Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap

from The Western Echo March 2022

The Gap Repair Cafe

Ted Latta - a man of great versatility

Ted Latta, a man of many seasons and a valued member of our Rotary community, has made an enormous contribution to our Rotary Club. For the past twelve years he has been the collator and author of our weekly publication the Rotary Roundup - that’s more than 600 editions! - an invaluable support and service to our Rotary Club of Ashgrove/ The Gap!

This year, that task is being passed on - but not before we take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation for Ted’s tireless, dedicated efforts.

A brief review of Ted’s career reveals a varied, interesting and compelling mix. Ted began his working life as a poultry farmer on his family’s property situated on the Mornington Pensuilar, followed by a contract-fencing business before realising that his greatest talents lay elsewhere – in the media.

In 1963 he began working and gaining experience with his local television station at Talgon, before accepting a position in 1966, in Maryborough, Qld as a television news presenter. Along the way, Ted also acted as a clown in a popular children’s programme and also as an opinionated puppet- bookworm in another children’s show. Ted is nothing if not versatile!

Three years later he moved to the ABC in Brisbane where he firstly worked in radio, before presenting - for many years - the ABC News on television – a position most of the older generation will recall! Eleven years later, after completing degrees in both Communications and Economics, Ted moved on again, this time to become Queensland’s first Hospital Communications Officer for the R.B.H., Royal Children’s Hospital and The Halwyn Centre.

Finally, he joined the Public Service where he made his mark as a highly valued Senior Communications Officer within a variety of Queensland Government Departments.

Ted retired in 2003 and joined our club where his vast journalistic experience was put to further good use when he was appointed Communications Officer for Rotary District 9600.

Reflecting on his decision to join us, Ted says Rotary not only gave him camaraderie, support and many valued friendships but also an opportunity to be part of a positive, respected community that was not just local – but also International. He appreciated that it also gave him a respected avenue for contributing to the whole community. Ted displayed an energy and focus in all his activities that is greatly respected and appreciated by his many colleagues and friends .

We wish him all the best in retirement and in any future endeavours he may embrace.