Born at the Dysart Hospital in 1989, Rheenie Rowe’s roots in Dysart run deep. After completing all her schooling locally, Rhiannon moved to Emerald in 2008 before returning to Dysart in 2012 when her partner took on the family cattle property next to Lords Table Mountain.
Rhiannon’s passion for volunteering started young, inspired by her parents’ involvement in community clubs.
“We quickly understood how important volunteering was in a small town, and I guess it rubbed off on me.”
Her extensive volunteer work includes serving as Secretary of the Dysart Senior Rugby League Club from 2015-2023, earning her life membership. Currently, she is the Treasurer at the Dysart Golf Club and is also actively involved with the Dysart State School P&C, Smart Transformation Advisory Council, Outback Futures Community Wellbeing Campaign and the Dysart Junior Soccer Club.
The Dysart Golf Club holds a special place in Rhiannon’s heart, having been a junior member and watching her parents volunteer there.
“I rejoined as a senior member, and the guys kept nagging me to join the committee. In 2023, I finally accepted the nomination for Treasurer.”
Beyond her Treasurer duties, she has also taken on the role of Manager and one of her proudest moments was organising the 2024 Dysart Christmas Party at the Golf Club.
“We were able to host a party that was free of cost to our community, and it was great that no kid missed out on the fun.
“I spent a large amount of my childhood at that club and made lifelong friendships. I want that same experience for my kids. I want to make the club a community hub, inclusive of all families in our community.
“I just love hosting events, teaching kids and getting people involved in things they normally wouldn’t. I know how isolating and alone people can feel in these remote, small towns, so even if I can host just one event per year that gets people together, I will be happy – but of course, I will never stop at just one!”
Despite her enthusiasm, volunteering in a small town like Dysart comes with challenges.
“There’s only a small selection of people who volunteer their time, and it doesn’t take long for them to get burnt out. Many hands always make light work, and it can make such a huge difference if someone just puts their hand up and offers their time.
“Just show up! Volunteering isn’t hard – it’s about like-minded people getting together to do something new and exciting. You never have to do the role exactly as the last person did. Bring your strengths to the role and be amazed at what you can achieve.”
Looking ahead, Rheenie is excited about the continued expansion of the Dysart Golf Club, enabling it to become a place that not only enhances the community’s lifestyle but attracts new families to the area.
“We’re about 50% through – the toilets are completed, playground installed, the painting is nearly done, and our awesome new beer garden is just about complete. We have all the designs completed for our 18-hole putt-putt course and we’re also upgrading our barbecue hut!”
Rheenie said she is continuously inspired by the support from local businesses and is also quick to acknowledge other community champions.
“There are so many amazing people in our community that deserve recognition. Matthew Rowe, President of the Dysart Golf Club, Aleisha Kenny, President of the Dysart State School P&C, the team at the Community Support Group, and many more.
“I hope the community can keep on supporting our amazing sporting clubs as well – Dysart Junior & Senior Rugby League, Dysart Soccer Club, Dysart Dingoes Cricket Club, and hopefully the guys can get the Motorcross back up and running this year!”
Rheenie’s love for Dysart is undeniable.
“It has such a close place in my heart because of the friendships formed, the opportunities it has created for me, and what I have been able to achieve by being in Dysart. These people treat my kids like their own and become family, what more could you ask for in a community.”
