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President's Message 15 November 2025
Kelly Binyon
Hello,
I have returned from my travels and back into the hotseat!
Huge thanks to Vice President Mike Reed, Immediate Past President Bruce Turner and Secretary Neil Henderson for stepping up in my absence.
This week saw us back at Kithbrooke Park where 37 members and guests enjoyed a meal and catch up followed by us moving into the multipurpose room to hear Leo Spinoni (our Italian exchange student) give his first presentation to the Club.
Leo did an amazing job of telling us about himself including his family, school, city and sponsor Rotary Club back in Italy. Leo is very keen to experience Australian life and as mentioned please keep him in mind for any activities or events that he could join.
A big shout out to the Fenwick family for hosting Leo whilst I was away and it was great to have them as our guests on Monday night. Leo is playing futsal with Paddy on Wednesday night’s and it was wonderful to see the boys come away with a win on Wednesday night.
For a video of Leo’s presentation click on this link HERE.
Vale Graham Gill – a large contingent of members attended the Celebration of Graham’s life at TCF last Friday. Graham was remembered for his special gifts (singing and playing the piano) and his acts of service. The overall theme that came through was one of love and grace. We send our condolences to Lois and the Gill Family and we remember Graham for his tireless efforts as a Rotarian, especially his passion project of Bowel Scan Awareness, which proved to be a life saver in his own family. Please find article further in Bulletin with a link to the Memorials from Steven and Mindy (thanks to Amanda for organising this).
We also had some wonderful news that Michael & Alison Reed became Grandparents to ‘Freddie Arthur Reed’ and huge congratulations to Olly & Taylah on his safe arrival.
At the meeting Community Services Director Linda Neale gave us an update on the Say No To Family & Domestic Violence Walk happening on 25th November. New vests with a positive message ‘Say Yes to Respectful Relationships’ have been ordered and will be available to wear on the day. Please see further details later in the Bulletin.
Linda also reminded us that the Cowrie Market is on this Sunday and for members to check the roster in the Bulletin for start times. Thank you to all who have put their names on the list.
PDG Lesley Shedden reminded everyone that next week’s meeting will be the End Polio Presentation with Jessie Harman Event being held on Thursday 20th November at the Geelong RSL in Belmont. If you are able to attend, please purchase a ticket and I have room for 2 people if anyone needs a lift. Please note that November is Rotary Foundation Month and End Polio is the largest worldwide project that is supported by RF.
Gerard Hogan is again coordinating the marshalling volunteers for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Cycling Event where every volunteer can nominate the Rotary Club of Torquay to receive a payment. This is a great way to raise funds for the club – open to members, their families, and friends.
Wishing everyone a fantastic week and some better weather!
Graham Gill was a member of the Rotary Club of Torquay for 23 years, secretary for 7, was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow for fundraising, became on Honorary Rotarian.
Graham volunteered at BBQ’s, book fairs, motor shows, relay for life, and bike events. He played the piano and sang the national anthem at Rotary club meetings.
His involvement in Rotary might have saved his daughter Leanne's life. He had couriered the Rotary Bowel screening kits to and from local chemists and because Leanne would sometimes tag along, he encouraged her to take the test, even though she was more than 5 years younger than when screening usually starts. Leanne took the test and discovered bowel cancer. Fortunately, it hadn’t metastasised and was removed successfully, but who knows the outcome had it been another 5 years before she took the test.
Please click on this LINK to read Graham Gill - Memorial Service Speech and click on this LINK to read Graham Gill - Mindy's Reflection outline
25th November, Rotary Club of Torquay in conjunction with Surf Coast Council and The Community House, we will be walking from the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club to Zeally Bay Car Park. This walk is to commence the 16 Days of Activision. We are organising for some speeches by key local personnel, to be held at the completion of the walk. – Zonta, Orange Door, Torquay Community House, Rotary – and hopefully Council and Police
We would love to have as many Rotarians, as possible, help us to raise awareness about this disastrous scourge that is part of our society. Locally, it is kept, very much under wraps, but let us see if we can help these people seek help or at least know where they can receive help and assistance.
This is a friendly reminder that we are collecting food items for Torquay Food Aid. Thank you to those who have contributed to our donation. We still have lots of time to make this donation one that helps multiple families have an enjoyable Christmas.
Some suggestions for donations are: - Canned Soup, canned Spaghetti and baked beans, small cans of fruit, canned corn and tomatoes, tomato sauce, Long Life Fruit juices and milks, canned Christmas Hams, and Biscuits – both savoury and sweet
I will have boxes at our meetings this month to collect the items for Torquay Food Aid and hopefully we will be able to donate some amazing items
I wish to formally advise all members of the Torquay Rotary Club that our Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held at Kithbrooke Country Club on Monday 24th November at 6.30pm.
