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     Club News

• Two highly successful Guess Who's Coming to Dinner 2026 events were held recently, many thanks Lorelle for organising and to Lorelle / John and Ian / Susan for hosting. The above photo captures dinner at the Stanisic's, which I am sure was a culinary masterpiece;  

• A highly instructive presentation was delivered recently by Suzanne Burow, on the work delivered by the Board of Professional Engineers Queensland and how their regulatory system works. A big thank you to Suzanne for enlightening us on why bridges (and many other structures) don't (usually) fall over thanks to the Registered Professional Engineers Queensland (RPEQ) system;

• Bob M is considering producing a Village Pump article, which highlights the significant contribution that the RCSV has made to Samford Village and the surrounding area over the last 45 years. One of the aims of such copy is to market the great local works that the RCSV has delivered over many years and hopefully encourage interested parties to consider joining the club; 

• In a similar vein, Rob R has agreed to write an article on the contribution that Ian Spiller has made to the RCSV over many years - it is so important that Ian's great work over this period is not forgotten;

• Drakes Loyalty Bar codes - whenever you shop at Drakes, please get them to scan your Drakes Loyalty Fundraising Bar code - if you do not have one, please badger Bob M for one. The funds that we have raised by this process will be broadcast by Drakes in July 2026;

• ANZAC Commemoration wreaths were laid at both Samford State School and ANZAC Avenue of Honor by Paul J as part of these remembrance services on ANZAC day. This is the first time that we have been invited to Samford State School for this event; 

• Tri-District (D9560, D9620 and D 9640) 2026 Conference - Darryl I and Paul J attended the District Conference 2026 this year at Pacific Pines Hotel, Gold Coast. A highly successful three-day event included presentations from Past District Governors and the Emerald Royal Flying Doctor Service – they raised ~$1M for a patient transfer facility, which enables covered ambulance-to-plane transfers. In addition, a Mackay Community initiative to address domestic violence awareness via a large march through Macay Town Centre was organised. A presentation was also provided on the great work that Rotary Blood Bikes QLD provide. Volunteer motorbike riders transport blood from receiving centers to hospitals and airports, often through busy traffic;

• Short Term Youth Exchange Program (STEP) - a German student, Lina Holz is scheduled to arrive in Australia in July 2026 and complete her exchange by Sep 2026. A suitable host family and school are in the process of being organised by the District Co-ordinator (Bernie Wilson). Carol Robinson (with Rob Robinson as support) has agreed to be a Counsellor for Lina;

• Cluster Meetings - the Risely Cluster (of which we are a part) is moving its monthly meetings to North Lakes, in response to changes in club zoning. Paul J will report back on June's Meeting at this new venue;

• Bob M will attend a time-capsule opening event in Dayboro soon. This time capsule was buried twenty-five years ago and it will be interesting to see what is unearthed. 

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• Bob M and Janelle Y are awaiting feedback re our Bendigo Bank Community Grant Application for further Rail Trail developments. A decision on the outcome of this application, is expected in June 2026. The above image captures RCSV members installing a plaque along the rail trail;

• Bushcare - the next Bushcare event will be held on 06 June 2026 at Undambi Park. Bob M advised that we need to increase numbers for these sessions, if we are to retain support from the City of Morton Bay for this initiative. Good numbers are also needed to maintain the momentum of works at this Bushcare site;

• The Samford Playgroup Fort has now been renovated, thanks to a RCSV contribution of AUD $ 2, 500. Bob M continues his engagement with both the local Playgroup and Kindergarten in order to identify potential, younger members to the club. The Samford Playgroup has recently published an article in the Village Pump on their playgroup infrastructure upgrades and has thanked us for our financial contribution to this project;

• The next Village Bowls session will be held on 08 Oct 2026 and it is anticipated that the RCSV will field a winning team !;

• Pride of Workmanship Award 2026 - a list of awardees is being developed and considered by the Board. Hopefully, a suitable candidate will be announced in the near future.

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