Greetings, fellow members, associate members and friends of Surfers Sunrise Rotary,
I’m writing this message on behalf of President Paul. He is in deep mourning, following the very recent and unexpected death of one of his closest friends. Our heartfelt condolences go to you, Paul. Please be assured of our support; if you require it, don’t hesitate to call any of your fellow Rotarians.
To more positive news: Last week’s ‘behind the badge’ talk by our newest Rotarian, Tulip Penney, again demonstrated the breadth of knowledge, business and life experience that is represented within our Rotary club’s members. See the summary below, but no short article can do justice to Tulip's enthusiasm of tackling opportunities and making the best of what life offers.
In any organisation, lots of people work in the background without fanfare and without special recognition. Well, here is a shout-out to Carol Croad, our Wheelchair Trust Chairman Geoff’s “better half”: Being an exceptionally gifted artist, Carol does the calligraphy for all our membership and award certificates. Thank you Carol!
We have received confirmation that SBS TV will send a cameraman this week to film the happenings at our wheelchair shed, followed by interviews with key people, including (hopefully) people at the other end, where the wheelchairs are handed out to recipients. Expect a “Good Christmas Story” to be broadcast before Christmas!
Yes, this coming Wednesday 3rd December will be a social meeting at the Surf Club. While, during the Surf Club's renovations, our 'formal' meetings are held at the TRYP Hotel in Southport, on alternate weeks we'll continue to meet socially at the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. Come along for a cuppa and/or breakfast. The meeting will be in the upstairs venue, if the weather is nice, on the balcony. 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!
Every now and then, you come across a personality who leaves you with little doubt that, in comparison, your own life was somewhat run-of-the-mill... Visualise: Born on April Fool's Day, of mixed parentage, in a military hospital in India. Top-notch Private School, excellent in sports. At 17 years old, migrated with her Grandma and sister to Australia, and 8 years later she married her "soul mate", lasting 40 years (he passed away recently). They bought a round-the-world ticket to visit the University of Michigan, USA. Part-time work with the Governor’s Commission on China... (Hold on a moment, I need to come up for breath...)
Flew to Lisbon (Portugal) and was run over by a Taxi, in hospital in a coma, and didn’t even recognise her husband when she returned to consciousness. Back to Australia, where she worked in various high-powered government jobs in the Northern Territory and Western Australia and the Commonwealth Government in Canberra. She holds three degrees, and started a PhD at Melbourne Uni. She is/was on the board of various institutions, owned racehorses, is a fan of arts, culture, fashion, tennis... and, yes, AFL.
One of Tulip’s mottos: “Do what you want to do today as in 20 years or longer you might not be able to do so.” So, she joined Surfers Sunrise Rotary. Great to have you as a member, Tulip!
Surfers Sunrise Rotary at Arundel is having a massive bike sale on Saturday 13th December 2025. Over 80 bikes will go on sale with kid’s bikes from $5, Road bikes from $10, men’s bikes from $30, plus a large number of project bikes all with minor problems for the fixer upper.
Radio 4CRB (89.3) and Radio 94.1 will promote the event at no charge to us. Listen to the ad - See Download files on the right, and there is a new poster, which you may want to send to your friends.
The sale is on from 7:30 to 12 noon only at the Wheelchair shed, opposite the Parkwood Arundel Community Centre, 175 Napper Road, Arundel.
As we do every year, Surfers Sunrise will deliver a load of Christmas presents to St John's Crisis Centre in Surfers Paradise. the present should be suitable for children (any age, any gender), valued around $10 - $30, unwrapped. Bring them along to our next 'formal' meeting on 10th December, or to our Christmas Breakfast on 17th December. Ian Mayberry, as he has done in many previous years, will coordinate and deliver them.
Mario Fairlie, who is a director of the organisation, advised that this year, St John's Crisis Centre will prepare some 250 Christmas hampers, specifically selecting toys etc to suit each recipient family's needs (that's why you mustn't wrap the presents).
This year's Christmas Breakfast will be held on the top floor of theTRYP by Wyndham Hotel (where we had the Changeover). Enjoy top views, in salubrious surroundings (linen table cloth etc), with the wonderful Rotary fellowship of Rotarians and their guests. Partners, Associates, Friends of Rotary, are all welcome.
Juices are served in the foyer from 06:30 am, then we'll move to the top floor for the main meal, which includes unlimited brewed coffee and tea. No long speeches, just enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Menu choices are listed on the Trybooking site.
YOU NEED TO BOOK. CLick on this link https://www.trybooking.com/DHSPL, or scan the QR Code on the right. Bookings close on Wednesday, 10th December.
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
Whenever I left the door open, mum would ask whether I was born in a barn.
Which is odd, one would think she’d remember something like that.
Once you teach people to say what they do not understand, it is easy enough to get them to say anything you like. Jean Jaques Rousseau, Swiss Philosopher 1712 – 1788
I don’t know if my pants feel loose because I’m losing weight or if the elastic is finally giving up the fight.
Every now and then, you come across a personality who leaves you with little doubt that, in comparison, your own life was somewhat run-of-the-mill... Visualise: Born on April Fool's Day, of mixed parentage, in a military hospital in India. Top-notch Private School, excellent in sports. At 17 years old, migrated with her Grandma and sister to Australia, and 8 years later she married her "soul mate", lasting 40 years (he passed away recently). They bought a round-the-world ticket to visit the University of Michigan, USA. Part-time work with the Governor’s Commission on China... 
Surfers Sunrise Rotary at Arundel is having a massive bike sale on Saturday 13th December 2025. Over 80 bikes will go on sale with kid’s bikes from $5, Road bikes from $10, men’s bikes from $30, plus a large number of project bikes all with minor problems for the fixer upper.
This year's Christmas Breakfast will be held on the top floor of the TRYP by Wyndham Hotel (where we had the Changeover). Enjoy top views, in salubrious surroundings (linen table cloth etc), with the wonderful Rotary fellowship of Rotarians and their guests. Partners, Associates, Friends of Rotary, are all welcome.
