Congratulations to Rick Beasley on an incredible milestone – 50 years of Rotary service!
For five decades, Rick has embodied the true spirit of Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.”
Rick began his Rotary journey with the Rotary Club of Mackay in 1976, continued his service with the Rotary Club of Kingaroy in 1991, and has been a valued member of the Rotary Club of Buderim since 2004.
Over the past 50 years, Rick has given countless hours to serving his communities with humility, generosity and unwavering commitment. His selfless contribution has touched the lives of so many people and has made a lasting difference wherever he has served.
Rick is the perfect example of what it means to be a Rotarian—leading by example, putting others first, and demonstrating that one person’s dedication can have an extraordinary impact.
Congratulations, Rick, on this remarkable achievement. Thank you for your outstanding service, your friendship, and your enduring commitment to making our communities better places. Here’s to celebrating an extraordinary 50 years of Service Above Self!
Full Steam Ahead: Buderim Rotary’s Highly Qualified Maritime Adventure
There are many ways for a Rotary club to bond. Some clubs enjoy a quiet dinner. Others attend conferences or community events. But the intrepid members of Rotary Club of Buderim decided there was only one logical option: hand a group of semi-retired volunteers the keys to a boat and send them cruising down the Maroochy River unsupervised.
What could possibly go wrong?
As it turns out: quite a lot. Which, naturally, made it one of the best club outings in recent memory.
The adventure began with great confidence and questionable nautical expertise. Members arrived dressed in full maritime splendour — striped shirts, captain’s hats, pirate attire and enough navy-and-white clothing to invade a small island nation. Sarah, resplendent in rather dubious navy attire, ceremoniously piped everyone aboard as they quipped “Permission to board.”
The vessel itself was magnificent. Or at least it looked magnificent while still tied securely to land.
With absolutely no shortage of enthusiasm, Buderim Rotary raised anchor and took to the high seas.
Spirits were high as the crew settled into a luxurious afternoon of delicious pizza & BBQ delights to the soothing tones of the theme from Gilligan’s Island. Nothing says “experienced seafarers” quite like attempting to flip sausages while drifting sideways in a tidal current.
Then came Mishap Number One.
While confidently cruising along the Maroochy River, the crew managed to locate — with astonishing precision — a crab pot. Not beside the propeller. Not near the propeller. Directly wrapped around the propeller.
Suddenly the boat slowed to an elegant stop while everyone adopted the universal boating expression of leaning over the back and saying, “Ahhh… that’s probably not ideal.”
Several amateur engineers emerged immediately, offering deeply helpful technical advice such as:
“Maybe reverse it?”
“Give it a wiggle.”
“Turn it off and back on again.”
After much discussion, laughter, and absolutely no successful mechanical intervention, some of the lads took to the murky waters of Maroochy River, braving the possibility of marauding bull sharks, the propeller was eventually freed, and the voyage continued triumphantly onward.
For approximately twenty minutes.
Because Mishap Number Two soon arrived with even greater flair.
In what witnesses are calling “a bold reinterpretation of navigational procedure,” the Buderim Rotary crew successfully ran the boat aground.
Not gently. Not strategically. Firmly.
At first there was optimism. “We’ll drift off.” They did not drift off.
“Maybe everyone move to one side. Now the other side. Now the bow – no the front stupid.”
Our brave, already soggy lads, once again took to the water this time to push. Sadly to no avail, she was stuck solid. Eventually, the owner of the boat was summoned to the rescue, undoubtedly wondering at what exact moment they decided allowing Rotarians to self-captain was a sound business model.
Fortunately, the stranded sailors were rescued with dignity mostly intact, though several members were later heard insisting the grounding was “all part of the experience.”
And honestly, they may be right.
Because long after the pizzas were eaten, the captain hats packed away, and the crab pot permanently added to club folklore, what remained was exactly what Rotary does best: friendship, laughter, community spirit, and a shared memory no one will forget anytime soon.
The Maroochy River may never fully recover. But Buderim Rotary certainly had a wonderful time trying.
The Club welcomed Leslie from the Buderim Private Hospital Auxiliary as our Guest Speaker on Friday. We are proud to support this wonderful local organisation and delighted that our donation is helping bring an important community project to life.
The Hospital Auxiliary is creating a beautiful garden respite area for ICU patients and their families—a peaceful outdoor space where they can step away from the clinical environment, enjoy some sunshine, and find a moment of calm during what can often be a very challenging time.
One of the most heartwarming features of the project is that patients will also be able to spend time with their beloved pets. For many people, being separated from their animals during a hospital stay can be distressing, and these special visits will provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support when it is needed most.
We are delighted to be able to support this initiative through our Bunnings BBQ Community Support Program.
To find out more about this program, just pop onto our website or drop us a line.
Just another example of Buderim Rotary working for our community.
It’s always wonderful to have local identities as the guest speaker at our meeting to delve deeper into the history in our community, or tell us more about themselves & their area of interest.
On Friday, Dougal Pitt, the BWMCA President, filled us in on the role the Buderim War Memorial Association plays in our community, both historically & currently. Our members are well aware of the association’s role in organizing so many of our fantastic community events such as Buderim Carols, Dog’s Day Out, ANZAC Day and Jazz in The Park through our own involvement with many of these, however, it is the BWMCA’s role in the preservation of many of Buderim’s heritage buildings we found of particular interest, & the services it provides for the community. Buderim is certainly blessed to have the BWMCA, and the volunteers who work there, at the heart of our community.
The previous week we welcomed Athol Lubbe, who is involved with both the Historical Society and the BWMCA, speak to us about his passion for architecture & design through the ages. Athol’s presentation, cleverly highlighting design from an era which drew many of us back to our childhood days, had us all admitting that we too, had lava lamps, orange & olive green laminex, and flying geese on the wall! We look forward to having Athol back to guide us through other architectural eras.
President Joan with Claire & David Simpson from Project Vietnam Inc
At Friday’s meeting we were privileged to have Claire & David Simpson from Project Vietnam Inc tell us about this wonderful project.
PVI has provided aid work in Vietnam, Cambodia and more recently Laos. This aid work consists of:
Building projects to provide new facilities for schools, hospitals, health clinics, kindergartens and orphanages,
Medical programs to improve health services,
Providing training scholarships, and
Project Vietnam Inc. Vision
Their Vision is to improve life opportunities for under privileged Vietnamese, Cambodian and Lao children, and their families, by carrying out works and activities to improve health and education facilities and opportunities. That vision is based on universal recognition that improved health and education are the most effective pre-requisites for improved life opportunities for impoverished communities.
To find out more about the project, or how you can help, visit their website.
Another fantastic Australia Day Picnic in The Park done & dusted. Although extremely hot & humid, the locals once again flocked out to hear some amazing live talent, indulge in delicious street food & enjoy the Bendigo Bank Fireworks Display.
A HUGE thankyou to the BWMCA & Andrew & his Team for organizing such an amazing Christmas event for our community. So much work involved, but so much joy, fellowship & goodwill.
Thankyou to all who purchased our burgers. The unprecedented numbers meant it was a real struggle trying to keep up & we thank you for your patience. To those who missed out, our apologies.
We had all hands on deck for this event, & then early rising the next day for a Bunnings BBQ. Hard work but plenty of fun & a real financial boost to the coffers enabling us to continue to support other worthwhile causes.
Recently 4 of our members hooked up their caravans & headed west to contribute to the Rotary District Flood Support & @followersBlazeAid project by providing much-needed manpower to help repair the fencing, clean the facilities & feed the hungry workers.
Ken, Liz, Malcolm & Sarah didn’t hesitate to put their hands up when the call for help came through from Pay 4 a Panel – Gidgee Smith Flood Support – & Rotary. The Club rallied behind the projects raising funds through a Bunnings BBQ.
The boys entertained us at Friday’s meeting with a very interesting presentation about their adventure (someone should have told them they can take the flynets off now).
This project was a great example of the ability of even small Rotary clubs to contribute in a meaningful way where they perceive a need. We are very proud of our members & their willingness to put ‘Service Above Self’.
Last week the Buderim Private Hospital Auxiliary ladies (& one token gent) took advantage of our Bunnings BBQ Community Assist program. We had a great day working with them & getting to know some of their members.
We welcomed 3 of those members to our meeting on Friday to tell us more about their organization & the great work they do for our local community.
Since 1983 the auxiliary has been working to enhance the care & comfort of patients & staff at BPH. Through their fund-raising efforts they are able to purchase items such as blanket warmers, pedestal fans, twin feeding couch for SCN & a recliner chair for palliative care. They are able to provide bursaries for supplementary education for staff to enhance specialist areas of care. The other side is their actual presence in the hospital where twice a week they look after patients’ flowers & offer a friendly face & a quick chat. Their sewing group makes Buddy Bears with smiley faces and bright bow ties to help many a child get through an unfamiliar, and maybe scary time. This year they made their 1000th bear! The Auxiliary also make and compile emergency packs of basic essentials for those patients “caught short” when they arrive in a hurry, as well as making items for maternity when required – peanut pillows, flannel hearts etc.
President Joan presents proceeds from Bunnings BBQ to BPH Auxiliary member, Lesley
Buderim Rotary was proud to present this very valuable, local Buderim organization proceeds from our combined effort at Monday’s Bunnings BBQ.
Local groups who are unable to take advantage of the very generous Bunnings BBQ community support facility can go to our website & complete the application form for support from our Club.
We’ve mentioned previously how proud we are to be able to support Story Dogs, a marvellous program designed to assist young primary school children with their literacy.
A simple concept whereby the interaction with a calm (& very cute) dog, & a nonjudgmental, accepting, patient adult, away from any peer group pressure, provides an atmosphere where a child can develop their reading & focus skills.
Ken Grant with our Sponsor Certificate from Suzie Warwick, Regional Coordinator for Story Dogs
Our Story Dog, Coco, is certainly cute, & we enjoy having Suzie Warwick, the regional coordinator for Story Dogs, come to our meeting to fill us in on how the program is progressing.
