Club Bulletin August 2017

August is Rotary Membership Month

This is a good time to reflect on all the good we have accomplished in our community and the world and also to celebrate our Rotary club and our hard-working members! August usually means great weather and plenty of visitors to Port Douglas, so what better time to do some fund raising at the markets? A team of enthusiastic and highly experienced barbecuing Rotarians held a very successful Sausage Sizzle and Wheel Spin at the Port Douglas Markets with all proceeds to be used in our local community.

August Guest Speakers

A Journey through Time

Rebecca Peace CEO and Sheryl Burchill from Mossman Botanic Gardens

Members and guests were treated to an overview of the progress for the Mossman Botanic Gardens by guest speakers CEO Rebecca Peace and Sheryl Burchill. Rebecca explained that the project will tell  stories relating to our World Heritage region including the arrival of the first plants and their evolution, arrival of the first Australians and Indigenous use of plants, the dinosaurs, arrival of the first white settlers,  the impact of agriculture on the Wet Tropics and the future sustainability of this unique area. The Botanic Garden Board is in the process of recruiting new Board Members to address specific skill and governance requirements and then developing and implementing a marketing strategy to engage the local community and recruit Business Ambassadors. There will be 3 sub-committees formed to address specific areas: Kuku Yalanji, traditional owner connection, Science and Education Membership The Mossman Botanic Garden Board will be applying for grants to continue with the project and will need to prove community support.   The Mossman Botanic Garden will be a world class Botanical Garden showcasing the unique botanical collections of the UNESCO world heritage listed rainforests in Tropical North Queensland. Featuring a state of the art bio-security facility, restaurant, art gallery, amphitheatre and wetlands, the garden will be a vital research institution and a garden of opportunities for the community.  

Indigenous Fashion Show

Uki Burchill, Artist and Fashion Designer

Members and guests were treated to a preview of the plans for an indigenous fashion parade to be held in Port Douglas Uki Burchill explained that she was trying to gain support from the community and organizations, that may be able to help, or are interested in funding, an Indigenous Fashion Show to be held at the QT in Port Douglas. The funds if successful will go towards all the costing, including the venue hire, venue decorations, catering and any other equipment needed, such as microphones, speakers, projectors, etc..   The purpose of this event is to create exposure for the local Indigenous artists, providing opportunities to showcase their talents. The Mossman/Port Douglas area has never had a local Indigenous Fashion Show before so it would not only be an incredible experience for those who participate in the show, but also for everyone who attends. This will be great way to meet new people, share stories, and allow each guest to indulge in each piece of artwork that is created for this event.