Last Thursday night Toowoomba East played host (or more correctly, chief organiser - my thanks to Geoff S and Peter N) for District Governor Mark Williams’ visit. What started as a joint night with Toowoomba North soon grew to include Toowoomba and Toowoomba Range, with AG Wendy also joining the fold. All up, 38 Rotarians gathered — 17 from our own club. DG Mark gave a passionate presentation, speaking on the District Membership Action Plan workshops (Peter N and I attended one in May), promoting the Rotary Leadership Institute training (coming to Toowoomba mid-November), and highlighting the WRIT1999 Critical Thinking course run through UQ for Year 12 students. He also outlined a developing initiative to help non-Rotarians connect with local clubs and volunteer on projects of interest. We’ll watch its progress with interest. The Sports Club looked after us well, and while the formalities were strong, the highlight (as always) was the fellowship and chance to swap stories with our fellow Rotarians.
Speaking of highlights, Ron B once again proved why he’s a club legend by rallying a crew for a two-day working bee at Flexischool. Friday saw Ron, Geoff S, Ross W and Henry C give the back deck a serious scrub — ready for oiling on Saturday. That task fell to seven of us (Ron B, Paul S, Ross W, Mark R, Geoff S, Ian H and myself), ably assisted by Flexi student Millie. Between the banter, the jokes, and the occasional suggestion that someone else’s brush technique wasn’t quite up to standard, the work seemed easy. The deck now looks first-class — and no doubt Flexi will enjoy the results of our elbow grease until we refresh it again next year.
This Saturday the Outback Getaway (OBG) rolls out with 54 adventurers heading for iconic stops including Hebel, Bourke, Louth, Trilby Station and Lightning Ridge. The committee has carried a mountain of planning stress for months — and while the real worry won’t ease until everyone arrives home safely the following weekend, there must be some comfort in seeing plans finally move into action. It’s a huge effort, and the committee deserves our admiration and thanks.
See you Thursday at the Downs Club.
Club News
ROSS white was one of main prposers for Rotary House (under RSL) and later Regents. He died some years ago and we had a tribute to him in Regents..
I spoke to his son about a month ago and Anne was ok then. Family still run DRTV - Downs radio and tv..
Anne was also active and well known to Inner Wheel and ladies of rotary.
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 11.09.2025
Adrian Bonica, Rod Brilliant, Rod Brown, Andy Burke, Alex Burrell, Peter Burrows, Henry Campey, Phillip Charles, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, John Creedon, Col Davidson, Shane Fisher, Phil Gillam, Dave Groves, Andrew Kratzmann, John Liley, Jeff Martin, Peter McLoughlin, Peter Nalder, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Matt Wentzel, Mark Winter
Apologies 18.09.2025
Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Rod Brilliant, Rod Brown, Peter Burrows, Phillip Charles, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Andrew Kratzmann, John Liley, Peter McLoughlin, Peter Nalder, Toby Sandell, Allan Schefe, Doc Smith, Ross Watt, Matt Wentzel, Mark Winter
