Greetings, fellow members, associate members and friends of Surfers Sunrise Rotary,
This past Wednesday we were guests at Youth Outreach where Chief Operation Officer Angella Sheeran and her team outlined the great work they do in supporting young people, after they experience a crisis in their lives and endeavour to move forward in life. Some youths, as part of their hospitality training, provided Rotarians with breakfast, while Angela and her team members introduced the work the crisis centre undertakes.
Over the years the Youth Outreach have developed an understanding about what makes a difference in the lives of homeless youth, working to resolve personal concerns, building resilience, developing skills and move to independence. Our club's relationship with the centre will hopefully make a difference.
Key dates to remember this month
This Saturday 18th April, we'll have our Big Bike Sale at the wheelchair shed. Starting from 07:00 am to 11:00 am.
Our Tri-nations Conference at Royal Pine, on 1st to 3rd May, registrations have closed on 12th April, so if you haven't booked, but wish to, give me a call.
A reminder that everyone that Thursday 15th May at Benowa Tavern from 4.30pm there is a social get together and all are welcome.
This coming Wednesday 15th April will be a social meeting at the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. Come along for a cuppa and/or breakfast. If possible, the meeting will be in the upstairs venue, if the weather is nice, on the balcony (otherwise on the ground floor, at the northern end). Lots of good banter and laughter, and - believe it - sometimes there are more club related matters discussed and solutions determined than on a formal meeting!
When you think ‘Public Servant’, what image comes to your mind?
Whatever it may be, it’s unlikely you’ll picture the image of somebody like Adrian Smith (picture above, left). After his former employer closed their major manufacturing operation in Brisbane [no, Henrietta, I won’t get you started. No politics in Rotary!], he decided to dedicate his body and soul to help seriously disadvantaged, homeless youth to regain traction in what we take for granted: participation in the everyday economy; more actually, participation in everyday society. His title is ‘Project Lead’ at Youth Outreach, a ‘Specialist Homelessness Service’.
Whilst we enjoyed a delightful cooked breakfast prepared by their charges, the 90 minutes we spent in company with the organisation’s dedicated leadership team, Chief Operating Officer Angela Sheeran, Vice President Jamie Preston, Pearl Kirikiri and Adrian Smith certainly were a bit of an eye-opener for most of us. The possible exception being our member Evan Mita, whose vocation at Mission Austraila is to help these people every day.
In addition to gaining a trade qualification, these young teenagers learn “normal” living skills, are helped in essential matters such as gaining a driver’s license, opening a bank account. Space does not permit a full outline of this organisation, financed by the Queensland Government. You can find it all on their website: https://www.homelessyouth.com.au/
Thank you, Ross and Evan, for organising this most instructional, as well as thorougly enjoyable Vocational Service visit.
(Photo, from left: Adrian Smith, Surfers Sunrise Rotary President Paul Seymour, Jamie Preston, three of the workers, Angela Sheeran, Pearl Kirikiri)
Our half-yearly Big Bike Sale is on this coming Saturday at the Surfers Sunrise Wheelchair Shed, from 07:30 am to 11:00 am. All proceeds go to the Wheelchairs project.
There is a huge range of around 80 bikes in all sizes and purposes, from kid's bikes to adult, off-road and racing bikes. These are from good condition to excellent condition racing bikes that were donated and found to be too good to dismantle for wheelchair components, but instead to be refurbished for sale. Prices start at $5.00. Cash or Card payment.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) camp is designed for 20 - 30 year olds. This is an exciting and challenging training program which aims to equip leaders and potential leaders with the personal, leadership and citizenship skills required to succeed in all areas of their life. The program provides participants with an unforgettable experience in life, learning and laughter in a regional setting. It will be held at Camp Coby (north of Toowoomba), from 31st May to 6th June 2026. For frequently asked questions,click here.
In past years, our club has sponsored numerous participants in this program. Do you know of a young person who could benefit from leadership training? Click on the above link for more details, or contact Youth Services Director Mitch Brown directly - our club might just sponsor your candidate!
Duty Roster - note: subject to change - please check every week. Note: Fellowship duty also is expected to be at the Project Shed on the Saturday following the meeting
I found a $20 note in the park. So I asked myself “what would Jesus do?” then I turned it into wine.
The basic rule for the safe handling of Foreign Affairs is that it is simply too dangeruus to let politicians get involved with diplomacy. Diplomacy is about surviving till the next century – politics is about surviving till next Friday. Jonathan Lynn – Yes Prime Minister (yes, I know. But that book is meant to be comedy not politics. But I see your point... Ed.)
Behind every husband who thinks he wears the pants is a wife who told him this morning what pants to wear.
Our half-yearly Big Bike Sale is on this coming Saturday at the Surfers Sunrise Wheelchair Shed, from 07:30 am to 11:00 am. All proceeds go to the Wheelchairs project.
