THE ROTARY CLUB OF PARKWOOD

 

In the early nineties there was rapid residential development in the area north of Southport extending from the newly developed showground and the Gold Coast Campus of Griffith University.

 

Existing clubs were somewhat remote from this community and it was considered that there was room for a new Rotary Club in the area.

 

The Rotary Club of Parkwood was chartered on 31 August 1993. The presentation of the charter took place on 9th October, 1993 with 27 members.

 

Past District Governor Keith Robson presided, having planned the formation of the club.

 

The welcome was given by President Kevin Fitzpatrick of the sponsoring Rotary Club of Southport North. The charter was presented by then District Governor Bob Baldwin.

 

Past President Rob Deshon of the Rotary Club of Southport North was the District Governor’s Special Representative. Rob was assisted by John Jessop and Ken Smith.

 

Past Rotary International Director/Treasurer and a member of the Club, Brian Knowles,was honoured  on Australia Day 2000 with  the award to him of an AM for his outstanding Rotary service at Club, District and International levels.

 

The Club is proud to have in its membership Past District Governor Ken Smith.

 

The clubs first exchange student was Ingrid Nielsen who went  to Germany. Ingrid still visits the club as an Honorary Member. Kelly Stallman who later went to Belgium is also an Honorary Member.

 

Parkwood has participated in the Youth Exchange Programme every year except 2003 with outstanding success. Our 2004 student will arrive shortly.

 

In other international activities the club nominated applicants for Group Study Exchange. Three of our present members are GSE Alumni.

 

The 2004 GSE Team from India and Nepal was hosted whilst on the coast.

 

P.P. Mike and Kay Bottomley billeted Augusto and his mother from East Timor during their lengthy stay for treatment by ROMAC.

 

The club, led by Brian Knowles has supported The Rotary Foundation with the proceeds of years of “Guess who’s Coming to Dinners”. In all over $12,000 has been raised for the Foundation. In addition to the fundraising aspect the dinners are a wonderful fellowship activity.

 

In 1998/99  a website was established as a means of generating interest in the international programmes of Rotary. The website (http://rotarnet.com.au/parkwood ) is now a valuable resource for access to the vast store of Rotary information now available.

 

One of the earliest community service projects was an Internet Seminar in the Lecture Theatre at Griffith University. The theatre was filled to capacity and a second seminar was held later.

 

A Mobility Map showing the disabled access status of Gold Coast buildings was completed and published in association with the Gold Coast City Council.

 

Several charities are assisted with their Doorknock Appeals each year. As well the Club has participated in the Bowelscan scheme, constructed a pergola for the Boy Scouts and assisted with construction of the Coomera Water Sports Club House.  Working bees were organised for tree planting in Arundel Park.
 

Clean Up Australia Day each year has been spent collecting rubbish along the catchment area of Biggera Creek with the assistance of scout and school groups.

 

A copper mug is passed around at each meeting with the proceeds going to the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund.

 

The Parkwood Probus Club was founded due to the efforts of Past President Peter Richards.

 

During 2003/04 the Club sponsored the formation of the Griffith University Rotaract Club.

 

Parkwood won the  District “Service to Youth Award” for two consecutive years when Past President Elsie Cummins was Youth Director. Besides the usual Rotary activities Elsie established a Peer Support Scheme in a number of schools in our area assisted by a grant from A M P.

 

As a result 110 teachers in 26 schools were trained in the principles of peer support.

 

Youth Encouragement Awards were also a feature of the club. On each occasion five disadvantaged students were recognised for their special achievements.

 

Most of the other Rotary Youth Programmes such as RYLA, RYTS and MUNA have been enthusiastically supported. Some outstanding students  have been sponsored to the National Youth Science Forum.

 

Visits to the business premises of club members have been regular features of the club’s Vocational Service activities. A number of larger industrial establishments have also been toured as a variation to normal meetings.

 

Notable among these was a visit to Riviera Marine situated in the Gold Coast Council’s Marine Park on the Coomera River. This establishment employs eighty apprentices. An Award for Vocational Excellence was presented to the company.

 

 John Smith, as Vocational Service Director, conducted two seminars for Volunteering Gold Coast and undertook a mentors course specifically directed to the assistance of students in Grade 10 at risk of leaving school with no career prospects.  Since then acted as a mentor to advance this aspect of Vocational Service.

 

Membership has not increased but is now more experienced, committed and focused on becoming an effective Rotary Club.