President's Report August 2025
14th August 2025
By Michelle Jackson
An early report this month, and an update on our fantastic Pilgrimage, part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations, and what a great weekend we had, such a positive vibe.
With 115 attending, 10 clubs participating, an activity program that was second to none, with 14 choices, we were set for a very special weekend. A massive thanks to all our leaders and our hard working committee, who made this weekend possible.
We had 55 attending from our club, it was wonderful to see our members get behind us supporting this pilgrimage, most camped and some members organised accommodation in Beaudesert, but everyone came with one thing in mind, to have as much fun as possible.
Our intrepid leaders volunteered to lead a wonderful choice of activities - Craig, Michael, Robin, Paul, Ian, Elena, Justin, Helen, Trish, Ann M, Michelle, Anne C, Anna B, Bernie and 2 cycle leaders from the Beaudesert Cycling Club - David Kenny and Rick Gillow - provided many choices - Mt Ernest, Maroon, Maroon Waterfalls, Maroon via Caves, Buchanan's Fort, Greville, Larapinta Falls, Daves Ck Circuit, Tooloona Circuit, Mt Tamborine, Beaudesert Historical Museum plus 40km and 75km bike rides. Not all activities went ahead due to numbers but nobody could complain there weren't enough choices!
We had so many members put their hands up for volunteering from Kay and John on the gate with the check ins, Craig and John organising parking. Our hard working committee who cooked and served the soup, as well as soup donations from Jane, Sue,John,Sam and Fred a choice of 6 delicious soups set the tone.
With our professional signage from committee member Trish Blackman on all the information about the pilgrimage as well as every activity, it all ran very smoothly, even the showers on some walks on the Saturday couldn't dampen the mood.
Then a delicious dinner at "The Club" and the Band O Coots bush band, for the Saturday evening entertainment, lots of dancing, laughing and good cheer.
We asked and everyone delivered, bringing along delicious treats for a supper banquet, thanks to Rhonda and Wayne for all the help. And then the handover of the boot to John Marshall.
Special thanks to Lis, for organising the raffle and lucky door prizes and Robin, for selling all the tickets, a total of $402.00 was raised, which will be donated to Life flight and Careflight.
Then on Sunday, we had a bring and buy sale which Helen organised, Ann organised the games, so a bit of a laugh, and a wonderful talk by Chee, which had everyone enthralled. I've asked Chee if he could repeat this at our October meeting.
What a wonderful club we have, like a big family, with so many members giving their time and getting in and doing what was needed, a big thanks to everyone that helped to make this a very special pilgrimage, the feedback and thanks from other clubs, as well as our own, who had the best time made it all worthwhile.
Our recent general meeting, we had Eileen give us a run down on how our teams went in the Kokoda challenge, they should all be so proud, such great teamwork, dedication and hard work, the support crews and volunteers are an essential part of contributing to the Kokoda Challenge each year. Eileen is to be commended as she has inspired and organised teams for the last 7 years, so very well done Eileen.
We also had a new member of our club Jay Dowdeswell give us a talk on his experiences with the club,he has been a very enthusiastic member, he has been in the club for 10 weeks and has done 10 activities, which is great to hear, and I know he is not alone, lots of new members and well as existing members continue to enjoy the benefits of being a part of The Gold Coast Bushwalkers.
It's coming up to that time of the year when we ask members to start thinking about the annual photo competition and who they might like to nominate for the prestigious Quickenden award. This award is given to a long term member who has had the best interests of the club at heart, has consistently given to the club for the benefit of all, and is most deserving of this honour, named after our founder.
We will see you at the October meeting,
Enjoy your activities.
Michelle Jackson
President