Life Members
The Brisbane Ukulele Musicians Society Inc’s rules of incorporation allow the appointment of two life members each year. Life members are members for life, whose membership fees are waived. They have the same membership rights as ordinary members. Selection of life members is subject to the following conditions.
(a) Life members are nominated and approved by the management committee.
(b) No more than two life members can be nominated and approved each financial year.
(c) To be eligible for life membership, a member must be deemed by the management committee to have made a significant contribution to the Association.
2016
It is with great pleasure that in 2016 the management committee awarded Blair Marks and Gary Collins life membership of the Society, in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
2017
At the 10th Birthday Celebrations, BUMS Inc was thrilled to honour Christine Heinrich and Joann Kunde for their tremendous contribution to BUMS Inc events management, and for their ongoing enthusiasm for, and support of, our performing groups and jams.
2018
This year, past President and festival director, John Henderson, and performing member and uBass player extraordinaire, Cath (Jazz Hands) McCourt, joined the ranks of the BUMS Inc Life Members.
2020
Quiet achiever Keryn Henderson and past President Ian Phillips were awarded Life Membership of BUMS Inc in recognition of their outstanding and dedicated contributions to the BUMS community and activities.
2023
A committee member in many roles, Max Borchardt, and secretary and performer, Peter Grace, were awarded Life Membership of BUMS Inc in recognition of their outstanding and dedicated contributions to the BUMS community and activities.
2024
Sue Sercombe, with over 10 years running the Westside jam, and performer and events organiser, Steve Sandilands were awarded Life Membership of BUMS Inc in recognition of their outstanding and dedicated contributions to the BUMS community and activities.
2025
Linda Gough, with over 10 years running the Ferny Grove jam, and "Mr jam' Andrew Hunt were awarded Life Membership of BUMS Inc in recognition of their outstanding and dedicated contributions to the BUMS community and activities.
Ian Phillips (2020)
Ian Phillips, Life Member 2020 — performing member in The CAGE and A Hint of Rosemary; President (2015-2017); jam set leader and coordinator, workshop presenter, UkeFest innovator, The CAGE band Ian combined presidency (2015–2017) with active musicianship: leading The CAGE and A Hint of Rosemary, coordinating jam sets, presenting workshops and creating a school based UkeFest event. His administrative direction and creative programming expanded BUMS’s musical offerings and educational activities. Although Ian has “retired” he is still active appearing at Jams and occasionally running sets
Keryn Henderson (2020)
Keryn provided steady administration across many roles — Treasurer, Secretary and several festival officer positions from 2012–2019 alongside Gigmeister duties. Her meticulous financial and events work ensured organisational continuity and supported many successful jams and festivals. Karen still appears at Jams from time to time, but is less active as she enjoys retirement
Cath McCourt (2018)
Cath combined musical excellence and mentorship as a stalwart of the BUMS Big Band and other ensembles, a former Gigmeister, u-bass player, bass mentor and workshop leader. Her coaching and performances have lifted ensemble standards and nurtured new players. Cath has remained active in BUMS running WEBUMS from 2021 until 2025 and appearing at many BUMS event and other Jams.
John Henderson (2018)
John’s leadership included terms as President (2012–2015), Festival Director and IT Officer (2015–2017), plus multiple Gigmeister roles. He led bands and sets at Coorparoo and Northside, steering festival logistics and technical systems and raising BUMS’s performance and event standards. John has remained active in BUMS since COVID but is seen less frequently.
Joann Kunde (2017)
Jo combined performance with communications and events: as Media Manager (2012–2021) she promoted BUMS widely, organised major public activities (Brisbane on Parade and the Valentine’s Busk world-record attempt), and led NUMB BUMS, increasing BUMS’s visibility and community outreach. Jo was very active during the COVID pandemic helping run the BUMS on line events. She has since stepped down from a high profile presence in BUMS
Christine Heinrich (2017)
A dedicated performing member and volunteer, Christine served as Assistant Treasurer (2013–2015), organised sets and beginner lessons, and regularly led jam sessions. Her patient teaching and dependable event coordination expanded participation and helped bring new players into the BUMS community. Chrissy has kept a low profile since the 2017 SPRUKE.
Blair Marks (2016)
As Properties Manager (2011–2017), Blair ran equipment and logistics, led jams at Coorparoo, The Joynt, The Scratch Bar and the Paper Moon Cafe, and provided AV advice, services and training. His dependable behind-the-scenes work kept events running smoothly and enabled many successful jams. Blair remains active in BUMS, ruining the Flat Lizard, and regularly performing helping at Jams, concerts and events
Garry Collins (2016)
A founding member who incorporated BUMS, Garry served as Treasurer (2009–2011), authored BUMS songbooks, led the Brisbane Uketet and acted as Gigmeister (2014–2015). His early organisational and musical leadership helped shape the society’s structure, repertoire and public profile. Garry may be seen occasionally at BUMS but has stepped back from an active role.