ROTAGAS
From the President
Mitchell Club throws down the challenge. It was great to head out to Mitchell to celebrate their annual Changeover, where Gary Birkett has once again stood up to take on the President's chair. But the Mitchell Club had a surprise in store for those of us who made the trip — the club has doubled in size, inducting three new members on the night and taking a club that was recently floundering at three members to a healthy six. Immediate Past District Governor Mark Williams was on hand to officiate, welcoming three new Rotarians into Rotary International — a genuinely momentous occasion for a small country club, and a timely challenge to the rest of us.
It was a wonderful night of fellowship, with Scott, Paul, Sally and Isabella making the journey to represent Roma. Win Salmon from St George kept the evening rolling as MC — and with a continuous stream of fish drifting across the big screen behind him, we joked we'd wandered into the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach by mistake. Our thanks to Mitchell for having us.
A special mention to our Public Image Director, Sally, who was in charge of photos on the night and did an outstanding job — she even sorted us all out at the end, setting up a photo area that got a good workout from everyone. The results speak for themselves below.
— Scott McDonell, President
Photos
Correspondence
Incoming
- Andrew Davidson (Maranoa Regional Council) — request for a walk-through of the Park
- Chantelle James (Lock the Gate) — promoting the "Cost of Gas" campaign
- Palms International Volunteering — newsletter
- PDG Stephen Humphreys (Australian Rotary Health) — ARH Chairman's Gala Dinner invitation
- Melissa Barter (Camp Quality) — request to cook breakfast, Tuesday 27 October
Outgoing
- Andrew Davidson (Maranoa Regional Council) — request for an update
- Melissa Barter (Camp Quality) — request for a breakfast budget
- Greg Gibson — checking whether he has a copy of the design for the Park
THE MINUTE
Business of the meeting.
Previous Business
CIVIQ water fountain — Bryan Payne memorial. Ongoing An opportunity has opened through Andrew Davidson (Operations Manager, Roma & Surrounds, Maranoa Regional Council): Council has a small number of quality drinking fountains, one of which could potentially be placed at Rotary Park. If it proceeds, the club would cover installation and place a separate memorial board for Bryan alongside it. We're awaiting further information from Council, and a meeting with Andrew and the board has been requested. Remains in Previous Business until completed.
Engine Room signage. Ongoing Signasaurus have ordered the signage for the Engine Room; we're now awaiting the material for installation. Mark Nicholls will update the club once it arrives and we're ready to proceed. Remains in Previous Business until completed.
Zone 8 redistricting ballot. Ongoing Club members have agreed to the redistricting. We're now awaiting Mackenzie's return to submit the club's ballot. Remains in Previous Business until completed.
General Business
Camp Quality esCarpade — breakfast request, Tuesday 27 October. Camp Quality has asked whether the club can put on breakfast for their esCarpade motoring fundraiser when it rolls through Roma on Tuesday 27 October. It's a big one — around 200 participants across 80 vehicles — and they're after a simple, hearty feed: bacon-and-egg rolls, yoghurt and fruit, and cereal if practical. They'll source their own coffee cart for tea and coffee. The morning runs early: bump-in from 6:20 am, entrants arriving from 6:45, breakfast from 7:00, briefing at 8:00 and the group away by 8:20. The venue is still to be confirmed and they're happy to work in with whatever suits us. Camp Quality has a modest budget to put toward costs and would be grateful for any in-kind support on top. We've written back requesting a budget figure so the club can weigh it up — a great chance to welcome visitors to town and support kids facing cancer and their families.
Surat Diggers' Race Day — call for helpers, Saturday 12 September. Win Salmon from St George has asked whether any of our members are available to lend a hand at the Surat Diggers' Race Day on Saturday 12 September, where the St George club will be running the food stall (selling only). I've flagged that with the Santos Festival of Rugby the very next weekend, two events back-to-back may be a stretch for us — but I'll ask Riley and Isabella if they're free. If you're available, or know someone who might be keen, let me know and I'll pass it on to Win.
Members Draw & Raffles
A clean sweep by the Dores' — Des took out the Members Draw and the jackpot (though the Joker stayed hidden), and Eileen won Heads & Tails.
What's On
Santos Festival of Rugby — 18–19 September, Roma
We're running the burger van on the Saturday — come grab a feed and support the club. The festival returns to Roma for a third year (Santos, with Queensland Rugby Union & NSW Rugby Union) on the freshly upgraded turf at Gallas Fox Park: Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs, three Women's Rugby Sevens matches, a Reds v Waratahs Under-19s clash, a free Classic Wallabies juniors clinic, and a Vintage Reds v Vintage Tahs 10s.
Surat Diggers' Race Day — Sat 12 September
Win Salmon from St George has asked whether any of us can lend a hand at the Surat Diggers' Race Day, where the St George club is running the food stall (selling only). It's the weekend before the Santos Festival of Rugby, so two in a row may be a stretch — but if you're free, or know someone who'd be keen, let Scott know and he'll pass it on to Win.
Jim Baker Medal — Maranoa Business Awards, 10 October
The date's locked for the 13th Maranoa Business Awards (presented by RCAT) — Saturday 10 October. We're now advertising the Jim Baker Medal for Vocational Excellence to businesses across the Maranoa, presented each year at the awards. Nominations are open to the public — get one in for someone whose work makes the region stronger.
Number Plate Raffle — win "RTY 001"
Your chance to win the prestigious "Rotary in Motion" personalised Queensland number plate — RTY 001 — a rolling statement of commitment to Rotary. Proceeds support the club's Windeward Bound youth voyages.
- Tickets: $5 each, or 5 for $20
- Draw: Father's Day, Sunday 6 September 2026
- Contact: Chris Ellis — 0419 487 737 · chris.ellissbhrotary@gmail.com
Camp Quality esCarpade — Breakfast Stopover, Tue 27 October
Camp Quality's esCarpade motoring fundraiser rolls into Roma on Tuesday 27 October, and we've been asked to put on breakfast for the crew — around 200 participants across 80 vehicles. It's an early one (arrivals from 6:45 am, away by 8:20) and a great chance to welcome visitors to town while supporting kids facing cancer. Venue and budget are still being confirmed — if you can lend a hand on the morning, let the committee know.
District 9620 Conference 2027
Registrations are now open! Join Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, Youth Exchange participants and friends from across the district for an inspiring weekend of connection, learning and celebration. 12–14 March 2027 · The Pavilion Conference & Reception Centre, Gympie. Theme: Impact • Empower • Create.
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