As we wrap up the Rotary Year 2023/24, we reflect on a period filled with service, camaraderie, and impactful community projects. Here's a brief look back at some of our significant achievements and memorable moments:

Community Impact & Events

• Beenleigh Cane Parade & Gala Ball: Our signature event was a tremendous success, raising $14,000 for the Beenleigh Combined Regional Chaplaincy. The event showcased our community's generosity and spirit. The parade brought together vibrant floats, local talent, and enthusiastic spectators, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated our town’s heritage and unity. The Gala Ball, held the following weekend, featured live music, a silent auction, and heartfelt speeches that highlighted the importance of our charitable efforts.

• Bunnings Bethania Sausage Sizzles: These regular events have become a staple in our fundraising efforts, providing delicious snacks while raising crucial funds for our various projects. The sizzles offer a great way for members to engage with the community, spread awareness about our initiatives, and enjoy some fun, all while supporting a good cause. Each sausage sizzle not only filled hungry bellies but also fostered a sense of community and support.

• ANZAC Day Tribute: We proudly participated in the ANZAC Day dawn service, with member Tony laying a wreath at the Beenleigh War Memorial, honouring our fallen heroes. This solemn occasion allowed us to pay our respects and remember the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces. The ceremony, attended by many in our community, was a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering our history and those who have served.

• Easter Appeal: Members Anna and Tony delivered Easter eggs to the Logan Hospital Children's Ward, bringing joy to young patients. This annual appeal is one of the many ways we aim to bring happiness and comfort to those in challenging situations. The smiles and gratitude from the children and their families are priceless, reinforcing our commitment to community service and support.

• Australia Day Celebrations: At Doug Larsen Park, we handed out over 350 FREE lamingtons and collaborated with Wil Soon Espresso to serve delicious free coffees. This celebration not only honoured our national pride but also allowed us to connect with community members, celebrate our culture, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

• Don't Throw in the Towel Project: Our members had a blast rolling towels and adding colourful quote cards as part of this meaningful project. These towels were distributed to dedicated community organisations, showcasing our commitment to supporting those in need and spreading positivity.

• Christmas Joy: During the festive season, we spread cheer by delivering gift bags to the residents of the Eureka Community in Eagleby and joining their Christmas celebration lunch. Additionally, we hosted a special Christmas meeting featuring a visit from Kathryn & Vicki Lyons, who shared their experiences from a humanitarian trip to India. We also cooked up a sausage sizzle for the residents and families at Palm Lake Care during their family Christmas carols event, and donated goods for hampers worth over $1,200 to our local Meals on Wheels, embodying the Rotary spirit of giving.

• Valentine’s Day Meeting: We had a special Valentine’s Day meeting where Ethan and Peiman, cross-cultural liaison officers from QLD Police Logan District, shared insights about their roles in the community. President Rachelle presented the Cup of Gratitude awards for December & January to our hard-working club admin team, Secretary John & Tony, for their dedicated efforts.

• Youth Day Celebrations: At the Beenleigh Youth Day celebrations at Eagleby Neighbourhood Centre, we cooked up a delicious sausage sizzle, contributing to a day filled with fun and engagement for the youth in our community.

• Service Club Dinner: We celebrated a combined service club dinner hosted by Lions Logan Village, featuring special guest speaker Mayor Jon Raven. It was a great opportunity to hear from all the local service clubs, Quota, and Soroptimist members, and to be joined by members from Rotary Jimboomba, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared goals.

Partnerships & Collaborations

• Rotary Foundation District Grant: We successfully designed, printed, packed and distributed Affirmation Cards, supporting mental health and well-being for the youth in our community.
• Companion Pets Project: We delivered Rotary-branded Companion Pets to local aged care facilities, spreading warmth and companionship.

Special Guests & Meetings

• International Exchange: We had the pleasure of welcoming President Elect B N Panchal from the Rotary Club of Sabarmati, India, and exchanged club banners as a symbol of our global connection. Members also enjoyed a trip to the beautiful Scenic Rim where we visited the Rotary Club of Boonah. 
• Youth Involvement: Our outbound Youth Exchange Student, James Biddle, shared his hopes for his year in Japan, reminding us of the power of Rotary's youth programs, and we will soon be welcoming Frida from Denmark to our community for her Youth Exchange journey.

Celebrations & Recognitions

• Awards & Nominations: We were honoured to be nominated for the 2024 Forde Volunteer Awards and celebrated our contributions alongside other remarkable local organisations.
• Sponsors Appreciation Night: We celebrated our sponsors for the Beenleigh Cane Parade & Gala Ball, acknowledging their invaluable support - without continued corporate support, we simply cannot achieve everything we do. 
• Cup of Gratitude: Recognising the hard work of our members, we awarded the Cup of Gratitude in partnership with Zarraffa's Coffee Eagleby to those who have gone above and beyond in their service.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the next Rotary year, we are excited about the new opportunities and projects that lie ahead. Our commitment to serving the community remains unwavering, and we look forward to continuing our mission of "Service Above Self.". On July 10th, we will host our changeover celebrations where I will officially hand over the Club Charter and President's Collar to President Elect Prav. I am so excited for Prav to take on this role, and look forward to supporting her wholeheartedly as we continue to grow our community service. 

I want to say thank you to all our members, supporters, and the broader community for making this Rotary year of 'Creating Hope in the World' a success. Your dedication and enthusiasm drive our achievements and inspire us to keep making a difference.