Robyn and I had the pleasure of recently visiting the Satellite club of Mermaid Beach called ‘Young Mermaid’.

Article by DG Dave Harmon, D9640, as it appeared in the D9640 November 2023 Newsletter and submitted by Barbara Mifsud, Regional Membership Officer, RI staff

The story of the formation of this club is a perfect example that if you are prepared to think outside the square, recognise an opportunity when it arises and act on it, great things can happen.

Some two years ago a charter member of the Rotary Club of Mermaid Beach bequeathed his property to his club. In his Will, he requested that his house be sold and the funds from the sale of the property be held in a Testamentary Trust with the income from the investment to be used to support people with Physical Disabilities.

Past President of the Rotary Club of Mermaid Beach Alan McDonald recognised an opportunity at the house auction and when he asked the Real Estate agents “which one of you is going to join our club and help us administer this trust?” the seed of thought was planted.

The house sold for $1.83 million. Past President Alan was then involved with a local Law firm to set up a working deed to facilitate investing the funds. Alan again seized the opportunity and asked the question, “our club needs help as we are an aging club and we need some younger members to ensure the long-term survival of this trust. Which one of you is going to join?”

From this, the Law firm and the Real Estate agency combined and through word of mouth, the Young Mermaid Satellite of Mermaid Beach was formed.

Currently 2 of the members sit on the Trust committee with the long-term plan being that the Satellite club will eventually administer the investment.

Mermaid Beach Rotary club has ensured its long-term survival. They are planning for the future. Membership is not just about numbers; our clubs need to have renewal.

Our Rotary club is like our family in that if we do not have re-birth, our Rotary club can die out with us.

So, what is the message here? I see a couple of important points;

• Recognise an opportunity and seize it
• Tell your friends, associates and community members about Rotary.

Invite them to a meeting. You will be surprised of the result.

Photos courtesy of PDG ARC Andy Rajapakse