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We work to inspire, transform and connect.
We are your local Rotary Club.
We are People of Action.
Meetings & Upcoming Events
We have regular club meetings on the the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 5:45pm for a 6:00pm start at the Gold Coast Tavern. The Tavern is located at 150 Ferry Road, Bundall, Q4217 opposite HOTA.
On occasion we may vary this for social events, vocational or community visits, or meetings with other clubs. Please refer to our calendar for up to date meeting details or check out some of our upcoming events below.
Latest News
Gold Coast Ramble - 2024Mark your calendars for the next GC Ramble on 25 February 2024 at Broadbeach.
Since 2017, Gold Coast Rotary has staged one 4-hour and four 2-hour Gold Coast Rambles, exploring Southport, Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the cultural precinct around HOTA and Chevron Island. Each year, irrespective of the number of teams, we have raised between $6,000 and $6,500. So, in 2022 we tried something slightly different.
We set a limit of 20 teams and issued a challenge to Corporate and Rotary teams to beat our previous champion teams, recognising that two teams have dominated these events, coming either 1st or 2nd each year. These teams besides showing excellent rambling strategy to find checkpoints and complete challenges, have also consistently started with maximum bonus points by raising $1000 for the nominated charity.
‘Niopotamus’ and ‘Cool Runnings’ challenged businesses and Rotary Clubs to match their fundraising and try to beat them this year around the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens.
The goal was to raise $20,000 for Rizeup so that they can continue to assist victims of domestic violence transition back to normal life.
As an additional Incentive, our Media Partner and Sponsor 94.1FM generously offered $5,000 in radio advertising to be distributed as follows:
- $500 for teams that raise $1,000 for Rizeup
- An additional $500 if teams increase fundraising to $1,500
So how did we go?
- Registrations – only 7 teams apart from the 2 champion teams registered, all with Rotary connections. We failed to connect with corporate community and received limited support from Rizeup.
- Fundraising – fantastic effort from registered teams with 6 teams exceeding $1,000 in sponsorships and over $10,000 being raised for Rize-up. This is best result ever. Particular mention must be made of the Davis/Urquhart team which raised $4,300.
- Technology – the Raisley fund raising website and Goosechase App both worked well and are easy to setup.
- The Event – 15 May postponed due to rain; 22 May postponed due to rain; 29 May finally held with the winner being ‘Niopotamus’.
Check out all the fun of Gold Coast Ramble 2022 in Andrew Chan's Photographs.
Botanical Bazaar - 2023
The Botanical Bazaar is more than a fund-raiser for our club. It is a wonderful community event with Gold Coast Rotary connecting with a broad section of the community, promoting best garden practices and sustainable living and supporting small local businesses. It also provides the opportunity for most members of the club to contribute in some way.
The event is a genuine community event with something for everyone. Designed to educate and entertain and to provide a market place of all the best local gardening and botanically themed products in a relaxed safe environment. It appeals to gardeners, sustainable living enthusiasts and to families and individuals looking for a fun day out, great music and good food.
Held over 2 days, the event included 100 ‘green’ exhibitors, 14 food vendors, a speaking and workshop program featuring celebrity garden experts, speakers on sustainable living and practical gardening advice, music to suit everyone under the Musical Tree and busking around site, a Kid’s hub with activities and garden tours of the wonderful on-site community and permaculture gardens. Check out some of the photos taken by Andrew and Mark that captured the fabulous atmosphere. BOTANICAL BAZAAR 2023-1
Held over 2 days, the event included 100 ‘green’ exhibitors, 14 food vendors, a speaking and workshop program featuring celebrity garden experts, speakers on sustainable living and practical gardening advice, music to suit everyone under the Musical Tree and busking around site, a Kid’s hub with activities and garden tours of the wonderful on-site community and permaculture gardens. Check out some of the photos taken by Andrew and Mark that captured the fabulous atmosphere. BOTANICAL BAZAAR 2023-1
BOTANICALBAZAAR 2023-2
The value to our club of the pride and teamwork generated is priceless.
Mark your calendar for next year's event on 4 and 5 August 2024
Botanical Bazaar sets new Benchmark in Event Waste Management
The Botanical Bazaar Gardening and Sustainable Living Festival, hosted by the Rotary Club of Gold Coast, held at Nerang Country Paradise Parklands on August 5-6 achieved remarkable waste management success. With over 100 exhibitors, 14 food vendors, and 3,800 attendees, a mere 7% of waste ended up in landfills, setting a new sustainability benchmark for events.
This accomplishment was attributed to rigorous guidelines imposed by the Rotary Club, which included banning single-use plastics, enforcing 100% compostable packaging and utensils, and prohibiting the sale of single-use bottled water and plastic straws. Balloons were also banned, and exhibitors had to ensure waste-free sites upon departure.
To facilitate effective waste management, the services of Climate Wave Enterprises was enlisted. Key strategies included:
· Vendor Compliance: Climate Wave communicated with food vendors to ensure compliance with compostable packaging and responsible waste management, fostering a unified sustainability effort.
· Strategic Waste Stations: Five waste stations were strategically positioned in high-traffic areas, encouraging responsible disposal and optimizing collection routes.
· Informative Signage: Each waste station featured clear signage, guiding attendees in proper waste segregation, including recycling, composting, and landfill.
· Regular Maintenance: A dedicated team ensured regular waste station maintenance to prevent overflow, enhancing the festival experience.
· Waste Education: Attendees were educated on waste segregation and station usage, promoting environmental responsibility.
· Data Collection: Waste data showed 44% compostable food packaging, 33% organic food waste, 16% recycling, and only 7% general waste.
Compostable waste was processed at Nerang and Southern Beaches Community Gardens. Event Co-Organiser David Baguley said this comprehensive waste management approach led to a remarkably low landfill rate, demonstrating the event's commitment to sustainability.
