President’s Message 

Hello, 

Personally, we had a marvellous 4 day trip to Sydney last weekend which was Leo’s Christmas present from the Binyon’s.  Sydney did not disappoint with spectacular weather, great transport and lots to see and do. Highlights were the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, ferry to Manly and swim at the beach and Chinese Friendship Garden.   

Please click here for more photos of Leo's Sydney trip

A very busy week for Rotarians with a Vocational Visit to Kieser Torquay followed by dinner at Point Danger Café on Monday. Backed up Tuesday morning with the February Board Meeting and finishing off by holding a Joint Meeting with our friends at the Rotary Club of Grovedale/Waurn Ponds at the White Eagle House in Breakwater. 

Kieser Torquay welcomed us into their gym and clinical area where we broke into two groups where Louise, Matt and Josh explained the philosophy of Kieser and how training on the machines can increase strength and assist with rehab or becoming stronger so we can all enjoy our day to day activities. Fascinating stuff and as a member of Kieser (plus a few more members) I can vouch for what Kieser offers as I am stronger now than I was five years ago! We all went downstairs and had a further Q&A which raised some interesting questions which were ably answered by the Kieser team. Again, so important to future proof ourselves to ensure we keep our strength and mobility and to prevent falls. Thank you  again to Louise, Josh & Matt for educating us on what you do and why a strong body is so important! 

Click here for photos of Kieser Vocational Tour.

Point Danger Café  - 20 of us ventured down to the Esplanade to enjoy a meal, drink and conversation. An enjoyable night was had by all. Thanks to Vocational Services Director, Michael Reed for putting the night together! 

Board Meeting – was held at my place and the following is a snapshot of discussions/reports etc: 

• Torquay Business Awards – agreed to continue our involvement with Trevor Hall and Amanda Hough investigating a ‘Youth’ category and to report back to the Board 

• Motor Show – still awaiting final payment from a couple of sponsors but in all we look to have achieved approximately $27,000 net which is a fantastic outcome. The Motor Show Committee will provide the Board with outcomes of their debrief and review on this year’s event to ensure continuous improvement. 

• Surf Coast Writers Festival – it was agreed that the request to run a pop up book fair during their event would not be feasible this year. Mainly due to the container already being packed in a way that would make it difficult to obtain the necessary selection of books required. However, we will keep in touch with Kate & Mia and look at whether 2027 is a better fit and we can be better prepared. 

• The month of May will be focussed on Say No To Domestic and Family Violence with Community Services Director, Linda Neale investigating an initiative with Respect Victoria. Our aim is to continue to raise awareness in the community. 

• International Director, Ray Ayres is away but sent an update on the Lese Olai Project advising that bore water is flowing but still needs to be tested (this hopefully will address the lack of water for the village); RAM PNG have agreed to work with us on an in depth study of Malaria in the Lese Oalai area - they are very interested in what we plan to do; John Oswald has arranged to run a stand at the upcoming district Conference in Horsham 

• RYLA – as part of the Youth portfolio, Amanda has been searching for candidates and has initiated a connection with Barwon Sports Academy which has led them to jump on board and now working with coordinator – Freda Wright – appears may supply up to 10 candidates for the program. BSA see this as an excellent opportunity for participants who will not be continuing with their program. Well done to all and it looks like other Clubs are onboard to help financially. 

• Environment – the decision has been made to stop collecting plastic lids as the volume and logistics were not sustainable. Members are asked to recycle lids through normal channels. Judy Rutter is hopeful members can still collect cans and bottle to be recycled through the CDS scheme where you can choose Rotary Torquay as the recipient of funds (Breakwater Depot or download CDS app for Torquay North) 

Joint Meeting with RC Grovedale/Waurn Ponds 

We met at the White Eagle House in Breakwater and had a wonderful night of fellowship and reconnecting. Thanks to President Bill for making us welcome. To start the night I had the privilege of inducting our newest member, Misha Colman, into the Rotary Club of Torquay.  Misha will be mentored by Lesley Shedden (who unfortunately could not be there on the night due to other Rotary commitments). After the formalities Misha spoke and gave us an insight into the very interesting life she has lived and the professional roles she has held.  Currently she is CEO of Interplast and we look forward to getting to know her better. Please ensure you take the time to introduce yourselves to Misha when you see her.  Welcome to . 

Click here for more photos of RCGWP joint meeting and here for photos of Misha's Induction

Torquay Rotary Misha! Our motto is ‘We Have Fun Being Serious’ so I hope we live up to it! 

It was great to see that my request to carpool was taken up and at the end of the night the stragglers on table 36 finally left around 9pm! Everyone was dropped home safely and a good night was had by all. 

REMINDER:  There are no meetings now until Monday 16th March which will be at the Lakehouse @Kithbrooke Park.