CQU students at the Brisbane International Campus have joined the Kiwanis Family via the Brisbane and Gold Coast International Campus Student Training and Employment Program.

The BIC club becomes the newest of 13,000 clubs in 86 countries around the world.

Welcoming members of the world’s newest club, Mark Sims (Kiwanis Club Development Manager) and Ray Scarlett (Manager, STEP) offered the following advice.

“An organization like Kiwanis International offers young professionals an opportunity to develop their leadership skills by using their skills and talents by doing service. Demonstration of leadership in volunteer organizations is highly valued by the corporate world. What people do in their unpaid time and how they demonstrate their ability to together work in a team for a common purpose towards a common goal may well influence a future employer in assessing the potential of an employee. Kiwanis offers a network of friends and business connections worldwide.

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a thriving organisation of service minded men and women who respond to the unique needs of their community and address worldwide issues by “Serving the Children of the world".

The name Kiwanis stems from a North American Indian phrase which, like all indigeounous languages, has a variety of meanings, including; “We have a good time” or “We make a noise".

Throughout its history, the Kiwanis name has been synonymous with endeavours that build character, knowledge, commerce, communities, and through genuine concern for others, hope.

Following the inaugural meeting where the required quorum of students necessary to form a club was reached, the board of directors was elected. The inaugural president, Luca Casali was elected following the presentation of his case for election as President.

The board of the club are as follows: President – Luca Casali; First Vice President – Karin Sovde; Second Vice President – Preben Klausen; Secretary – Fernando Surain; Treasurer – Hanrik Skarvin; Board Members – Pei Mei Chaing, Alam(Sadi) MD Fafeul, Kevin Chun Him Leung, Nabil Mido Filho, Kylie Tsoi, Eddy Windy.

The Club will soon meet to determine the composition of the Board committees and determine projects to be considered for approval and implementation.

Picture: Luca Casali is pictured at front left with Mr Mark Simms.