Talking about love doesn’t always come easily to men, especially among peers. We are often more comfortable with action than language, yet love is present in this club in ways impossible to miss. It appears as loyalty, friendship, and quiet service - shown in how we show up when it matters and in small gestures that carry more weight than any speech.
Over the past couple of weeks, I have seen a lot of love in this club. Not the sentimental kind, but the practical, steady kind that wraps its arms around club members who are grieving, who are facing health scares, or who simply need some support navigating tough news. I’ve seen it too in the lighter moments, as we celebrate life’s milestones, and in the way we tease, encourage, and look out for one another. I have been genuinely moved by the care and concern - the love - shown by members of this club towards one another. It says something important about who we are, and it is no wonder we call ourselves the Greatest Little Rotary Club in the World.
Our activities are ramping up after the break. Last Thursday’s relaxed social meeting was a terrific way to ease into the year. We were pleased to welcome Andrew Burrows, his sister Dani (from Garden City), and Petrea R, bringing our gathering to twenty-two. The conversation was lively, the laughter generous, and the birthday singing was, as ever, poor in quality but loud in volume. I was touched; thank you.
Looking ahead, our first Bunnings BBQ of the year is next Friday, 16 January. I am particularly pleased Tony J secured this venue, given how long it has been since we’ve had a spot there. On Saturday morning (17 Jan), Ronnie B will lead a working bee at Flexi School. If you can assist, please let him know.
Lastly, our first official meeting for the year is this Thursday (15th) at lunchtime at the Downs Club. See you there.
Club News
The Dinner which was 3rd Prize in the raffle for OBG has taken place. Everyone agreed it was the best 3rd prize ever. Thanks Craig!!!!!
Working Bee for Flexi School 17th Jan Please contact Ron Bowden for Details
Mark your diaries, phones or calendars!
Two upcoming social events are booked in.
Friday 23rd of January from 5pm at the Federal Hotel in James Street for a drink and or dinner. No cost and RSVP will be required in January. A good opportunity to bring a friend who maybe interested in Rotary along.
Sunday 15th February from 3pm to 5pm at Matho’s place, 11 Belgium St, South Toowoomba. A gin tasting to answer questions like tonic or soda, is there a sipping gin, how is gin made etc. There will be snacks provided. Cost to be confirmed in January and numbers will be limited to 22 people. Club members get priority, but the event will be opened to non-members in early February if not full.
Cheers Craig
Attended by 22 members and partners.
Gary - welcomed members to 2026,
- thanks all who attended 2 funerals on the day, condolences to family & friends
Tony - has the final roster for Bunnings BBQ on Friday 16.1.2026 @ North
Ron - spoke about the upcoming working bee at Flexi School
Fellowship was the main focus of the evening, enjoyed by all who attended.
Photos attached
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 18.12.2025
Cam Ashmore, Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Ron Bowden, Rod Brilliant, Andy Burke, Peter Burrows, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Col Davidson, Steve Davis, Shane Fisher, Lex Franks, Peter Hardwick, Geoff Kapernick, Andrew Kratzmann, John Liley, Conor Martin, Craig Mathieson, Peter McLoughlin, Mark Redmond, Gav Roberts, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Matt Wentzel, Mark Winter
Apologies 08.01.2026 Sports Club
Rod Brilliant, Andy Burke, Pete Burrows, Phillip Charles, Col Davidson, Shane Fisher, Roger Klaassen, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith
