On 7th March, 1994 Rotary International chartered The Rotary Club of Buderim with 27 members under the sponsorship of The Rotary Club of Mooloolaba. The Charter was presented to the Club’s Charter President Patrick White at a dinner at the Big Pineapple on 23rd April, 1994 by the then District Governor Doug Biggs. Of the original charter members, Bob Acaster, Lynne Phillips and Paul Tanner remain as full members, Graeme Ensoll is an honorary member.
Since this time our Club’s members have channeled their commitment to service above themselves through five avenues of service: community service, youth service, club service, vocational service and international service. Here are some Club stories worth sharing.
Community Service:
Since 1994 The Rotary Club of Buderim has been involved in organising the Buderim Australia Day activities, whether it be a parade down the main street, or a picnic in the park, the event is the highlight of Australia Day celebrations on Buderim and attracts several thousand spectators from across the Sunshine Coast.
In early 2011, Buderim Rotarians spent a couple of weeks in the Buderim shopping centre “rattling the tin” for Queensland flood victims. Over $20,000 was raised for flood disaster relief. In 2022 they were again rattling the tin for another flood disaster.
The Buderim Carols in The Park is a big event on the Buderim calendar, & each year our club assists.
Community Service is also about improving health. The Rotary Club of Buderim instigated the Buderim Men’s Shed which is now the biggest Men’s Shed in Australia with close to 300 members.
Big or smaller projects such as the construction of two shelters in Buderim Forest Park and providing medical aids for residential aged care facilities draw the Club members together with the goal to improve the quality of life in the community.
Our club steps up regularly to assist the Maroochy Neighborhood Centre with their work helping the homeless in our community, & those in dire need. We have purchased them a computer for their Homework Club for those children who do not have access to a computer at home, or whose carers are unable to provide them with assistance with their homework. We have collected food for distribution to the homeless, & donated to their Emergency Accommodation Fund. We assist at their ‘Care Days’ by manning the BBQ, & have recently purchased a new BBQ for them & will be shortly starting cooking breakfasts once a month for people doing it tough on the coast.
Youth Service:
Each year our club supports the Roadside Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) 1-day course for teenagers to help create safer future drivers and road users.
The club sponsors local students interested in STEM subjects to participate in the week long National Youth Science Forum each year. For many students this is a life-changing event, and our club is very proud to encourage these young people to pursue their passion for Science & technology subjects.
Through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, our Rotary club provides financial assistance to support local families with back-to-school expenses each year.
Vocational Service:
The Club has been visiting local businesses to learn about industry and professions within our community and build our networks. In addition, we regularly have local business people as guest speakers. This assists our members in keeping abreast with local issues. The commitment of Club members has made possible the Awards for Pride of Workmanship that are based on recognition of high ethical conduct in business and professions.
International Service:
In 1997 and in association with another Rotary Club in Brisbane, the Club collected and refurbished unused bicycles on the Sunshine Coast that were shipped to the Solomon Islands to be used as transport by the local nurses.
Members of the Club in 1998 were involved in a Rotary Australia World Community Service project on Ferguson Island in Papua New Guinea. This project involved the construction of a two storey, four classroom, and teaching block at a local school.
For several years, our Club has played a vital role in seeking donations for the purchase of water filtering devices known as “LifeStraws” and has arranged for “LifeStraws” valued at over $90,000 to be sent to the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, and Fiji.
The Club contributes to significant programs and humanitarian missions on a world–wide scale. We support long term goals such as the eradication of polio which commenced in 1985 and continues today under The Rotary Foundations’ management as PolioPlus. Rotary’s initiative to eradicate the world of Polio is the biggest undertaking of any organisation either government or non-government and we, as Rotarians, consider it to be our gift to the children of the world, now and in the future.
Our club’s share from the proceeds of Rotary organized ‘Race Days’ have enabled us to contribute significantly to Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) and ShelterBox a Rotary Project Partner giving Shelter, Warmth and Dignity to people found homeless following natural and man-made disasters. All of these projects are part of Rotary’s International Service that we, as Rotarians, are making a difference in the world.
Conclusion:
Over the twenty-nine years of its existence, in addition to “hands on” projects, the Club has raised approximately $400,000 for distribution to both the local and international “needy” communities. But it’s not all hard work. . .
For the Rotary Club of Buderim to continue its work in our community & worldwide, we need motivated people who share our passion for helping others, while having a good time. If this is something you think might interest you, contact us today & organize to come along to one of our meetings, meet the members & see what we’re all about.
One of the myths about Rotary is that you have to go to every meeting. Rotary has come of age: we do have a weekly meeting available, however, our members attend the meetings when they are able.
We meet Fridays at the Buderim Tavern function room at 12.15 for a 12.30 start, for lunch & interesting speakers. Our meetings are relaxed & fun, & we always head off to a local cafe afterwards for coffee & chats. Come & meet us!
