About

For over 65 years our society has been part of the Sunshine Coast community; a place for people to share their passion for orchids and give back to the community at large.

Our History

On  9th of August 1955 a group of people interested in growing orchids, met with a view to forming an Orchid Society. The Society was formed and named North Coast Orchid Society. We are proud to say we are the oldest established orchid club on the Sunshine Coast.

  • Founded  as North Coast Orchid Society: 9th August 1955

  • Incorporated: 10th July 1986

  • Name Change to Nambour Orchid Society: 9th July 2002

The 50th Anniversary of the Society was celebrated at our Spring show in 2005 where a book on the history of the Society, titled A Blooming Success! North Coast Orchid Society Nambour written by our Patron Benny Alcorn was released.

Dr. Alcorn was patron of the Society from 1997- 2014. A local historian at the time, Benny was the wife of one of the founding members of the Society,  the late Bill Alcorn. Benny moved from her home in Maroochydore to a nursing home in Oakey to be near her daughter Hellen after suffering a devesting stroke. She passed away in December 2021 at the age of 97.

In February 2015 the society elected Rob Wright as patron. Rob was a founding member of the society and participated in the 2005 50th anniversary celebrations. He rejoined as a member in January 2012 along with his wife Margie. Rob passed away in May 2020 1 month short of his 95th Birthday.

The Society had a very successful year in 2015/16, to celebrate 60 years since the formation and inaugural meeting on the 9th August 1955.

We started the year of celebration  at our  Spring Show in September with many visitors attending to see the Spring blooms that are abundant at our show each year for the first weekend of Spring. A birthday cake was made and iced for afternoon tea that was shared with members of visiting societies at the close of the show on the Saturday afternoon.

Our big event for the year was ‘The Diamond Festival of Orchids’ held on the weekend of June 11 & 12. 2016 at Lake Kawana Community Centre, Bokarina. Hosted on behalf of the Sub-Tropical Orchid Council Qld, the triennial event attracted more than 2000 locals and visitors from around the country over the two days. Orchids, Craft, Botanical Art, Floral Art & Fourteen vendors with orchids for sale provided plenty for all to see and do for several hours. Guest speakers spoke on a range of Orchid and Garden topics, spread across the two days. The event was a great success, and we were pleased to be able to give some worthwhile donations to Caloundra Meals on Wheels as our caterers, And also to the Nambour Orchid Society Charity of Choice, Cittamani Hospice Services.

In May 2020 after the passing of our Patron Rob Wright, the Society appointed Graham & Beryl Robertson as joint Patrons. Since 1980, Robertson Orchids has been supplying quality Orchids to both the Orchid Specialist and Orchid loving public. They are both long serving members and life members of Nambour Orchid Society as well as active STOCQ & AOC Judges.

Our Objectives

The objectives of the Nambour Orchid Society are to:

1.  Provide members with a range of opportunities such as monthly meetings, shows, Expos etc., to develop their orchid-growing knowledge and skills and exhibit their plants;

2.  Be an active member of the community in which we operate by growing our community and industry relationships and partnerships;

3.  Have a strong focus on both orchid species and orchid hybrids and promote the protection of native orchid (species) habitats;

4.  Raise funds to benefit club members and the Club’s chosen charities. 

Our Vision & Mission

Vision

The Nambour Orchid Society will operate in partnership with other clubs, industries and the community to increase the understanding of orchid culture.

Mission

The Nambour Orchid Society exists to provide members and affiliates with opportunities, through meetings and shows, to develop and share their orchid-growing knowledge and skills in a friendly, supportive and social environment. 

Our Life Members

The following people have been honoured with Life Membership status for their years of commitment and dedication to our Association.

  • Rod & Jan Aisthorpe

  • Richard Hand

  • Patricia Mann

  • Alan & Alison Parkes

  • Bob & Joan Raabe

  • Mal Rivers

  • Charlie & Gina McMonagle

  • Judy Robbins

  • Graham & Beryl Robertson

  • John Robertson

  • Wayne Harris (deceased)

  • Marty Vlekkert (deceased)

  • Anita Vlekkert

  • Daphne Heaton

  • Rob Wright (deceased)

  • Margie Wright

  • Desmond Middlebrook (deceased)

  • Elaine Middlebrook

 

Our Charity Work

Since our Association’s inception we have had a proud history of giving back to our local community. Most recently this has seen us lend our support - through plant sales and fundraising events - to Cittamani Hospice Services. Through their hospice-at-home and holistic-care programs, they provide much needed end-of-life palliative care to people and families in need. As well as providing essential equipment free of charge, their team also offers 24/7 counselling and support.