Jude Mallett - Committee President

I retired to the Sunshine Coast about ten years ago after nearly thirty years as a Medical Secretary and Receptionist. Looking for a new interest, I came across a news item about Quota Coolum Beach and decided to enquire about membership.

From the moment I met this enthusiastic group of women, I knew I had found my place. It’s impossible not to be inspired by their energy. From busy fundraising events to enjoyable social outings filled with laughter and friendship. They even encouraged me to dust off my long-forgotten crochet hooks and attempt baking again… still a work in progress!

Over the past five years, my confidence has grown, and I’m truly grateful for the friendship and support of my Quota family, especially during challenging times. I am very proud to wear the blue shirt and say, “I am a member of Quota Coolum Beach.”

Rae Blackney - Vice President

I moved to Coolum Beach in 1997 and have been a member of Quota Coolum Beach for 25 years.

Wanting to meet new people and become involved in contributing to our lovely beachside community, I found that Quota provided both friendship and the opportunity to give back while connecting with like-minded people.

I have served on the committee for many years and continue to help wherever I can when time allows.

Cindy Arbuthnot - Past Committee President

Relocating to the Sunshine Coast 33 years ago was a true “sea change” for me. I had spent my married life on a cane farm south of Mackay, where my three children attended a small country school and I was actively involved in the school community. Alongside busy farm life, we developed a love of dinghy sailing, which eventually led to owning a cruising catamaran and enjoying memorable family trips around the Whitsundays during school holidays.

After renovating my home in Coolum, I discovered Quota Club Coolum Beach. Joining Quota opened the door to the local community, giving me lasting friendships and a wonderful outlet for my passion for sewing and craft through fundraising.

I’m fortunate to have my family close by, one daughter nearby, another in Maryborough, and my son in Brisbane. With nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, family time is my greatest joy.

Robyn Brydon - Treasurer

I joined Quota 26 years ago and very quickly realised I was getting far more from my membership than I was putting in. I gained lifelong friendships, developed new skills, and had opportunities to take on leadership roles, including serving as President and later supporting 16 clubs across South East Queensland.

When I lost my mum, my Quota sisters were there for me. Fifteen years later, when I lost my husband, they were there again. Their support meant everything to me.

At 68, widowed and with no children, I made the move to the Sunshine Coast and found Quota Coolum. I have found new Quota sisters and a renewed sense of belonging.

In 26 years with Quota, I had never taken on the Treasurer’s role. I don’t cook or do craft, but at Coolum that has never mattered. I’ve always felt valued for what I can contribute.

Hannah Tebbutt - Secretary

I have lived in Coolum for the past 12 years and truly love being part of this beautiful coastal community. It has become home in every sense, not just for the lifestyle, but for the wonderful people who make it so special.

One of the things I value most is being able to support families who are less fortunate than I am. There is something incredibly rewarding about giving back, especially alongside such a friendly, vibrant, and dedicated group of women who share the same passion for helping others.

I have been taking minutes at meetings in one form or another since my oldest son, now in his late forties, was in Year 2 at primary school, so I suppose it’s a skill I’ve well and truly honed over the years!

Outside of that, I love cooking and knitting, and I enjoy contributing those skills whenever I can.

Sandra Verrall - Membership

I joined Quota 30 years ago in Maryborough, valuing the opportunity to be involved beyond family and work while connecting with people who shared the same ideals. It is a rewarding experience that I’ve always appreciated.

Eleven years ago, my husband and I moved to Coolum Beach and I transferred to Quota Coolum Beach. Having holidayed here for many years, I already knew many of the members, which made the transition easy.

Our Club now has 31 members, and I enjoy helping with fundraising, especially our pop-up stall, as well as attending social events. I’ve served on the Management Committee for several years and currently Chair Membership, welcoming prospective members. I also enjoy our craft mornings, learning something new and sharing a cuppa and conversation.

Outside Quota, I play bowls weekly, support my husband’s Coast Care work, and cherish time with our daughter and granddaughter in Coolum and our son from Brisbane.

Michelle Roderick - Publicity

I moved to Coolum over 20 years ago after holidaying here for many years beforehand. Not long after, my husband of 40 years joined the Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club as a patrolling member, and I began volunteering alongside him over 12 years ago.

More than 10 years ago, while still working full-time, I joined Quota Coolum on the recommendation of a close friend. I love the camaraderie of like-minded women, and since retiring 18 months ago, I’ve been able to dedicate more time to enjoying the social events, attending craft groups, and getting involved in other activities. I also love the buzz of our pop-up stalls and seeing customers purchase the craft items I have made.

It is such a worthwhile group to belong to, and it’s rewarding to know that all our hard work, and fun, contributes to supporting the less fortunate in our community.

Debbie Harrison - Social

I have lived in the Coolum Beach area for 24 years and have been a member of Quota Coolum Beach for the past three. After 40 years in primary teaching, I was keen to share m\y skills and give back to my community, especially in retirement when I had more time to contribute.

I enjoy connecting with women who share a passion for helping others, and the friendships formed through Quota are a wonderful bonus. Our social events are always filled with laughter and light-hearted conversation, and I help organise and book venues across the surrounding suburbs.

I’m also involved in sewing items such as microwave bowl cosies, spectacle cases, zippered pouches, mug rugs and dog bandanas for our monthly pop-up stalls.

Joining Coolum Beach Quota has been the right choice for me. I’ve made new friends, contributed to fundraising using my skills, and gained a vibrant and active social life.

Marguerita Garcia - Service

My husband and I moved to Coolum Beach from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Soon after arriving, I joined several local clubs to meet people. While everyone was welcoming, I felt drawn to something more purposeful. When I saw an advertisement for Quota Club Coolum Beach, I followed it up and quickly realised it was the perfect fit.

I believe the foundations of Quota Coolum are fundraising for local charities, building friendships, and caring for our community and one another.

In my professional life, I have worked as a Marketing Manager, Event Manager, Publication Manager and Training Consultant, among other roles. I have always had a passion for the arts, and since retiring I have focused more on painting and craft. I am largely self-taught, developing basic skills in crocheting and painting through online tutorials.

I enjoy being actively involved in Quota Coolum and value the friendship and support of its wonderful members.