Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory... Can you remember what you were doing on this day 30 years ago? (I know I can and it may have involved kindergarten!) [Yep, me too. But in my case, it was my kids who were at kindergarten... ☺ Ed.] On the 21st February 1987 the Rotary Club of Surfers Sunrise was chartered. The same year The Bangles were walking like an Egyptian and Bon Jovi was living on a prayer. As you can see they were a pretty handsome bunch of blokes (see 'Surfers Sunrise Charter' in the Photo Album section on the Website's home page on the right) and while the hair may have been traded out for wisdom over the years and a few things have changed, it's fair to say the true Rotary values and the Surfers Sunrise banter is still very alive and well!
Come and join us this Wednesday night for some fund and fellowship as we celebrate the achievements of Surfers Sunrise over the past 30 years!
(Oh, & our soon to be DG Darrell needs volunteers for PETS - 12th March! & Gold Coast Ramble 25th March, be there. & Dog Beach BBQ on 5th March... be there too!
The temptation to quote stacks of statistics is hard to resist. As Mayor in charge of a city with an annual budget of over 1.3 Billion dollars (the second highest in Australia), Mayor Tom Tate would have plenty of things to crow about. I leave the stats to Wikipedia, and the revelation of publicly available stuff to the Mayor's Facebook page. OK, perhaps just a little bit: born in Vientiane, Laos, he entered Scots College in Sydney as an 11 year old. Like most boys, in order to "get out of studying, I subscribed to the Boxing Class", he said. In the first lesson, they tied the gloves on, but omitted to tell him that "boxing" in one of the top Sydney schools had no relevance to Thai Boxing... In those days, the resulting damage to his opponent's self esteem resulted in him being given a note to present to the head master. Thinking that he was about to be congratulated on his victory over a much heavier opponent, this instead was to collect a caning for not adhering to the Marquess of Queensberry rules...
And it would appear that Tom's (may I call you by your first name, Your Worship?) career had much to do with a very positive attitude to win. "Right place, right time" is one of his mottoes. First elected in 2012, he found that there were just 2 cranes on the Gold Coast horizon, both on the (Queensland Government) Griffith Uni / Hospital project. "Tourism, Education and Construction is our core", Tom declared. Thus, he instigated not just the sacking of of the council's Chair of Planning, but also declared that there would be no Infrastructure Levies for the next 6 months. Vigorous lobbying of Chinese and Japanese developers brought up projects such as $1 Billion Jewels project after the much maligned Broadwater Wave Break Island Casino project got knocked back. Following Jewels is the announcement by Chairman Xin Wang of the Hong Kong based Forise Holdings of a 88 storey tower on the former Iluka site, topping Q1 as the tallest building. [It is the policy of Rotary, and of your Editor, to remain non-political, so no further comment. Ed.]
Other major endeavors are in the sector of Education. "Students are Tourists", Tom declared. "So, we cooperate with this 1.5 Billion Industry by facilitating their efforts with our Tourism Industry and Tourism Authorities".
And what will happen after the Commonwealth Games? "The 'Village' will be converted to a specialized medical industry precinct, manufacturing body parts" Tom enthused. And with the extension of the Light Rail to Helensvale, at a cost of some $55 Million to the Council (this is 17% of total cost), the ongoing expansion of the Gold Coast is not going to stop. "Our Town Plan is to promote 'going upwards instead of sprawling out" he said. This would explain why we can expect a substantial relaxation of the 3 stories limit, which apparently was originally set because that is the height of the trees...
Any politician who makes things happen, will always have opponents, usually more than one who doesn't. But, in 2016, Tom was elected with a majority of 73% of the two-candidate vote. This would indicate that our Mayor indeed has the backing of the bulk of the population.
Photo above: President Simon Brook presents a vote of thanks.
Last week, from Thursday through to Saturday, many of our members came over to the Runaway Bay Shopping Centre to "rattle the tin". Our Rotary Foundation Director Gerald East will report on the result this coming meeting, carrying an 8.5 Kg bag of coins to the bank... A special thank you to the helpers (number of 2 hour sessions in brackets): Andy Bell (1), Darrell Brown (1), Geoff Croad (4), Gerald East (5), Mario Fairlie (2), Jo Gorman (1), Fred Hamblen (1), Ray Higgs (1), Franz Huber (2), Tania Laird (1), Angus Miller (1), Larry Murray (1), Richard Smith (1), Chris Thurtell ( 1), and also assistance on Saturday from Sue Smith and Kaho Koizumi (our "temporary" Exchange Student from Japan, hosted by the Thurtells). Thank you, and well done! More information on the current status of Rotary's International efforts to eradicate Polio at this link: https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/take-action/end-polio
Photo above: a caring family who donated to the cause
Our Social Services chief Graeme Isaacson has organized the the "Bazaar Interactive Marketplace" located at the QT Hotel (previously named the Gold Coast International) on Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise.
Meeting time: 06:45 am for fellowship with juices, tea & coffee on the lawn for 07:15 am move to our tables for a unique breakfast service. Free parking on-site.
Cost is $30.00 per person.
PRE BOOKING ESSENTIAL – NO WALK-INS ON THE MORNING PLEASE.
Full payment to be received into our club's bank account no later than Wednesday the 7th of December or cash to our Treasurer at the meeting on that day. All welcome to invite guests at the special members price of $30.00.
Our club's bank details for direct deposit:
BSB: 484-799
A/c No: 047306431
Or book online with Credit Card, click on this link:
Ian Mayberry was at the door, Darrell Brown was Chairman and Andy Bell was Sergeant.
We had apologies from Ray Higgs, Tania Laird, Adrian Crowe, Peter Morgan and Neil Thurlow.
President Simon welcomed all members and visitors Peter Baruch (Past President 2007/08), Catherine Palin-Brinkworth (RC of Hope Island), Sue Smith (Richard's partner), Jim Twyford (guest of Mark Twyford) and our Guest Speaker, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate - see separate article in this bulletin. Simon briefly referred to the generous granting of a 'Peppercorn Lease' by the City Council of our Wheelchair Shed, now in its 13th year and also reminded us of the upcoming Polio Plus collection effort Thursday to Saturday, as well as the upcoming Bunnings Sausage Sizzle on 18th December 2016.
Wheelchair Trust Chairman Daryl Sanderson reported on the recent events at The Shed. Glenn Innes Rotary Club turned up with a packed Ute load of bikes, and - kept very quietly - Des La Rance celebrated his 75th birthday with a cake at The Shed (see photo below). And as it turned out, Chris Thurtell also celebrated his birthday.
Secretary Mark Twyford referred again to our engagement with the Rotary Club of Gold Coast to organize the inaugural Gold Coast Ramble (potentially to be renamed 'Rotary's Amazing Race'). We'll need people! It will be held on Sunday 27th March 2017.
In order to allow Mayor Tom Tate maximum time, Director's reports etc were kept to a minimum.
The competition for a place at the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is quite fierce: our last successful candidate was Maria Ciubic-Batcu (picture on right), she was one of some 67 applicants. 48 made it to be eligible for selection, a total of 16 only were selected...
NYSF candidates are selected from Year 12 High School Students and similar schools, such as the Qld Government Health Sciences Academy (Griffith University) where Maria studied at the time.
The next forum will take place for a week in January 2017 (applications closed in June). But give some thoughts to any potential candidate for 2018 - nominations will close in June 2017!
Darrell Brown, after a short absence from the list, we are back to normal: you are the club's Best Dressed again! Gerald East, coming full circle again: wearing a bib? No, just making sure he won't have any egg on his shirt...] Mario Fairlie: Health Report? [Yes, the needle didn't work...] Bob Harrison was fined for being the nicest bloke ever - there is never anything I can fine you for... Graeme Isaacson: what a crawler! Wearing a Tom Tate Election T-Shirt and cap!! Des La Rance was duly introduced to the Mayor as the next Pope. But why can't he put in a good word upstairs for the Australian Cricketers? Doug Lipp is wearing a yellow shirt, which perfectly matches his yellow car. But that doesn't mean he is not a dangerous driver... whereas Angus Miller found his Brokeback Mountain shirt... Larry Murray, did you get the sack? No ladies at your table... Daryl Sanderson, whatever happened to that Finnish Newspaper article about our wheelchairs? Paul Seymour, your lot (South Africans, for the uninitiated) are making us truly miserable... Chris Thurtell, welcome back, and happy birthday! Richard Smith brought his lovely bride along. Just showing off, huh? Jo Gorman and Rosie McIntyre - based on TV reports, you are the richest housewifes on the Gold Coast! Jim Twyford, just imagine, having a brother like Mark... And anyone who supports Australian Cricket: pay up! And somebody had a 'Shouse': 45 years after the introduction of metrics, why do they report a babies' weight in pounds? [But they don't: both WHO and the Aust Bureau of Statistics report in metrics... Ed.]
Real Estate Developer arrives at the Pearly Gates: "I know I'm not a developer anymore, but I can't help thinking: people would pay a fortune for just an acre of this!"
They say love is the best investment. The more you give, the more you get in return. Audrey Hepburn.
chartered. The same year 
The temptation to quote stacks of statistics is hard to resist. As Mayor in charge of a city with an 
Last week, from Thursday through to Saturday, many of our members came over to the Runaway Bay Shopping Centre to "rattle the tin". Our Rotary Foundation Director Gerald East will report on the result this coming meeting, carrying an 8.5 Kg bag of coins to the bank... A special thank you to the helpers (number of 2 hour sessions in brackets): Andy Bell (1), Darrell Brown (1), Geoff Croad (4), Gerald East (5), Mario Fairlie (2), Jo Gorman (1), Fred Hamblen (1), Ray Higgs (1), Franz Huber (2), Tania Laird (1), Angus Miller (1), Larry Murray (1), Richard Smith (1), Chris Thurtell ( 1), and also assistance on Saturday from Sue Smith and Kaho Koizumi (our "temporary" Exchange Student from Japan, hosted by the Thurtells). Thank you, and well done! More information on the current status of Rotary's International efforts to eradicate Polio at this link: 
Our Social Services chief Graeme Isaacson has organized the the "Bazaar Interactive Marketplace" located at the QT Hotel (previously named the Gold Coast International) on Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise. 
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The competition for a place at the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is quite fierce: our last successful candidate was Maria Ciubic-Batcu (picture on right), she was one of some 67 applicants. 48 made it to be eligible for selection, a total of 16 only were selected... .JPG)
Darrell Brown, after a short absence from the list, we are back to normal: you are the club's Best Dressed again! Gerald East, coming full circle again: wearing a bib? No, just making sure he won't have any egg on his shirt...] Mario Fairlie: Health Report? [Yes, the needle didn't work...] Bob Harrison was fined for being the nicest bloke ever - there is never anything I can fine you for... Graeme Isaacson: what a crawler! Wearing a Tom Tate Election T-Shirt and cap!! Des La Rance was duly introduced to the Mayor as the next Pope. But why can't he put in a good word upstairs for the Australian Cricketers? Doug Lipp is wearing a yellow shirt, which perfectly matches his yellow car. But that doesn't mean he is not a dangerous driver... whereas Angus Miller found his Brokeback Mountain shirt... Larry Murray, did you get the sack? No ladies at your table... Daryl Sanderson, whatever happened to that Finnish Newspaper article about our wheelchairs? Paul Seymour, your lot (South Africans, for the uninitiated) are making us truly miserable... Chris Thurtell, welcome back, and happy birthday! Richard Smith brought his lovely bride along. Just showing off, huh? Jo Gorman and Rosie McIntyre - based on TV reports, you are the richest housewifes on the Gold Coast! Jim Twyford, just imagine, having a brother like Mark... And anyone who supports Australian Cricket: pay up! And somebody had a 'Shouse': 45 years after the introduction of metrics, why do they report a babies' weight in pounds?
