The end of the Rotary year has come into view and, as is often the case, the run home is shaping as a busy one. Between now and Changeover, the calendar is filling quickly. First cab off the rank is our Club’s 50th birthday celebration.
Reaching 50 years is a significant milestone for any community organisation. It reflects sustained commitment, relevance, and the collective efforts of generations of members who have contributed their time and energy to serving others. It is something worth recognising and celebrating. Numbers are limited and the response to date has been strong, so if you are planning to attend, I encourage you to secure your place sooner rather than later.
The Club Health and Engagement Survey has now closed. We received 36 responses from 49 invitations, a 73.5% response rate, a strong level of engagement. The feedback will play a key role in guiding the incoming President and Board as they plan for the year ahead, and gives members a genuine opportunity to have their say.
As a snapshot, 36% indicated they are very satisfied, 42% satisfied, 11% neither, and 12% expressed some level of dissatisfaction. There is a solid base to build from, along with clear signals on where attention is required. The results are being prepared for presentation to the Board and will then be shared with members. The critical step that follows is using this information to make considered improvements.
My thanks to Brett Motton who, at short notice, arranged for Georgia Voll from the Australian women’s cricket team to speak to the Club. The feedback I have received is that it was an enjoyable and engaging presentation. Our appreciation goes to both Brett and Georgia.
Also, thanks to Gili C and Sue Rees for organising the Ladies Morning Tea on Saturday morning. These get-togethers are an important way to keep partners connected to the life of the Club and to each other. That sense of inclusion and fellowship strengthens the fabric of our Club.
Finally, it has been brought to my attention that some members’ partners are not receiving the Easterly. You can either forward your copy directly, or use the “Subscribe to Bulletin” link at the bottom of the Easterly and follow the prompts.
RC Toowoomba East - Project at Grace House Siem Reap Cambodia
On Wednesday 8th of April 2026, the RCTE Board approved the proposed project at Grace House. Ann Brownlie is the Chair of the Australian based charity running Grace House spoke to our RCTE meeting on March 26th.
Provisional value of $5000 was agreed for the project including;
Construction of playground / sensory walls
Maintenance projects at the School including painting
Some payment allocated towards student activities / sponsorship
The proposal is to now seek RCTE Rotarians who would like to participate. The aim is to get a party of 10 (5 couples or 3 couples and 4 single Rotarians etc) to travel to Cambodia.
Taking advice from Craig Mathieson the most suitable time for a team to visit Grace House is late January
The proposed travel arrangements are;
good fares with Singapore Airlines exist in late January, $1300 return approx. This is economy value and has 25kg of checked luggage.
The flights leave at 23:45pm and arrive the next day at 09:50am. Short stopover in Singapore
Suggest leave on Thursday 21st January and arrive on Friday morning. Book early check in or even the night before and have Friday as a free day.
Saturday (23rd) and Sunday (24th) doing tourist stuff.
Monday(25th) – Friday(29th) working at Grace House.
Saturday and Sunday (30th and 31st) more tourist stuff.
Fly out Monday 1st at 16:45pm arriving in Brisbane the next day at 07:15am.
Travel costs, accommodation and travel insurance will be paid for personally. Craig Mathieson and Ann Brownlie have organised a deal – see below. Some form of deposit (cost of flights) will be required in the near future to reserve your spot on the team.
The deal that has been put together includes:
Cambodian visa
Return economy airfares
Arrival Transfer
10 nights accommodation (twin/double) with breakfast
4 days of touring with guide and transport
Temple passes
Visits to the local Circus and Apopa Rats
Made in Cambodia Markets
Transport and Lunch for the project at Grace House
Farewell Dinner
Costs are Twin Share/Double Room Total: AU $2750.00 per person and Single Room Total: $3350 per person
The club will sort out the rotary insurance for the work undertaken in Cambodia.
I am actively seeking expressions of interest from those members who would be interested in undertaking this exciting project.
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
Rotary Club of Toowoomba East Day Sheet
Apologies 16.04.2026
Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Adrian Bonica, Rod Brilliant, Rod Brown, Alex Burrell, Peter Burrows, Gary Campbell, Jim Charlton, John Creedon, Col Davidson, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Andrew Kratzmann, Conor Martin, Jeff Martin, Peter McLoughlin, Gav Roberts, Toby Sandell, Ross Watt, Matt Wentzel, Mark Winter
Apologies 23.04.2026
Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Adrian Bonica, Rod Brilliant, Rod Brown, Peter Burrows, Jim Charlton, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Andrew Kratzmann, Jeff Martin, Craig Mathieson, Peter McLoughlin, Gav Roberts, Toby Sandell, Allan Schefe, Doc Smith, Paul Stephenson, Ross Watt, Mark Winter
