Earlier this week, on Monday 09 February, Henry C, Steve D and I visited the Rotary Club of Toowoomba to hear Paul Olds, Executive Officer of the People First Bank Foundation, speak about the Foundation’s operations and the causes it supports. It was an informative presentation, outlining a structured grant program focused on strengthening local communities through practical, well-governed funding partnerships. There appears to be genuine scope for our club to consider an application on behalf of one of the causes we already support, which is worth exploring further.
Attending another club’s meeting is always worthwhile. It provides a useful mirror, allowing us to reflect on our own practices, energy and engagement. It is also a reminder that we are part of a broader Rotary network in Toowoomba, where ideas, collaboration and mutual support can strengthen outcomes for everyone. Often a small insight picked up elsewhere can spark something valuable at home.
On Thursday we visited Hope Horizons and toured the Jenny Black Cancer Wellness Centre. Many of us had previously heard the Centre’s GM, Rachel Carter, speak about the vision and development of the facility; seeing it firsthand brought that vision into sharp focus. The Centre provides a calm, purpose-built space offering support services for individuals and families navigating cancer, including counselling, wellness programs and practical assistance.
It would be unusual if cancer had not touched members of our club in some way, whether personally, through family, friends or colleagues. Facilities like this remind us that beyond treatment, there is a deep need for community, dignity and holistic care. The work being done at the Centre is compassionate, professional and quietly powerful. It was encouraging to see such a high-quality service operating in our own backyard.
The week concluded on a lighter note with a social afternoon at Matho’s place, where participants learned about gin, its production and, importantly, sampled the results. The standing instruction was clear: do not drive.
This Thursday’s meeting returns to the Downs Club and will be chaired by VP Peter, as I will be in Emerald for work.
Club News
Pallets loaded on the truck by Alex and Peter N (thanks for the forklift driver staff) ready to be taken to RARE on Saturday by Colin and Peter N (See Photos Below)
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
Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Adrian Bonica, Rod Brilliant, Rod Brown, Peter Burrows, Jim Charlton, Col Davidson, Shane Fisher, Graham Christensen, Lex Franks, Andrew Kratzman, Peter McLoughlin, Mark Redmond, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Ross Watt, Mark Winter
