June 23, 2025
The South Burnett Toastmasters Club celebrated its 35th birthday last week with a small celebration during its annual changeover night at the Kingaroy RSL Club.
The club, which promotes public speaking skills, first met in May 1990, upstairs at the Club Hotel in Kingaroy Street, Kingaroy.
The foundation members who joined that month were Paul Blake, Susan Browning, John Cross, Dave Green, Steve Gusthart, Karen Holtge, Peter Manwill, Laura MacDougall, John Petersen, Dennis Phethean, Peter Ruscoe, Mark Sullivan, Peter Torkington, Geoff Trebilco, Alex Walters, Malcolm Westaway, Graham Williams, Joy Woodbridge and Peter Zielonka.
Many photographs of these early members were hung along the wall in the Anzac Room as part of the birthday celebration.
A highlight of the evening was when longest-serving member Rod Morgan, from Nanango, delivered the 35 Year Celebration Speech, which outlined some of the club’s history.
After the Club Hotel, meetings shifted to the Commercial Hotel in Haly Street, then the Girl Guides Hut in Mant Street and the 1938 Council Chambers before moving to the Anzac Room at the Kingaroy RSL Club in 2007.
Rod then joined the club’s latest member, Sandra Hagan, from Merlwood, in cutting the birthday cake.
Outgoing president Arlene Byrne and incoming president Anitta Stallwood also delivered speeches.
Special guests at the celebration included incoming Toastmasters International Area 28 Director Robinlyn Sinclair, from Wondai, and South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff.
The South Burnett Toastmasters Club meets from 7:00pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month at the Kingaroy RSL Club.
Rod Morgan would have to be the best dressed male in the South Burnett? Always a picture of sartorial elegance! (Love the vest Rod!)
Thanks Barry. Having seen you in a navy suit, crisp white shirt and tie, and highly polished black shoes, I deem this a high compliment.