ABOUT US
About Us
Fraser Coast Rotary Events Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation incorporated in Queensland that disburses all profits earned to community-based organisations across the Fraser Coast region.
Fraser Coast Rotary Events Inc. is a joint venture between the Rotary Clubs of Maryborough Sunrise and Hervey Bay City.
Purpose
The purpose of Fraser Coast Rotary Events Inc. is to:
- FACILITATE community-based events and activities
- SUPPORT local community groups and projects
- PRESENT the community with a safe gathering place
- ATTRACT visitors to our region
Board of Directors
Bob Beer
Chairman
Bob Beer is a Fraser Coast resident and current Area Governor for Rotary District 9560. He is a director and shareholder of an accommodation company located on the Gold Coast and director and owner of family investment companies. Bob spent 21 years of military service in the Australian Army (Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) and 20 years with the Australian Taxation Office Forensic Audit.
Robyn Dowling
Director
Robyn Dowling has lived on the Fraser Coast for more than 40 years. During this time, Robyn held librarian management roles with Maryborough City Council and Fraser Coast Regional Council. Robyn was responsible for the management of the Maryborough Library for 28 years, developing strong ties and partnerships with the Maryborough community and has been integrally involved in the community through Scouts and as Secretary of The Proud Marys Association Inc. for 10 years, culminating in the community fund-raising campaign to raise money to commission the Mary Poppins statue. Robyn has been a member of Rotary Club of Maryborough-Sunrise for 16 years, being President twice, Secretary and most positions on the Board. Robyn has held several Rotary District positions including Assistant Governor and is currently District Grants Chair as well as Executive Secretary and a Director of her Club.
Murry Difford
Treasurer
Murray Difford was born in South Africa and has been an antipodean resident for more than 35 years. Initially studied and trained in accounting and auditing practice, Murray then dedicated his time to an automotive career with high-end manufacturers and distributors in senior executive management roles in Sales and Marketing, Public Relations, Field Operations, and Service. State and national positions were held within that mix. Extensive retail experience was also gained in dealership management and followed by consultancy work in after sales, HR, training, and recruitment. Murray has served on various Rotary Club Boards in all executive positions and as District Assistant Governor.
Geoff Buchanan
Director
Geoff is retired and married to Joanne, and we have three adult children, a mechanical tradesman, a nurse, and a teacher, who have five children between them.
They both owned and ran an auto mechanical business for 38 years, as well doing 24 hour RACQ roadside work. Fully trained 17 apprentices.
Before that, he was a farmer, aluminium door maker, timber cutter, public servant.
Geoff has been in Rotary 15 years, currently as membership director. He is President Elect for Rotary Club of Maryborough Sunrise for 2023/24. This will be his second term as President. He has served on the Board for many years.
Adrian Pittman
Director
Adrian Pitman is a resident of Maryborough and current President of the Rotary Club of Maryborough-Sunrise. Adrian was raised and educated in Maryborough before commencing his 20-year military career in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Following his retirement from the RAAF he was employed in the telecommunication and space industry. In 1985 he joined the Australian Government Department of Defence. He returned to Maryborough in 2002 as Site Manager of Bombardier Transportation Pty Ltd – Australia. He re-joined the Defence Department in 2004 where he remains today as a Senior Technical Director – Director of Project Performance Improvement (DPPI – Executive Level 2) with the Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG).
Liz Beer
Secretary
Liz Beer is a resident of Fraser Coast and has been a director of family companies since 1998 including a registered training organisation from 1998 to 2013. She has been involved in developing multiple community programs across Australia and joined the Rotary Club of Hervey Bay City in 2010 serving in the position of Secretary on five occasions and as President for three. Liz has served on the youth committee for a total of eight years and has hosted many international students and coordinated Rotary Youth programs.
Rotary International
As active members of local Fraser Coast Rotary Clubs, we channel our community commitment through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of activities.
- Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society.
- Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest.
- International Service exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding. We support this service avenue by sponsoring or volunteering on international projects, seeking partners abroad.
- Youth Service recognises the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs such as Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Rotary Youth Exchange.
Our areas of focus include:
- Peace and conflict resolution
- Disease prevention and treatment
- Water and sanitation
- Maternal and child health
- Basic education and literacy
- Economic and community development