ROTAGAS
From the President
It has been another week where we've had to say goodbye to a friend of the club, with the passing of Dion Horn. Our thoughts are with his family, and with all the members of QPS and the PCYC who will no doubt be mourning his passing.
We're excited for the chance to attend the Mitchell Changeover this coming weekend, held at the Cambridge Motel in Mitchell. Make sure you RSVP through me, or directly to Gary, if you can attend.
We have some guest speakers lined up over the coming months. Our next will be Craig Tobin, the new Manager of the Maranoa Aquatic Centre. We look forward to an update on progress and to hearing the exciting things he has planned for the region. Craig is a former Rotarian who has travelled extensively with work and has indicated a desire to re-engage with Rotary through our club, and to become a member again. It'll be great to hear what's coming at the new aquatic centre — so be sure to attend the end-of-month meeting at the Engine Room.
I've also been having some exciting conversations with Andrew Davidson, Operations Manager at the Maranoa Regional Council, about our planned and proposed projects — first and foremost the water fountain at the park. An opportunity may have presented itself for a quicker and more cost-effective solution for the fountain, and one that also appropriately honours the memory of Bryan Payne and his contribution to the club and the community through the Drought Relief Program.
— Scott McDonell, President
Dion Horn
It is with great sadness that we farewell our friend, Dion Horn. Dion was a true friend to the Rotary Club of Roma and a tireless contributor to our community. Through his service as a Police Officer, and through the many extended and supporting roles he gave during his time with the PCYC, Dion devoted himself to helping others — and especially to the young people of our town.
Those who worked alongside him knew his generosity, his good humour, and his genuine care for the community he served. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
Vale, Dion — and thank you, for everything.
Correspondence
Incoming
- DG News — District Governor's newsletter
- Australian Rotary Health — newsletter
- Rotary in Review — newsletter
- RISPPO — information on redistricting
- Andrew Davidson (Maranoa Regional Council) — water fountains
- Rotary Club of Mitchell — Changeover invitation
Outgoing
- Mark Nicholls (Signasaurus) — confirming the Engine Room signage update
- Rotary Club of Mitchell — update on attendees
- Andrew Davidson (Maranoa Regional Council) — update on Rotary's planned projects
THE MINUTE
Business of the meeting.
Previous Business
Vehicles donated to the SES. Update The vehicles have now been delivered to the SES. The club is being billed for just the one — the owners of the others have chosen to cover their own costs, even though the club offered to. To be closed out next meeting.
CIVIQ water fountain — Bryan Payne memorial. Update President Scott has spoken with Andrew Davidson (Operations Manager, Roma & Surrounds, Maranoa Regional Council), which has opened a new and cheaper option: Council has a small number of quality drinking fountains, and one could potentially be placed at Rotary Park. If it proceeds, the club would look to cover installation and place a separate memorial board for Bryan alongside it — a great potential win for all. 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. Update 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 with the install. Remains in Previous Business until completed.
Zone 8 redistricting ballot. Update 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
Santos Festival of Rugby — attendance confirmed. We've confirmed the club's attendance at this year's Santos Festival of Rugby (18–19 September), where we'll again be running the burger van on the Saturday. We'll need to prepare well in advance — a roster of available members will be drawn up, so please let the committee know if you can lend a hand on the day.
Members Draw & Raffles
What's On
Rotary Club of Mitchell — Changeover Dinner, Sat 15 August
The Rotary Club of Mitchell has kindly invited us to their Changeover Dinner. We're looking forward to fellowship with Gary and the Mitchell Club — if you're able to come and celebrate, you'd be most welcome.
- When: Saturday 15 August 2026, 6:30 pm for 7:00 pm
- Where: Cambridge Motel Restaurant, Mitchell
- Cost: $50 per seat (main, buffet & dessert) — cash on the night; cash bar available. Please advise any dietary requirements.
- RSVP: as soon as possible — directly to President Gary Birkett (0428 231 130 · garybirkett29@gmail.com) or through Scott.
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.
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
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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