General
18 July, 2026
David Tait Honoured with Top Rotary Award
David Tait is a well-known businessman in Goondiwindi and surrounding districts. He was recently presented with the Bob Mann (OBE) Rotary Community Service Award that recognises a citizen who strives to make the Goondiwindi region a better place through outstanding community service.
David Tait is a well-known businessman in Goondiwindi and the surrounding districts. He is the Key Principal of the Tait Toyota Auto Group, successfully managing businesses in Goondiwindi, Moree, St George and Thargomindah.
Born and bred in Inglewood, David moved to Goondiwindi to become part of the Tait Toyota family business, where he raised his family.
David is the kind of person whose generosity ripples far beyond what the eye can see. Whether supporting local fundraisers, sponsoring community events or quietly helping families in need, his commitment to the community is unwavering. It is this dedication that recently earned him the Bob Mann OBE Community Service Award.
Bob Mann OBE was a Charter Member of the Goondiwindi Rotary Club, a Past President and Past District Governor. The Bob Mann OBE Community Service Award recognises a citizen who strives to make Goondiwindi a better place through outstanding community service.
The award recognises David’s generosity, leadership and community spirit, which have strengthened local organisations, boosted community pride and helped countless groups raise vital funds for worthwhile causes.
David has been a sponsor and supporter of many local community clubs and events, including the Goondiwindi Rugby Union and Rugby League clubs, Goondiwindi Polo Club, Goondiwindi Junior Golf, Goondiwindi Race Club, Hell of the West Weekend, Rotary Gourmet in Gundy, North Star Bike Ride, the Clontarf Foundation (Goondiwindi State High School), St Mary’s Primary School, AgForce Grain, the Moree Boars Ladies League team, Twilight on Tarmac, Moree Show Society and the Goondiwindi Netball Association, just to name a few.
He has been a proud sponsor of the Goondiwindi Meditrans Service, donating two vehicles over five years, and has supplied cars to the PCYC Braking the Cycle Program for more than 10 years. During the 2021 floods, David also provided Queensland Fire and Rescue swift water rescue crews with vehicles for the duration of their stay in Goondiwindi.
In 2018, David flew his own aircraft and entered his first Outback Air Race, loving every minute of it. The Outback Air Race takes to the skies every three years, challenging teams of pilots and their passengers to fly over some of Australia’s most geographically challenging and spectacular landscapes while raising critical funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Funds raised from the event support the RFDS nationally, helping to provide emergency aeromedical and primary healthcare services to people who live, work and travel in rural and remote Australia. As we all know, the continued service of the RFDS is vital to these communities.
In his first race, David raised $60,000. In 2022, he organised a stopover in Goondiwindi, hosting a fundraising function featuring high-profile guest speakers while also supporting local businesses. That year, he raised more than $104,000. Last year, in 2025, Team David raised an astounding $141,037 to become the event’s Top Fundraiser. David is now also a proud sponsor of the Outback Air Race.
Those who know David know he is a humble man who is passionate about his community and its wellbeing. Through his energy, initiative and drive, he has made a lasting contribution to Goondiwindi and the surrounding districts. His support has strengthened community connections, boosted local pride and helped countless organisations raise vital funds for causes ranging from youth programs to local charities.
Information sourced by Mavis Stower