Since 2017, Gold Coast Rotary has staged one 4-hour and four 2-hour Gold Coast Rambles, exploring Southport, Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and last year 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 1^st or 2^nd 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:

So how did we go?

Check out all the fun of Gold Coast Ramble 2022 in Andrew Chan's Photographs.  

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, 17 food vendors, a speaking and workshop program featuring celebrity garden experts, speakers on sustainable living and practical gardening advice, music to suit everyone on the Fig Stage and busking around site, a Kid’s hub with activities, animal farm, pony rides and entertainers, and garden tours of the wonderful on-site community and permaculture gardens. Check out some of the photos taken by Brian, Andrew and Mark that captured the fabulous atmosphere.  BOTANICAL BAZAAR 2022

 

From a Rotary perspective, apart from being major fundraiser, it provides a wonderful opportunity for our members to connect with the community and showcase what a dedicated team of volunteers can achieve.  Several exhibitors commented that this is the most professionally organised event they have attended. 
More than 40 of our club members were joined by community volunteers, members of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (managing traffic flow and parking) and a ‘bump-in bump-out’ team from Gold Coast Passport Club to ensure the event ran smoothly.  Gecko Education managed the waste for the event, educating attendees on how to sort rubbish and minimise what goes to landfill to 11%.

 

The value to our club of the pride and teamwork generated is priceless.

Mark your calendar for next year's event on 5 and 6 August 2023

 

The event was streamed live so as to include a number of awardees unable to attend due to Covid restrictions.  A recording of the  event can be viewed here