Rotary’s Rockhampton Keith Ireland Birds of Australia calendar raises $ 250,000 for cancer research

When Keith Ireland first picked up a camera 50 years ago, he never imagined that his hobby would change his life. But when the avid photographer was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, he saw an opportunity to do so.

Over the past decade, Mr. Ireland, now 81, has raised more than $ 250,000 for cancer research by producing an annual bird calendar through the Rockhampton North Rotary Club.

“To date, which counts the new calendar, we have raised more than $ 250,000,” said Mr Ireland.

When the former teacher, who lives in Yeppoon with his wife, joined a growing group of cancer fighters, he wanted to be proactive.

“One of the guys said one night, just as a passing comment, that we had a football team of cancer patients in our club,” he said.

“Someone else said we would have to do some sort of project, which is what I was thinking of doing … and I came up with the idea of ​​a calendar.”

An idea takes flight

In 2010, the first Birds of Australia calendar went on sale.

Since then, the club has donated the proceeds to the Royal Brisbane Hospital Foundation Cancer Research Center and GenesisCare, which specializes in providing cancer care to patients.

“Every year we present the check we collected and Dr. Mike Fay [from GenesisCare] it comes out and tells us what the money was spent on and what kinds of things they did with it, ”said Mr Ireland.

“I think it’s a great thing because everyone knows … how much we’ve helped.”

“I’ve always liked”

Mr. Ireland photographed his first bird while teaching at a school in Callide Valley, near Biloela in central Queensland.

“The kids called me and said, ‘Come over here and take a look at this,’ and there was a frog’s mouth sitting his head up,” he said.

“I waited for the kids to leave, took a picture and thought,” It’s cute, I like it. “

“I sent him away and everyone liked it, so I started and have since left.”

Mr. Ireland, who went on to become a photography teacher, said being able to give back to the community through his passion was fulfilling.

“I’ve always loved photography,” he said.

“[Photographing birds is] a challenge and also a nice person.

Uncertain way to go

Unfortunately, Mr. Ireland’s cancer has returned, so his battle continues.

“I wish they could tell us, ‘Look, we have now found a cure for cancer,'” he said.

“I know there are all different types of cancer and that’s the problem too.”

Mr. Ireland said he will continue to spread joy through his photographs and help in the search for a cure for as long as possible.

“It’s been a little bit more difficult this year because, with COVID, we can’t go to the groups and talk to them and show them … but still, it’s going very well at the moment,” he said.