Life Members

Jenny Currie

Jenny's cycling journey with the Club began in late 1993 when she moved to the Sunshine Coast and, missing the comradery of other cyclists to ride with, she placed a classified advertisement in the Australian Cyclist Magazine seeking others interested in starting a bicycle touring club in the area. Along with sole respondent Garry James, and a handful of work colleagues she had harangued into joining, the first ride departed Eudlo on Sun 20 March 1994. The club slowly grew in membership and later that year went on to become legally incorporated as the Sunshine Coast Bicycle Touring Club, laying the foundation for the thriving cycling community we know today.

Jenny may no longer ride with the club having moved to the northern end of the coast more than a decade ago, but she has continued to cycle tour, as she has since the 1980's, having toured extensively in Australia, Europe, the UK (End to End) and most often returning to New Zealand. Most recently, she enjoyed gravel touring the Central West Cycle Trail in NSW.

Jenny says that "one of my best memories of riding with the club was that we had cyclists of all ages and abilities riding and socialising together. At one stage our youngest member was 16 years old and the oldest around 80 years young with all ages in between; riding together on such an array of bikes: touring, hybrid, racing and mountain bikes and everyone was encouraged and no-one was left behind."

It was also through the Club that in 2000 Jenny met her future husband, Ray Smith —another example of the friendships and connections the Club has fostered.

Jenny's Life Membership recognises her pivotal role in the Club's beginnings and her ongoing passion for cycling and community.

Robyn Vardy 

Robyn has always played an important part in the life of our Club, often in the background, helping to create the sense of community that members value so much. 

She recalls helping out with the monthly morning teas after rides, much like Helen and Michael do today. 

During her time, Robyn was also closely involved in planning ride routes, working alongside Helen Gavigan and David Robinson to decide where the Club would start and finish its rides. These contributions, though modest in her eyes, were central to keeping the Club organised and welcoming.

Robyn is quick to downplay her role, saying she simply enjoyed being part of the Club. But her dedication and support did not go unnoticed. In recognition of her commitment, Robyn was awarded Life Membership. Reflecting on this honour, Robyn says:

"I am honoured to have received Life Membership, though I'm not sure I really deserved it."

Her humility speaks volumes about the spirit of service and community that defines our Life Members. 

Paul Glass

Paul has been a cornerstone of the Sunshine Coast Bicycle Club, giving countless hours of service and support. 

For nearly 14 years (and 14 AGMs) Paul served as the Club's Treasurer, only recently handing over the role and taking a well-earned rest. 

During that time, he guided the Club's finances with care and dedication, including the challenging period of Covid, helping ensure everything was kept on track.

Beyond his financial stewardship, Paul is an active rider, regularly joining the weekly rides and often leading from the front. 

Known for his steady support and helpful nature, Paul embodies the spirit of generosity and commitment that defines our community.

His Life Membership is a fitting recognition of his long service and the lasting contribution he has made to the Club.

Vince Whitburn

As one of the first members of our Club, Vince played a vital role in shaping its character and ensuring it stayed true to its core values of social riding, friendship, and fun.

Vince is a natural leader on the bike, guiding rides through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and helping members discover new parts of Queensland on touring adventures. Beyond the rides themselves, he was just as committed to building camaraderie off the bike. 

Vince introduced the much-loved after-ride sausage sizzles, arriving with his trailer and a generous spirit that made everyone feel welcome.

Over the years, Vince has also been a rock of support for the Club's community efforts. He has stood alongside Mary Long for many years in the Cycle of Giving, lending his time, energy, and enthusiasm to a cause that reflects the Club's values.

Vince's Life Membership recognised his lasting impact on the spirit and traditions of the Club—contributions that helped lay the foundation for the community we enjoy today.

Helen & Michael Gavigan  

Helen and Michael have each given tirelessly to the Sunshine Coast Bicycle Club, contributing in ways that have strengthened both its community spirit and its riding culture.

Helen served as President for two years from 2013, later continuing as Vice President, providing steady leadership and guidance. 

Together, Helen and Michael carried on the after-ride tradition started by Vince Whitburn, offering riders a welcoming sausage sizzle and coffee on a regular basis. Their efforts behind the scenes—planning, preparing, and running the After Ride Social Event (ARSE)—have brought warmth, good humour, and friendship to countless Club gatherings.

Michael has also played an important role on the bike, serving for many years as a ride coordinator and continuing to support and lead rides with dedication. Both Helen and Michael are always ready to lend a hand at Club events, embodying the spirit of generosity and camaraderie that makes our Club so special.