Domestic violence has a serious impact in our community, and it’s an issue our club has chosen to tackle through action. Over recent years, we’ve supported a range of local initiatives that raise awareness, provide resources to those affected, and promote prevention at the grassroots level.
Many will remember the “Say NO to Domestic Violence” walk held in the lead-up to last year’s District Conference, with PP Alistair W one of the key drivers behind the initiative. Funds raised supported organisations including It’s A Man’s Issue, with founder Curtis Rayment receiving a cheque at one of our meetings. We have also supported Protea Place on multiple occasions, backing practical assistance for women in crisis.
AG Wendy advised us of the latest initiative under the Wilkinson Cluster. A District Grant has been secured to train mentors in the Bystander Program. This program equips people with the tools and confidence to safely intervene when they see, hear, or sense that something is not right, whether that relates to domestic violence, sexual violence, bullying, harassment, or discrimination. It is about empowering ordinary people to take appropriate, safe action rather than looking the other way.
The level of interest in the room was encouraging, and I doubt we will struggle for volunteers when training is held on 9–10 April. Further details will follow.
On Friday 6 March, Zonta are holding an International Women’s Day luncheon and some of the proceeds will be used to help support this program. A club wide email has already been sent (23 Feb) providing details. Please consider attending if you are able.
Director Ross W also reminded us about the DV Safe Phone program. Donated mobile phones are repurposed for victims escaping violence, recognising that perpetrators often confiscate, damage, or monitor devices. A clean, safe phone can be a lifeline. Phones can be dropped at Heritage Bank branches and local MP offices.
We also heard Part 1 of Roger K’s presentation on Artificial Intelligence. A vast topic, both fascinating and unsettling, and we look forward to Part 2.
This Thursday we return to something less confronting, our evening meeting at the Sports Club. Wives, partners, and friends are very welcome.
See you there.
Club News
Thank you, Rusty and Signs n Lines, for the great job.
A fee will apply to any member late with an apology regardless of whether the number attending on the meeting day of the meeting is over, under or equal to what the Club Secretary submitted to the Downs Club. This fee will only apply to meetings at the Downs Club or any other club meeting where attendance numbers have to be stipulated prior to the meeting.
A Club member will be charged a meal fee of $20 if they
fail to submit any apology before 11am on Tuesday for the meeting the following Thursday (48 hrs later)
need to submit a late apology due to changed circumstance.
Fail to show up after indicating they would be present.
The members owing a fee of $20 will notified by the Club Secretary and Club Treasurer via an emailed
Late apology fee notice.
The fee can be paid by direct credit into the RCTE Club account or by adding $20 to the $35 meal fee at the next club meeting
Apologies 26.02.2026
Cam Ashmore, Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Adrian Bonica, Ron Bowden, Rod Brilliant, Rod Brown, Peter Burrows, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Col Davidson, Steve Davis, Lex Franks, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Andrew Kratzmann, Russell Manns, Peter McLoughlin, Gav Roberts, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Mark Winter, Rob Youman
Apologies 05.03.2026
Ron Bowden, Rod Brilliant, Rod Brown, Peter Burrows, Graham Christensen, Bob Cheesman, Col Davidson, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Russell Manns, Peter McLoughlin, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith,
Toowoomba Sports Club
