It is hard to believe that, as I write, Australia Day was almost four weeks ago. The organization begins in August and sees our Committee Members transform from being calm and rational with a pleasant sense of anticipation, to slightly manic and frazzled, with one thought on their minds: “Please don’t rain, please don’t rain!” Although horribly humid, there was only the slightest sprinkle, and it certainly didn’t detract from yet another wonderful ‘Buderim Australia Day Picnic in The Park’.
It was inspiring to see so many coming together in celebration of our great country, and simply enjoying the entertainment, displays, food, BWMCA Bar and Bendigo Bank Fireworks. Buderim Rotary would like to offer a huge ‘Thankyou’ to all who participated in making this event even bigger than last year’s inaugural Picnic in The Park, particularly our Sponsors Bendigo Community Bank, Brent Mickelberg, Sunshine Coast Council Grants Program, and the National Australia Day Council without all of whom this event could not happen.
Our Supporter, 104.9FM, was not only vital in spreading the word, but their live coverage from the event added to the entertainment. The Station’s community focus is invaluable for local organizations and very much appreciated. To our participating community groups, thankyou for braving the heat and demonstrating how the community spirit of Buderim is thriving.
The stage activities are the main focus of the event, and we are very much indebted to our Stage Manager, John Murdoch, for his professionalism and hard work. John works with the organizing committee throughout the process and his experience is invaluable. Once again, our MC, Craig Allingham, did a great job keeping the audience informed and entertained with his usual aplomb and wit.
Our event Photographer, Ellen from ‘Images by Ellen’, did a great job capturing the spirit of the celebration. She has made all the photos readily available for downloading from a link on our website www.rotaryclubofbuderim.com, so have a look – you might feature!
Barely have our Members inhaled after the audible sigh of relief at another successful event, when the preparations begin for our 30th anniversary celebrations. On 7th March, 1994 Rotary International chartered The Rotary Club of Buderim with 27 members. 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.
Since this time our Club’s members have channelled their commitment to ‘service above self’ through five avenues of service: community service, youth service, club service, vocational service and international service. Here’s to the next 30 years!