We welcomed Brendan Schumann, a case officer from YouTurn, who gave us an insight into the work the organisation is doing in our own backyard. He was accompanied by Wendy Byron, our AG who also works for YouTurn. Brendan spoke poignantly about assisting an 83-year-old gentleman who had become homeless. I found it hard to imagine the circumstances that lead a person at this stage in their lives to be homeless. It was a human story that brought home why services like YouTurn matter, and why community support counts.
On Sunday we held a small working bee: nine members, one Rotary friend, and a handful of Downlands students. The task was straightforward - load a couple of trailers with books and sports shirts for RARE (Rotary Australia Re-purposing Equipment). We probably had more people than job, which meant plenty of good-natured supervising and a few quick runs with the trolley. The upside was the fellowship. I thought a Sunday lunchtime slot might scare off volunteers, yet mates turned up, made it easy, and enjoyed a yarn while we sorted and lifted. The students contributed quietly and were good company alongside us. It was light work, time well spent, and a tidy result for a good cause.
A quick salute to four of our lads (Geoff S, Henry, John L & Rusty) who helped our friends at the Rotary Club of Toowoomba with Ride the Range. It’s a big day on the city calendar and a major fundraiser for them. Lending a hand there is exactly the sort of quiet inter-club support that keeps Rotary strong across Toowoomba. Geoff, Henry and John also backed up at the working bee. Top effort, men!
Three different moments in one week - listening, helping, giving. None required a magic wand, just availability and a willingness to show up. Thank you to everyone who stepped forward, whether you sat and listened, loaded a box, or waved riders through a checkpoint. Small acts, added together, make a difference.
Lastly, a reminder that this week’s meeting (04-Sept) is a lunchtime meeting at the Downs Club as usual. See you Thursday.
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 28.08.2025
Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Adrian Bonica, Rod Brilliant, Andy Burke, Alex Burrell, Pete Burrows, Phil Charles, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Steve Davis, Shane Fisher, David Groves, Pete Hardwick, Tony Jarroush, Geoff Kapernick, Roger Klaassen, Andrew Kratzmann, Russell Manns, Craig Mathieson, Peter Nalder, Mark Redmond, Gav Roberts, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Ross Watt, Alistair Webb, Matt Wentzel, Mark Winter
