We are business leaders, professionals and community members of the Gold Coast.
We work to inspire, transform and connect our community.
We are People of Action.
We care about People.
Together, we make a lasting impact.

🏠 Community Care

 

Help for those in need:

• Homes for families fleeing domestic violence

• Affordable homes for pensioners

• Wounded service people family holidays

Learn more

🎓 Youth & Education

 

Encouraging young people to achieve:

• Scholarships

• Education

• Youth Exchange Program

Learn more

 

🌱 Sustainable Future

 

Showing how we can make a better world:

• Educating people about plants and gardening

• Sustainable communities

• Encouraging peace

Learn more

 
Gold Coast Rotary, thank you for sponsoring me

Nit, one of 2 students from Cambodia that we sponsor to attend school as part of the Sustainable Cambodia Program, recently wrote to our International Service Director saying thank you.

We  fund the children to get an education, through the Australian Sustainable Cambodia program https://sustainablecambodia.org/sc-australia-rotary/.

We raise funds to pay for the children by our activities running the annual Botanical Bazaar and BBQs at Bunnings Southport.

Meetings & Upcoming Events
Special Guest Speaker - 21 May 2026
Our next meeting in May is the 21st and we have a very entertaining guest speaker Robert Kilsby
Robert Kilsby is an accomplished keynote speaker, author, and leadership mentor who knows exactly what it means to perform under extreme pressure.

A former Australian Special Operations soldier, Robert has served in some of the most demanding environments on earth — including active service in Vietnam. There, he mastered adaptability, resilience, and decisive leadership.

For over 25 years, Robert has taken those battle-tested principles and applied them to life beyond the battlefield. As a crisis and emergency specialist, corporate trainer, and leadership advisor, he’s helped thousands of professionals and teams regain control, clarity, and confidence in their work and life.

During 22 years in the Australian military—much of it in Special Operations and as an SAS Operator in Vietnam—Robert discovered a universal truth: the greatest battlefield any of us will ever face is the one within ourselves. That insight became the foundation of his keynote philosophy: “Ultimate Freedom – Be In Charge of Yourself.”
 
We have regular club meetings on the the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 5:30pm for a 6:00pm start at the Gold Coast Tavern.  The Tavern is located at 150 Ferry Road, Bundall, QLD 4217 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.
Together, We Create Lasting Impact
Latest News
Gold Coast Rotary Helping Families Rebuild After Domestic Violence
For many families escaping domestic and family violence, leaving is only the first step. Rebuilding a life afterwards can be overwhelming — often starting with an empty house and very few possessions.
 
That is why Gold Coast Rotary is proud to support RizeUp, an organisation dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence create a fresh start in a safe and welcoming home environment.
 
Our club members regularly volunteer in practical, hands-on ways that make an immediate difference to families in crisis.
 
Supporting the Warehouse and Pantry Program
At the RizeUp warehouse, Rotary volunteers assist with a range of tasks including:
  • Setting up food storage shelving
  • Collecting and transporting donated goods
  • Purchasing non-perishable food items
  • Sorting and stocking pantry supplies
  • Packing welcome pantry boxes
  • Assembling flatpack furniture ready for home installations
These behind-the-scenes activities ensure homes can be prepared quickly when families need urgent support.
 
Creating Homes, Not Just Houses
One of the most rewarding activities is participating in RizeUp’s Homes Program.
Working as a team, volunteers help transform empty rental properties into fully furnished homes filled with comfort, dignity and hope. Truckloads of furniture and household goods are delivered and installed in a few hours, including kitchen packs, bathroom essentials, laundry items, children’s toys and bedroom furnishings.
For many families, it is the first time in a long time they have experienced stability and security.
Rotarians involved in these set-ups often describe the experience as deeply moving and one of the most meaningful community service projects they have participated in.
 
Raising Awareness and Funds
Gold Coast Rotary also supports survivors through fundraising and awareness initiatives. The club donates microwaves for homes and stages the annual Gold Coast Ramble, a fun community event raising funds for the work of RizeUp.
 
Domestic and family violence continues to impact communities across Australia. Through practical service, fundraising and advocacy, Rotary clubs can play an important role in helping families move from crisis to recovery.
 
Gold Coast Rotary encourages other clubs to consider how they too can support organisations working on the front line of domestic violence recovery.
Video of a recent home set-up:
 
2026 Gold Coast ramble raises $5,380 for DV survivors
The Tedder Titans (John and Louise Davis, Mark Urquhart and John D’Anna), supported by friends and fellow club members, achieved an outstanding fundraising result of $4,170 â€” a new record for a single team. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this exceptional effort.
 
Under sunny skies at Main Beach, and with several late entries boosting numbers, nine teams lined up for the 9:00am start. The Tedder Titans led the scoring early, however they were eventually overtaken by defending champions Niopotamus, who continued their impressive winning streak.
 
All participants thoroughly enjoyed the event, combining fun, teamwork and discovery while learning more about Main Beach and its local history.
 
Special thanks to Cr Darren Taylor for funding support, and to our generous prize donors: The Winey Cow CafĂ©, Peter’s Seafood Market, Surfers Paradise Hairwraps and Braiding, Hop On Brewery Tours, and Domani’s Restaurant.
 
Key positives included:
  • Strong participant engagement and positive feedback
  • Event costs fully covered through a generous Council grant
  • More than $5,000 raised for RizeUp, supporting survivors of domestic violence
Rotary Botanical Bazaar – Learn, grow and thrive
Saturday 1 August 2026 | 9am–4pm
📍 Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang
 
Gold Coast Rotary’s much-loved Botanical Bazaar returns in 2026 as one big, vibrant day, bringing our entire audience together for an unforgettable celebration of gardening, food, and community.
Set in the beautiful Country Paradise Parklands, just minutes from Nerang and the M1, the redesigned event site will be larger, easier to navigate, and more comfortable than ever. With expanded exhibitor areas, improved bus access, and food vendors clustered around a central stage, visitors can enjoy better flow, more space, and a relaxed country atmosphere.
Expect a major plant market for spring gardens, short workshops and expert talks, locally sourced live music, and a wide range of quality food options—from quick bites to gourmet and culturally diverse meals.
 
New for 2026: Garden to Plate â€” showcasing food grown and cooked locally.
 
🎟️ Ticket prices
Early bird online On Sale Now:  
$16 adult | $11 concession

Onsite: $20 adult | $15 concession
Children under 15 free
 
Every ticket supports Gold Coast community causes, including Volunteer Coast Guard, community gardens, domestic violence support, youth programs, and scholarships.
 
ROMAC
 
Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) provides surgical treatment for children in Australia and New Zealand from developing countries from our Pacific region in the form of life giving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country.
 
 
Youth Programs & Scholarships
 
Through our our District Youth Programs, we sponsor young people in our community to attend leadership and development programs.
 
To find out more about our Youth Programs, please email us.
 
Other Projects
 
Our Club also provides support to disadvantaged children in Cambodia & Laos.
 
A recent project fund by our Club was the installation of new ceilings and lights in 3 dormitories at the Suan Luang Orphanage in Laos.
 
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