It has been a very steep learning curve for me over the past 12 months since being elected as President at the AGM in 2018 and I wish to thank my dedicated team for their support during this initial period.
Main Functions:
March 8, International Women’s Day Breakfast
This event was held at The Southport Golf Club and was a resounding success.
Our Guest Speaker was none other than our own Patricia Ruzzene who did us proud with a stimulating address.
With 49 attending it was our biggest function so far and all enjoyed the breakfast immensely. We also made a profit of over $400 for our Scholarship Fund.
June 4, World Environment Day Dinner
Our next event was a Cocktail Party for World Environment Day held at the Southport Golf Club and all attending enjoyed our Guest Speaker as well as the social aspects of the evening.
Our Guest Speaker, in tune with the theme, was:
Larissa Rose, Founder & Managing Director, Queensland Renewable Fuels Association (QRFA)
Director & Senior Environmental Consultant, Glowing Green Australia
Thanks to the generosity of a guest, Sandy Tomlinson, our raffles were a resounding success.
September 22, AGM
Our AGM was held at The Southport Golf Club with a very pleasing attendance. It was chaired by Jacqueline Marchant in my absence.
The following members were elected to the new committee for 2019/2020.
President/CIR: Carol Little
Vice President: Jacqueline Marchant
Hon Secretary: Patricia Ruzzene
Hon Treasurer: Diane Chetham
Hon. Membership Registrar: Margaret Prentice
Committee: Aileen Pidgeon
Book Interest Group: Margaret Hamilton
December 10, Annual Christmas Party
Our final event for the year will be our annual Christmas Party. This function will be held for the first time at the Southport Golf Club. Our members seem to enjoy this venue with its convenient location and ample parking
Scholarships
Sybil AM Vise Award
The Sybil AM Wise Award was presented at a ceremony at Bond University on February 15 2019 to Patrice Huggins, a very worthy recipient.
The Isobel Taylor Award –
The award this year was presented to Sarah Burton as the top graduating female student in education faculty.
Sisters for Success
Patricia Ruzzene, Jacqueline Marchant and myself liaised and planned with Marie Daix of the Gold Coast Multicultural Council and then participated in a highly successful Sisters 4 Success program.
There is continuing liaison with Keebra Park High School re the conditions and awarding of the annual scholarship.
Communications and Web Site
During the year there have been many changes to our web site and methods of communication. The web site has been updated and is constantly in a state of change due to the many hours contributed by Melissa. All events are listed, photos are uploaded and even our latest membership form can be access online, completed and returned.
Our latest project, which is a work in progress, has seen us change our host and domain to allow us more freedom. In the process we have created generic mail boxes so members will no longer need to share their personal details on the web site.
We have also set up a new postal address as previously Rosemary was generously using her own personal PO Box. Patricia Ruzzene is accessing this on a regular and sharing correspondence.
It is PO Box 146, Chevron Island Q 4217
I would like to make special mention of Melissa-Jane Loughridge who has spent countless hours working with me on this project.
GWI Triennial and Peace through Education Conference and 100 Year Anniversary was held on 25-28 July 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland and attended by myself and Jacqueline Marchant. It was a wonderful and enriching experience for us both.
Memberships – Fees and Changes
After much consideration and discussion the fees and charges were amended to better suit the needs of our local members and are now included on our new membership form.
Griffith University and Bond University Sub Branch Formation
We have had some very valuable discussions with these institutions and with the new fee structure are much closer to achieving our goals.
Southern Cross University Sub Branch
This sub branch is currently inactive but we are working towards renewing it.
I look forward to the challenges of 2020 .
Carol Little – President/Gold Coast