Thursday’s meeting marked a high-point for our club - two new members were inducted: welcome Rob Youman and Conor Martin to the Greatest Little Rotary Club in the World. Membership remains one of the greatest challenges for Rotary, so to induct two in one sitting is a cause for celebration. In the past six months we’ve welcomed four new members, a real sign of momentum and opportunity. Please invite a mate along to a meeting. It is great fun seeing the look on their faces when we sing (if it can be called “singing”) our welcome song.
We were then privileged to hear a powerful, albeit sobering talk from Jules Davey, CEO of Hope For Our Children. Her presentation highlighted the extent of the need facing vulnerable children and families, and the critical role organisations like hers play in offering stability and hope through programs like their Bags of Hope, therapy dogs, and community partnerships. Jules asked our club to consider partnering with Hope For Our Children, and the Board will discuss how we might support their mission.
On Saturday, our wives and partners enjoyed their Christmas lunch. Instead of exchanging gifts among themselves, the ladies each donated a gift for a woman being helped by Protea Place. Our thanks to Gili C and Sue Rees for organising what turned out to be a meaningful and generous event.
To finish the week, Alistair, Roger and I attended the charter dinner for the Rotary Club of Toowoomba Range - a rare opportunity to witness the birth of a new club. It was refreshing to see new energy in the Rotary movement, and pleasing to hear our own club’s early support acknowledged and appreciated during the speeches. We wish the founding members every success.
Lastly, Steve Davies is calling for volunteers to assist with the Hospice Christmas BBQ on Saturday 30 November - help is needed for both setup and running the BBQ. If you are available, please let Steve know.
See you Thursday at the Downs Club for fond reminiscences of our Jock Psaros. Wives and partners are welcome – if you are bringing a guest, please let the Secretary know.
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 20.11.2025 Cam Ashmore, Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Adrian Bonica, Ron Bowden, Rod Brilliant, Andy Burke, Alex Burrell, Peter Burrows, Henry Campey, Phil Charles, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Graham Christensen, John Creedon, Shane Fisher, Lex Franks, Phil Gillam, Dave Groves, Peter Hardwick, Roger Klaassen, Andrew Kratzmann, Russell Manns, Craig Mathieson, Peter McLoughlin, Mark Redmond, Gav Roberts, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Ross Watt, Mark Winter
Apologies 27.11.2025 Cam Ashmore, Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Rod Brilliant, Andy Burke, Pete Burrows, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Graham Christensen, Col Davidson, Steve Davis, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Andrew Kratzmann, Russell Manns, Peter McLoughlin, Mark Redmond, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Mark Winter
