July 18, 2025
Former Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation president Brian Tessmann was formerly inducted as 2025-26 president of the Rotary Club of Kingaroy at their recent changeover dinner.
The Coolabunia farmer was presented with his chains of office by District Governor Sue Mulraney during a ceremony held in the Kingaroy Town Hall Reception Room on June 21.
Retiring 2024-25 president Mark Huston detailed just some of the activities of the club over the past 12 months during his President’s Report:
- Bunnings barbecues which had become a good fundraiser for the club
- The arrival of a new club trailer
- Support for the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation in Vietnam
- Selection of Hamish Mungall as the 2026 Rotary Exchange Student
- Movie night to raise funds for Polio Plus
- Support for the Vanuatu Disaster Relief Fund
- Presentation of Rotary Bursaries at the Kingaroy State High School and St Mary’s Catholic College awards ceremonies
- Supplying 120 meals to the South Burnett Support Alliance as well as donating a microwave
- Support for Project RISE in the Solomon Islands
- Donations to South Burnett Care and the Kingaroy Bowls Club
- Support for the South Burnett Pantry – $5000 a year for three years
- Audit of previously donated community defibrillators to ensure all are in working order
- Support for the Western Qld Flood Appeal
- Providing barbecues and chips at many, sometimes overlapping, local events.
Mark congratulated the Rotary Satellite Club of Kingaroy Sunrise on the successful Training Awards and Pride of Workmanship Awards night in Murgon, and wished incoming Rotary Club of Kingaroy president Brian all the best for his term.
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Incoming president Brian Tessmann said Rotary “changes the world, one good turn at a time” but said the challenge now was to get more members.
There are currently 17 financial members of the club as well as two Active Citizens members from Kingaroy State High School.
During his toast to Rotary International, Past District Governor Neil Black spoke about the 2024-25 theme “Magic of Rotary”.
“Tonight we stand at a meaningful crossroads, a time to reflect, a time to celebrate and a time to look forward,” Neil said.
He said the magic was “not an illusion or fantasy” but was tangible transformation … such as clean water flowing in villages and children receiving life-saving vaccinations.
“It is the kind of magic that only Rotary can create, powered by service, friendship and the belief that we can, and must, make the world better,” he said.
The new international theme was “Unite For Good”.
“This theme is a timely reminder that while magic touches the heart, unity moves mountains,” Neil said.
“When we unite across borders, generations and ideas, we don’t just do good, we become a powerful force for good.
“It is in our collaboration that we find strength, and it is in our shared vision that we find our momentum. And it is in our unity that we will meet the challenges ahead.”
Chair for the evening, Geoff Hosking, reminded guests that Kingaroy was the oldest established Rotary Club in the South Burnett, chartered on December 8, 1948.
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