Organising a Changeover — the first official milestone for an incoming President — is a baptism of fire. But, true to form, our Club’s volunteers stepped up, delivering a fantastic evening with 69 members and guests celebrating Alistair’s year and welcoming the new Board for 2025–26. My thanks to everyone who helped make it a success.
Congratulations to all our award recipients, especially Geoff Kapernick — the inaugural winner of the Alan Dorr Award for Club Achievement. Geoff once again proved he runs on nuclear power. The volume of good work he does is phenomenal and an example to us all.
The Picnic Point team kept the evening running smoothly, and we were able to thank Julie and Kenny publicly for hosting our Changeovers for the past 20 years. We’d expected this to be the last event there — however, on Saturday I learned a buyer has been found, and Julie and Kenny will remain during the three-week handover.
Whether our 2026 Changeover returns to Picnic Point or moves elsewhere will be decided during the year. Next year though, I'd like to see bookings for the Changeover handled through ClubRunner — it would lighten the load on organisers.
This is an important year. In May 2026, we celebrate our 50th Anniversary. A special milestone — and a moment to ask:
Are we well positioned to thrive into our next 50 years, and continue changing lives for the better?
And what will you do this year to help us get there?
As I said Friday night, we may need bold decisions and endure some discomfort. I value our traditions — they’re our foundation — but we mustn’t let them hold us back.
Looking ahead: the Board will be finalising committees and budgets, moving from Jewells Storage to our container at Tentworld, and activity is gearing up for the Outback Getaway in September.
And this Thursday, our first evening meeting — 6:00 for 6:30 pm at Toowoomba Sports Club. I look forward to seeing you there.
