The Easterly Vol 51 # 13 (Sep 22, 2026)

Week Ending 23rd September 2026

1. Weekly Meeting Highlights and Guest Speaker

Last Thursday’s weekly meeting featured guest speaker Geoff Kapernick, who delivered an insightful presentation titled “My Other Interests – AED Refresher and Changes in First Aid.”

Members greatly appreciated the practical information and timely update on automated external defibrillators (AEDs), as well as the changes to current first-aid procedures.

Looking ahead to this Thursday, 24 September, we look forward to welcoming Annette Scott, CEO of Toowoomba Base Hospital, who will provide an update on hospital developments and upcoming healthcare initiatives in our region.

2. Community Service and Hands-On Projects

Our members continue to demonstrate their commitment to hands-on service projects throughout the region.

Flexi School Working Bee:

Special thanks to Ron Bowden, Geoff Kapernick, Phil Gillam, Mark Redmond, Danny Rush, and Henry Campey & Peter Nalder for their hard work during the working bees at the Flexi School. Their efforts included painting, cleaning, and general yard maintenance.

The project is progressing well, and every contribution is valued. Members are encouraged to come along and assist Ronnie and Phil in any way they can. Your attendance and support, in whatever form, will be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou to Burke Industries PTY LTD, for their contribution of Man & Machine at the flexi school on the 22/09/2026. ( Thanks Andy Burke)

Toowoomba Hospice Grounds Maintenance:

Our team continues to provide regular volunteer care for the grounds and gardens at Toowoomba Hospice, helping to maintain a clean, peaceful, and welcoming environment for patients and their families.

3. Membership Development

All members are encouraged to support our membership growth by bringing along a friend, colleague, or associate who may enjoy Rotary.

If you know someone who would appreciate the fellowship, service opportunities, and community connections that Rotary offers, please invite them to attend one of our weekly meetings or social gatherings. This will give them an opportunity to learn more about the benefits of Rotary and the work of the Rotary Club of Toowoomba East.

4. Upcoming Events and Key Dates

• 24 September 2026: Guest Speaker Annette Scott, CEO of Toowoomba Base Hospital – Update on hospital developments

• 1 October 2026: Thursday Evening Social Meeting, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm

• 2 October 2026: Bunnings North BBQ Fundraising Event, 7:00 am–4:30 pm

• 8 October 2026: Guest Speaker Cindy Nicollet, Founder of KindHer Threads –

• 22 October 2026: Educational Lunch and Vocational Visit at Toowoomba West Special School, 12:00 pm–2:00 pm

Peter J. Nalder

President

Rotary Club of Toowoomba East Inc.

2026–2027

Club News

Roving Ross from Africa

Now in Kenya having visited Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls, then Tanzania to visit the Serengeti at several safari lodges, and now Kenya near Kilimanjaro where there are over 1,000 elephants in the park. The sights and animals/ birds are incredible. We have see the start of the great migration, balloon ride seeing lions, giraffes, and thousands of wildebeest, zebra, antelope, giraffe etc all moving in unison - incredible. At some lodges we had to be escorted between our rooms and the dining room as the lodges are in unfenced parks and we have had a lion and an elephant less than 20 metres away from us When the escort says stand still, that’s exactly what you do. We head to Nairobi tomorrow (gratefully by aircraft as the roads can be really dodgy). I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.

The Easterly Vol 51 # 13

Meeting held on 17th Sept