Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to join Thursday’s vocational visit to the Empire Theatre, but from all reports it was an enjoyable visit. The Empire is one of Toowoomba’s cultural gems, and seeing what happens behind the curtain would have given members a new appreciation for the scale of work that keeps the theatre ticking along. Thanks Henry and Tony for organising.
We also took the opportunity to draw the winners for the major prizes of this year’s OBG raffle. Congratulations to Roy Sampson (1st prize), Kieth Mathieson (2nd prize), and Melissa Currell (3rd prize). The OBG is one of our club’s signature community events that is made possible because of the generosity of our sponsors and the people who buy tickets.
Our sincere thanks go to the raffle’s major prize donors:
Wendy Allen of Mobile Travel Agents - 1st prize, 3 nights at the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.
Leanne Gillam of Leanne Gillam Real Estate - 2nd prize, matching pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings
Craig Mathieson - 3rd prize, dinner for 6.
This support helps offset costs, ensuring the funds raised are used entirely for charitable and community purposes. Equally, thanks to everyone who bought a ticket, arm twisted a mate to do so, or helped sell a book - that shared generosity is critical to events such as the OBG.
Vocational visits and projects like the OBG take us out of our weekly routine and remind us why Rotary exists — to learn, to serve, and to build relationships. Whether we’re behind the scenes at a theatre, helping youth at a local school, or raising funds through the OBG, each activity deepens our understanding of the community we serve and strengthens the fellowship within our club.
Next week, we’ll be welcoming the St Saviour’s Interactors for their changeover — always a great opportunity to support and encourage young people finding their feet in leadership. On Tuesday, I’ll be attending Flexishool’s Awards & Graduation Ceremony to present the Toowoomba East Rotary Award to a student who has shown outstanding resilience, determination, and commitment to their education.
Together, these two occasions remind us of the important work our club does in supporting youth in our community.
Club News
Some of the good helpers at Monday 6th October.
BIG Thank you to: (in alphabetical order)
Alistair Webb; Barney Barnett; Doc Smith; Henry Campey; Jim Charlton; John Liley; lea Barnett (special thanks Lea); Peter Hardwick; Rod Brown; Ron Bowden and Steve Davis.
Thank you one and all for giving up part of your long weekend for “Service Above Self” net boost to our service funds $1600.
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 09.10.2025 Dave Birrell, Adrian Bonica, Rod Brilliant, Andy Burke, Peter Burrows, Phillip Charles, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Col Davidson, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Ian Humphrey, Geoff Kapernick, Andrew Kratzmann, Jeff Martin, Peter McLoughlin, Toby Sandell, Allan Schefe, Doc Smith, Paul Stephenson, Mark Winter
Apologies 16.10.2025 Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Adrian Bonica, Rod Brilliant, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Col Davidson, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Peter Hardwick, Andrew Kratzmann, Craig Mathieson, Peter McLoughlin, Toby Sandell, Allan Schefe, Doc Smith, Mark Winter
