2025 Roadshow - Christmas hams, Santa visits, and the perfect chance to relax and connect!
As we plan ahead for the 2026 Christmas Parties, we are asking for your feedback. Here's a short survey, take a few minutes to help us shape future QRI events.
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Check out Bowen Facebook photos here
To kick off the QRI Christmas Roadshow, the QRI Bowen Christmas Party brought some sparkle to the newly renovated QRI Bowen Hall. Members were delighted with the upgrades, especially the new air-conditioning that kept the celebration comfortable for guests of all ages. A heartfelt thank you to Prue, Trevor and our wonderful volunteers for bringing the day together, and to SMC member Mitchell Ohl for joining in the fun and lending his support. The afternoon was well-received and set the tone beautifully for future gatherings in the revitalised hall.
The QRI Mackay Christmas Party on Sunday 9 November offered a calm and cheerful start to the festive season at Bluewater Lagoon. With waterslides, splash zones and plenty of space to play or chill, families enjoyed a lazy day in the sun, topped off with a BBQ lunch. The event struck the perfect balance of fun and relaxation for members of all ages. Thanks to Mark for his time co-ordinating this event.
Long Tan Memorial Pool played host to the QRI Townsville Christmas Party on Saturday 15 November. It was a family-friendly afternoon of swimming, and festive fun to work up an appetite for the BBQ favourites. The kids loved the tropical inflatable splash zone and sweet treats throughout the day, and Santa made his own splash when he visited to hand out gifts. The whole community enjoyed the chance to gather and celebrate, and we extend a special thank you to Mitch Ohl for his BBQ skills and helping to organise the event.
The QRI Cairns Christmas Lunch at Cazalys on 16 November brought members together for a relaxed sit-down meal and good company. Although the group was smaller this year, those who attended enjoyed the chance to connect and share some stories and Christmas spirit. We’re looking forward to building on this event and encouraging even more participation in 2026.
Check out Rockhampton Facebook photos here
The Great Western Hotel Rockhampton delivered a lively family experience for the QRI Christmas Party on 22 November. The festive fun was in full swing as the kids made excellent use of the jumping castle and some old-fashioned sack races, while families enjoyed a catered lunch before welcoming Santa for gift-giving and Christmas cheer. More than 60 revellers enjoyed this favourite community celebration. Thank you to Peter Williams for stepping up in more ways than one to ensure the day was a great success.
Gladstone members enjoyed a refreshing change of scenery with this year’s Christmas Party at the Gladstone Aquatic Club. Families soaked up the sunshine with plenty of swimming, a relaxed BBQ lunch and a poolside visit from Santa. Thank you to Sam Frost, Terry Collins, Michael Neeves and their committee who volunteered on the day, and a special acknowledgment to Allan Butler for his ongoing dedication and support as the jolly man in red.
Brisbane members gathered at Valley District Cricket Club in Ashgrove for a vibrant Christmas Party that almost didn’t escape the rain, but the weather cleared just in time! Kids enjoyed slip-and-slides, balloon creations, Christmas tattoos, fairy floss, popcorn, and a festive BBQ lunch. A nostalgic highlight was Barry McCloud bringing along the original QRI tug-of-war rope from many years ago. Thanks to everyone who joined in the spirit of the re-enactment. Competition is still alive and well at QRI! Santa also made his rounds, delighting the children and wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. Thanks to Steve Kim for donning the suit again and to SMC members, Glen Duncan, Matt Petrie, and Sarah Brennan for your kind support.
Bundaberg members enjoyed a fun-filled Christmas Party at the Bundy Bowl and Leisure Complex, making it one of the most action-packed stops of the season. Families celebrated with tenpin bowling, dodgem cars and the huge play area, while Santa topped off the day, dipped into his sack to deliver presents with a smile. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, and to Ken Cavanough who helps make this celebration special year after year.
Here's a message from one of our QRI members
" On Saturday the 29 November at the Bundy Bowl I had a wonderful time, it was like I was at my family party. Meeting with Ken, the QRI President, and Nathan Curd and Gary Rohdmann.
We bowled and ate. It was so so great, then time for Santa to appear and with the children going wild which was great to see.
After the photos Santa with the help of Ken called out the names gave out presents to the children. It was so so good to see the kids to react to the Man in Red.
The day was so so so good to me and it felt that I was with family. The whole morning felt that way and enjoyed the day. Thank you QRI for the invite and enjoyed the whole company of the people that was there.
I am a QRI Ten Pin Bowler and wish to thank all concern who were in running this event."
Syd White
Check out Toowoomba Facebook photos here
The QRI Toowoomba Hall came alive for a festive day filled with colour, laughter and Christmas fun. Kids enjoyed the jumping castle and a talented face painter — who even gave Santa a Rudolph-style makeover! Everyone waited patiently for their turn with Santa, who handed out gifts and spread plenty of joy. A big thank you to Shane and Ian for supporting the Toowoomba event and keeping the Christmas roadshow on track.
Check out Coppabella Facebook photos here
To finish our journey across the state, the QRI Lifestyle and Coppabella Community Club Christmas Party brought the whole town together for a fantastic day of connection and celebration. From a sweet treat station to Christmas bauble decorating and a fun “guess the candy in the jar” game, there was something for every child, and every child at heart! A shared festive buffet dinner and a visit from Santa spreading his Christmas cheer made it a memorable end to the Christmas Roadshow.
Across every region, our Christmas celebrations were made possible thanks to the dedication of volunteers who helped with setup, registrations, logistics and activity support. Their generosity ensured each party ran smoothly, creating warm and welcoming experiences for all. QRI sincerely thanks every volunteer for their time, effort and generosity of spirit.
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