Redcliffe – Alpha Pi

Alpha Pi Redcliffe was chartered 27 November 1981 and celebrated our 40th anniversary in December 2021.

Alpha Pi members meet twice monthly. On the first Tuesday of the month we meet at the Peacekeepers Room at the Redcliffe RSL Club at 10.15am for our business meeting. On the third Tuesday we meet for our education meeting at either the Peacekeepers Room, or maybe at another location relating to the theme of our education meeting for that month. eg. We could visit a museum, garden centre or other place of interest. We are in recess from December to February each year.

Currently Alpha Pi holds two major fundraisers annually. The first, held in March is a themed Trivia night and the second, in spring, is a Fashion Parade.  From time to time we may have a minor fundraising event such as a sausage sizzle, a craft or book fair, or something similar. We have been a long-time supporter of the Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ). Presently we support the ESA Wig and Turban Library, along with all the other branches throughout the State, as well as working at the annual Daffodil Day stalls. Over the years we have participated in many other Cancer Council Queensland activities including the Nurse of the Year fundraiser.

Locally we have supported the Redcliffe Hospital Oncology Ward, St Vincent de Paul, Redcliffe Breakfast Club, Woody Pt Special School, PCYC, Deception Bay Community Centre, Salvation Army, Red Cross, and this year also the Deception Bay North State School. In 1983 we started the ESA Princess Quest and were supported by ESA members and Branches throughout Queensland. The majority of the proceeds raised by this Quest were donated to the then Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland (LFQ).This Quest was eventually handed over to the LFQ because it became too large for our Branch to manage, and it continued under their control until 2012 when it ceased.

We also hold regular social activities throughout the year, with our education meeting often including a lunch, morning tea or afternoon tea, as well as visits to cinemas and other social events. We have even been known to just meet for lunch or dinner to catch up or to go away occasionally for a relaxing weekend together.

Alpha Pi has developed many friendships within their activities featuring “food, fun, and frivolity”.  It is more than an organization just for members.  Involvement of family members and friends is welcomed wherever possible, with an open invitation for prospective new members to be part of such a warm, inviting and friendly association.  

July has been a little quieter than previous months, maybe because of the weather. We have had a
few cold days this month, but I am sure it will be warming up quite quickly.

We started off the month with Leone and I attending the NCWQ Scholarship presentations for 2025.
This year the NCWQ Patron, Her Excellency Dr Jeanette Young, the Queensland Governor, was in
attendance, which made it very special for all in attendance, especially for Leone and I, as this
was the first year either of us attended. Jemima Davis, the ESA International Bursary recipient was
very
inspirational and so interesting to listen to.

Our education meeting this month was a curator’s tour of the Queensland State Library. The members
who were able to attend enjoyed listening to the very enthusiastic tour leader and highly
recommended it. It is a great place to visit if you are ever in Brisbane and have some free time.
On the Philanthropic front we once again sold tickets at Bunnings. We are also busy planning our
Fashion Parade to be held on 14th September.

Socially, members attended a Quota morning tea, the Guest Speaker being the CEO of Forgotten Women,
a charity set up to support older homeless women. By all reports, her presentation was
interesting and informative with shocking statistics.

We have been busily planning our 2026 Convention under the guidance of Leone.
A few members have attended a small family-run bar, called the Jumping Goat, specialising in local
foods and drinks, along with local bands. All profits are donated to community groups and
fortnightly Thursday nights are the place to be in Redcliffe for the more mature music lovers in
the community I
believe. It sounds great fun.

Stay safe and we will chat again next month.
Colleen
Redcliffe Education Meeting for July was the Curator’s tour of the ‘Treasures of the State Library’
which four members attended. The Curator who conducted the tour was highly informative and
enthusiastic about the presentations.

Check us out on Facebook – Alpha Pi ESA.