At a recent dinner party someone commented on Rotary membership saying he didn’t understand how we could meet every week, something to which he couldn’t possibly commit. It is not uncommon for many non-Rotarians to have entrenched views on Rotary and it is quite possible that this person also envisages our members as mostly men, sitting around in suits, ‘networking’. This scenario is so far removed from the present-day Rotary, with Rotary International encouraging clubs to stretch the boundaries and embrace dynamic, diverse and imaginative club styles, appropriate to their community or purpose, while maintaining the intrinsic Rotary ethos of ‘Service Above Self’.
Buderim Rotary has a fairly even gender mix. Yes, there is a meeting each week should Members be available, however, there is no obligation to attend, with most Members going when possible because they enjoy the camaraderie and the lively ‘coffee chat’ at Mint Café after each meeting. Some members find it difficult to attend meetings but will catch up at social events or projects. Whatever the style of membership, Members endeavour to contribute to the Club in some capacity ensuring that it remains viable and so can continue to make a positive impact.
For some members the emphasis is on the social side of their membership, or they might particularly enjoy our fortnightly Bunnings BBQ where they not only have fun, but embrace the satisfaction of knowing they are earning money which goes back into helping those in need, particularly in our local community; thus our Club motto of ‘Socializing With a Purpose’. They also get to interact with other local community groups who take advantage of our Bunnings BBQ Community Assist program, as did BWMCA last week.
Of course, the ladies enjoy our monthly lunch get-togethers at various restaurants on The Coast. The Gents happily leave us to our own devices at these outings and instead enjoy our whole-Club social outings. This month, in celebration of Halloween, we are heading up to the Majestic Theatre Pomona for a private screening of the 1922 version of the silent movie ‘Nosferatu’ (Dracula), followed by lunch at the Pomona Hotel. Plans are also underway for this year’s Christmas Party which will be celebrated on board a Mooloolaba boat cruise followed by dinner at The Dock.
The Australia Day Picnic in The Park planning is well underway, with the community group displays, food vendors and entertainers all locked in. We are pleased to have extra food vendors for greater variety and to reduce the queues, & excited to have a new band, Humbuckin’ Pickups, who have a great up-beat, Aussie/Irish style. But before then, we’ll be once again serving up our delicious hamburgers at the Buderim Carols in The Park – always a wonderful event.
As can be seen by above, Buderim Rotary does not consist of a group of suit-clad men meeting every week to network. We are a small but dynamic and active club, doing good things for our community, with an emphasis on ‘Socializing with a Purpose’. We are always looking for new members, so if you think this club ethos is something you could relate and contribute to, and you like the idea of being involved in most of the big events on the Buderim calendar, pop along to one of our meetings and meet the members. It’s the perfect way to get to know, and contribute to, your community.