Another great meeting with 20 in attendance. This included Guest Speakers Trisha Baisden and Deborah Lanni from Department of Primary Industries, Rotarian Laurie Hamilton from Broadwater Southport, Past District Governor Graham Jones, Lea Rickwood, Partner Pam Hawkins and Honorary Members Kevin O’Brien and Uwe Seifert.
We were treated especially well to an Italian Mediterranean Menu by Chef Kouma which was enjoyed by all. Thanks Kouma.
Pauline Armstrong and Pam Hawkins were the Lucky Door winners. Winners are grinners.
Laurie Hamilton thanked the club for helping out with Rotary Aprons – in a time of need and also spoke about a Petition that is being prepared on the future of Cascade Gardens having formal recognition as a Memorial Park. Details on how to sign the Petition will be provided separately.
Members are reminded of the District Assemblies with our closest being held at Jimboomba on Sunday 29 March 2026. If you are interested in attending, please discuss with incoming President Ron. Also, a further reminder about the Tri District Conference at Royal Pines Golf Club on 1 to 3 May 2026, with registrations closing on 10 April 2026. It is noted that a number of our members are intending to attend across the course of the conference.
Guest Speakers Trisha and Deborah provided an overview of Fire Ant Treatment and issues around the Gold Coast. Special thanks to Deborah who drove to Burleigh Heads for a Projector after the one used by the club ‘blew up.’
Why do we need Fire Ant Treatment?
Cost on Household Impacts $536m
Agricultural losses $381m
Infrastructure damage $250m
Environmental Harm $84m
Fire Ants were first documented in the USA in 1931 and in Australia from 2001.
The infestations in Australia have been introduced from both USA and South America, mainly through our Ports in Containers, used farm machinery and soil type imports.
It is noted that some stings from Fire Ants can be fatal and the ants sting continually from the sting placed on their bottom, which is unlike a bee which can only sting once.
Fire Ants have different nests to native ants and are mainly subterranean and have been known to eat out underground electricity cables and irrigation pipes after using them as a ‘super highway’, with the resultant damage causing infrastructure failure.
Eradication measures are undertaken via Drone, helicopter, airplane and hand-held granulated treatment. The treatment is imported from USA.
This was certainly an interesting and informative talk on Fire Ants.
Jim Hawkins thanked Trisha and Deborah for their presentation.
Our next meeting on Tuesday 7 April (after Easter) will see Honorary Member Rob Borbidge AO as Guest Speaker.
Have a great week.
Pauline and Pam were the lucky door prize winners
