair Trust is also still active: use C10199443 instead).
So, keep your soft drink bottles, stubby bottles, aluminium cans, milk cartons etc. As a general rule, most drink containers between 150ml and 3L can be returned for a refund under Queensland's container deposit scheme. Containers should be empty, unbroken, the lid removed and display a 10-cent refund marking on the label. Something like the image (right), but many others are simply marked as suitable for recycling. Note: they must NOT be crushed. See image above what is and what is not accepted. For details of what can / cannot be returned for cash, and where the locations are, click on this link. 
In the olden days, for a new member to join a Rotary club the unofficial rule was, expressed in simple terms, he should be "somebody who is in a position to hire and fire". Yes, 'he'. Thankfully, around 1987, the 'he' was expanded to also include the fairer sex. There were lots of other rules too, for example, weekly attendance at our meetings was considered to be just about essential. These days, the rules are very simple and straightforward. Here is an extract from the Membership section of our Club Consitution of 2019 (1):
Section 1 — General Qualifications.
This club shall be composed of adult persons who demonstrate good character, integrity, and leadership; possess a good reputation within their business, profession, and/or community; and are willing to serve in their community and/or around the world.
That should be simple enough. In other words, the majority of people in your circle of friends, in business, your suppliers, your customers qualify. Rotary is absolutely non-denominational, absolutely gender-neutral. All we ask for is of good character, has integrity, and a good reputation. Start making a list and invite them to come to one of our meetings.
(1) Members can download the Club Constitution from our website: (you need to login to the Member Area, top right of home page), then select Organisation, Documents and search for Constitution.
Our super generous printer, Neil Thurlow and his very talented design artists at Accent Print & Copy have created a new flyer for our wheelchairs project. He has also provided some 2000 printed copies, which will be sent out by Apple Marketing to their mailing list of previous donors. It is uploaded to our Download Section (see right side), where you can download it and send it on to anyone whom you consider could be interested.
Thank you, Neil and your team!
I've uploaded a video which beautifully outlines what Rotary is all about. Go on, have a look at it. It's only a bit over 2 minutes, but very well done. Go to this link to view it:August is Membership Development and Extentions Month. Can you remember when you were inducted into Rotary? Have you considered why you were proposed by your sponsor? What made you to decide to join? Did you feel a sense of pride, of achievement, to be invited to join an organization of the highest international repute? Did you feel that your sponsor did “The right thing” by considering you to be potentially a good Rotarian ? Did you feel a little bit overwhelmed, sort of “am I really up to this?” You did?
“The more hands Rotary has, the better and more effectively the ideal of service will be achieved. Hence the importance of membership.” These words, spoken by one of Japans foremost Rotarians, Kanejiro Matsumoto put the point very straight. I put it even straighter: If we are to spread the workload of running this club, if we are to achieve our aims on the local scene (Youth Service, Vocational Service, Community Service), if we are to pull our weight on the International cart, we have an obligation to not only maintain, but increase membership. Whom have you asked lately to come along to one of our meetings?
Kieser Bundall
President
Immediate Past President
Vice President
Secretary
Club Treasurer
Executive Secretary
Director - Club Administration
Director - Fundraising
Director - Community Service
Chairman - Wheelchairs Trust
Public Relations
Director - Membership
Director, Youth Services
Director -The Rotary Foundation
Coordinator Golf Day
Fellowship and Social Program
Treasurer - Wheelchair Trust
Program Manager-Guest Speakers
Club Insurance Officer
Webmaster & Bulletin Ed
Welfare Officer
A great way to start the day
Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
Australia