June 29, 2026
The completion of the Rotary Park project in Haly Street is one of the main aims the Kingaroy Rotary Club has on its books for 2026-27.
Incoming president, Past District Governor Neil Black, detailed the club’s priorities after being officially appointed president at the club’s recent changeover dinner.
Neil said the the park could become a lasting symbol of Rotary’s commitment to the Kingaroy area and he hoped the project could be completed in time for the club’s 80th birthday celebrations in 2028.
The changeover dinner was held in the Kingaroy Town Hall reception room on June 20, with guests including officials from District 9620 as well as a strong roll-up of local members and their partners.
It was chaired by Geoff Hosking, who shared some history about the club at the start of the evening.
Kingaroy is the oldest Rotary Club in the South Burnett, with its history dating to December 8, 1948.
2025-26 Vice-President Mark Huston also acknowledged Rotary’s international reach, noting that 37,000 people from 140 countries attended the recent Rotary International convention in Taipei, meeting as a “unified family”.
“When we link hands globally, we become an unstoppable force for good,” he said.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of two new Paul Harris Fellows: Dianne Kowalski and Pat Pitt.
The Paul Harris Fellowship honours Rotary founder and Chicago lawyer Paul Harris who began the movement in 1905.
The recognition is the highest honour a club can bestow on a person and acknowledges outstanding service to the community.
Dianne has been a quiet worker behind the scenes for Kingaroy Rotary for many years, while Pat has diligently worked alongside her husband Ray at many Rotary projects and events.
Ray received the same honour in 2024.
Outgoing president Brian Tessmann thanked his fellow Board members for their support over the past 12 months.
He said the Rotary symbol was a wheel, but the members were the cogs … “without the cogs the wheel doesn’t work”.
Total donations to the community over 2025-26 totalled more than $16,300, including support to schools, the Salvation Army and the Glendon Street bus stop bench project.
Another round of donations, totally more than $10,000, were approved at the club’s June Board meeting which would support groups including the South Burnett Pantry, South Burnett Care and the Rotary Club of Goroka (PNG).
Income came from running barbecues, catering, calendar sales, working at the Nanango Races, donations, Containers For Change and the Christmas Carnival ham wheel.
Incoming president Neil Black said the club priorities for 2026-27 were to strengthen the club’s membership; increase Rotary’s visibility in the community by celebrating the club’s achievements; and completing the improvements at Rotary Park.
The 2026-27 Kingaroy Rotary Board are: president Neil Black, vice-president Brian Tessmann, secretary Deb Hails, treasurer Kat Butcher, youth service Kerry Heit, community Bev Watter, club administration Mark Huston and membership Neil Moxey
Neil has experience in the president’s role, having served previously in 2012-13 and 2023-24.
RIGHT: Neil with South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff
