Brisbane Catholic Bushwalking Club

The Brisbane Catholic Bushwalking Club Inc is a prominent bushwalking club in South-East Queensland, offering diverse walking programmes and active social activities. Established in 1958 and incorporated in 1992, the club conducts bushwalks in the local area and sometimes ventures further afield. Most walks take place on weekends, with some occurring on weekdays to cater to different schedules.

The primary aims of the club are to respectfully access wilderness areas and promote the appreciation of nature. The Brisbane Catholic Bushwalking Club prides itself on being a friendly and welcoming community where lasting friendships are formed. The spirit of generosity is reflected in the sharing of walking experiences amongst members. The club also seeks to nurture the spirituality of its members through encounters with the natural world and the joy of walking.

Three annual religious celebrations are held in the Catholic tradition, while the club operates according to Christian values of inclusiveness and kindness.

General Meetings are held quarterly, usually on the third Monday of February, May, August, and November. These meetings provide an opportunity for members to gather and discuss club matters. Guest speakers occasionally offer presentations on various relevant topics. The Annual General Meeting takes place in February.

Meetings are held at Little Kings Hall, located at 33 O'Keefe Street, Buranda. Visitors are welcome to attend three walks before becoming a member, and children may participate under the supervision of parents or guardians.

Communication within the club is facilitated through the monthly Club Magazine, Jilalan. Members receive electronic copies of the magazine, but printed copies are also available for purchase. Jilalan contains information about upcoming walks, contact details of walk leaders and committee members, and relevant updates.

The club badge represents Mt Barney, a campfire, and Mary, with the Latin motto "Duce Maria” meaning “Mary, Our Leader. ” Our Lady of the Way is the club's patron saint.

Membership is open to bushwalkers over the age of 18 who support the club and its values, regardless of their faith. To become a member, two walks must be completed before submitting a membership application to the Management Committee. Members pay an annual subscription fee in addition to the cost of each club event they attend. Catholics apply for Ordinary Membership, while others can apply for Associate Membership.

Associate members do not have voting rights or the ability to hold committee positions.

The membership fees for 2020 are $25 for Ordinary Members and $21 for Associate Members. Pro rata rates are available for new members who join during the year. Membership fees cover the period from January 1st to December 31st, with renewals due by the end of February each year. Members who opt to receive a printed copy of Jilalan will be charged an additional $25, while Life Members and Honorary Members receive complimentary copies.

The Brisbane Catholic Bushwalking Club also places importance on spirituality, aiming to provide for the spiritual welfare of its members. The club is under the umbrella of the Catholic Church, and prayer is included in General Meetings. Two club masses are celebrated each year, including the Annual Mass in February.

For more information and to get involved, interested individuals can contact the Brisbane Catholic Bushwalking Club through their email address briscathbushclub@yahoo. Com. au or by writing to PO Box 31, Red Hill, Q 4059.