Australia

Pat Bichard, QI of Cessnock, New South Wales

"As a new (one year) member of Quota, I realize that much satisfaction is gained for myself in helping others who are not as lucky as I am, to have the health, lifestyle, and opportunities that I do.

"The enjoyment gained in working as a group also means a lot to me. This was shown recently when a Quota Garden at Singleton was rejuvenated by members of a few Quota clubs. This gave husbands and community members a look at the friendships that can be gained by working with others. Our club garage sale, held last year, was a way of letting the community see a little of what we do.

"Social outings outside Quota (scrapbooking classes, pottery, and watergarden visits) are a great outlet for friends and family that maybe do have some free time to fill in.

"Overall, knowing that I have helped others, seeing the enjoyment gained by people that do not have a full social calendar, and participating in events give me great satisfaction."

Carol Magee, QI of Coolum Beach, Queensland, Australia

"I was feeling very lonely and sad (my husband had died three months earlier) when I came across two ladies selling raffle tickets. We chatted and they asked if I would be interested in Quota. I said 'yes,' hoping that this could help me get on with my life and help with the many changes that I was going through.

"My l5 months with Quota have been far more rewarding than I can ever try to explain. Our group at Coolum Beach, Queensland, has only 20 members but we all work together, and I have new friends that I will have forever. Thank you, Quota."

Marcia Maybury, Past Club President, QI of Cessnock, New South Wales

"I joined Quota after being invited to attend a business meeting, having just returned to the town after an absence of eight years. That very first meeting I knew I was home. The benefits of my being a Quotarian are many. Not only do I have a wide selection of friends who are supportive of each other in joy or sorrow, also within that framework, I have been given the opportunity to make a difference to many others. I try to earn my tomorrow by doing some good deed today."

Joan Middleton, Past Governor, District 39, QI of Cessnock, New South Wales

"I joined Quota in March 1958, because three years prior to my joining, my mother became a Quotarian. As she did not drive, I was co-opted to be a chauffeur to my mother and other Quotarians on the occasions of visits to clubs within the district, attending club functions such as installations, birthday dinners, and fund-raising activities.

"I was full of admiration at the manner in which all these activities were undertaken: the feeling of love and friendship among members and the obvious respect shown to members of Quota by the community.

"I wanted to be part of this Quota family, and when Gavin and I started our own business in 1957, I was eligible to become a Quotarian. Of course, I had to wait to be invited, and when the invitation was extended to me, I immediately said 'yes.' Within 12 months, I was elected to the position of club secretary and have been involved ever since, holding all positions in my club and district and working as a parliamentarian for district conferences and, since 1991, for the South Pacific area meetings.

"Quota is special to me, one, because of the association I had with my mother as a fellow Quotarian; and two, because I grew as a person, in confidence, knowledge, and understanding of other peoples' point of view. Being given the ability to give service to those less fortunate than myself and the wonderful opportunity to develop friendships that have lasted 46 years are also the benefits that I have received from being a member of Quota."

Desma Spiegelhauer, Past Governor, District 40, QI of Townsville, Queensland

"Four years after Quota International of Townsville was chartered in 1975, I was invited to join a club that had as its members two of my teaching friends, both music teachers. I was the senior teacher in an Anglican School, set in beautiful surroundings. For some years, these provided a lovely venue for the fashion parades we held.

"Little did I know when I joined Quota what a difference it would make to my life. As Quotarians, we work in many different ways making life better for others, but I wonder how many of us realize that at the same time we are enhancing our own.

"All around us, we see changes, so it is expected that in the 25 years I've been a member, I've seen many changes in Quota. Selected membership was always of some concern. Part of the Objects of Quota says, 'To emphasize the dignity of all useful occupations.' Have you considered that line in our Objects? Today we invite good citizens who uphold Quota's Objects. Quota is a stronger organization because of this.

"Each year at the International Birthday Dinner we recognize a member in our community who has contributed much to the community and receives no recognition. This year, unknown to our club, the woman we had chosen and invited to accept this award was awarded on Order of Australia Medal (a very high honor) just one week before Quota's award.

"Two Quotarians have received the Quotarian of the Year award, and I'm proud that I am one who received the award in 1991. In that same year my club nominated me for the Townsville City Council's Senior of the Year Award, and I was so proud to win that. The presentation of the award gave me the opportunity to publicly thank my Quota Club and tell several thousand people about Quota. It is through Quota that I have met so many wonderful people—Quotarians in my club, sister clubs, and people in the community. All have enriched my life.

"To remain a member of any club for 25 years, and work hard at times (bunching 1000 bunches of flowers to sell on Mother's Day), must say something for that organization. Since I joined Quota, I have nominated many members. Out of a membership of 33, 12 have been nominated by me. The governor of District 40 (2003-2004) and the 2004-2005 president I introduced as members. Whether I'm responsible or not for others joining, one of my pleasures in Quota is watching members grow in confidence and enthusiasm. I hope it is my love and enthusiasm for this great service club that has prompted them to join.

"I've had the opportunity to attend district conferences, area meetings, and conventions. District 40 is huge in area, so as governor, I had to travel long distances to visit clubs. Quotarians are very hospitable, and I was always welcomed by a Quotarian as her guest. The high point of my life as a Quotarian was being able to attend convention in Singapore when I was governor and receiving the President's Award. This I considered a district award, but it is part of my story.

"Writing this, I've concentrated on the present, but it is past Quotarians who have built Quota. Past Quotarians from this club and other clubs helped me grow as a Quotarian. They, along with Quotarians of other nationalities, have made Quota what it is today. This is part of 'My Story.' Quota International is 'Their Story.'"

Verna Stewart, Past International President, QI of Armidale, New South Wales

"Quota International opened up a whole new window of opportunity that enriched my life. I have so many friends worldwide who have a passion for service and friendship, sharing their talents and love. I have traveled to places that I would have never ventured to in a normal life, and I have seen and done things that would have never crossed my pathway had I not been a member of this great organization.

"Sharing and being involved in the Club-to-Club projects has been my passion, but also to work locally, regionally, and internationally in helping people in all other programs has fulfilled a need in my soul. Bringing a smile to a child's face and giving hope to families as a unified group fulfills my heart, as this would not have been possible as a single entity."

Ursula Mundstock, QI of Glen Innes, New South Wales

"I just read the invitation to attend Glen Innes' Quota Changeover on May 21, 2004. Another year has gone and we can look back on achieving what we set out to do.

"When I joined Quota 28 years ago, I expected to go to Quota dinner once a month and have another function in the second half. It didn't turn out like that, and I always look forward to our dinner meetings when we talk about the things that happened and build things for the future. That is the beauty of living in a country town. Everyone has heard of Quota, there are parks with the Quota name, swimming pools with Quota sunshades, senior citizens' homes with clocks donated by Quota, and many more things that were worked for and donated by Quota.

"When I asked my husband 28 years ago if he minded me joining Quota, he was delighted. It is not only what you can do for Quota, but what Quota can do for you, he said. I lost my husband 15 years ago, and Quota has filled the need in me to do things he would have liked me to do.

"Quota was chartered the year I was born and I always looked on myself as being a 'Quota baby.' I hope Quota will live on for another 85 years to look after people like myself and do things for people wherever they are in this world."