One week later the first of three interest meetings were called after which we had 25 definite members, allowing a application to RI to call our first Provisional meeting of The Rotary Club of Runaway Bay on May 5th 1986 at the Runaway Bay Marina Yacht Club. 46 people attended as per the attendance book, which included 9 members from other clubs wishing to join 25 intending members and 12 visitors. At the Second Provisional meeting Laurie Buckley was able to announce the First Board of Directors. Every one that was asked to nominate did not hesitate and the club started with a well balanced board of experienced and new Rotarians.

Chartered on the 13 June 1986 the official charter night was held at the Conrad International Hotel on August 6^th 1986. There were 210 people in attendance, comprising of 40 Charter Members, 170 partners friends and Rotarians from other clubs. The praise and gifts lavished on our new club by visitors were something to behold. Over the ensuing 17 years the club has been blessed with a great lot of Presidents that have given of their best, in their own particular ways, to keep our club in the for front of Rotary Clubs in District 9640.

The Runaway Bay logo of a seagull flying into the sun, holds special significance to the members of the Club, who live and work in the area. Following the club’s charter in 1986, it was adopted as the clubs logo. Many members came for the lifestyle, others have businesses in the area. Runaway Bay, as an official Gold Coast suburb, had its beginnings in 1968, the first houses being sold in 1971.

Thanks to Charter President Laurie Buckley.