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Rotary Foundation presentation - End Polio Now
Oct 26, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Nov 02, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
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Kelly Binyon

President's Message 24 October 2026

Linda Neale
member photo
Hello. Thank you for joining us and reading the Weekly Bulletin. I hope your week has been a great one.

Stef Gemmill (Local Award-Winning Children’s Author)

What a great night it was on Monday Night. Our Venue was Oaktree Place and our food was supplied by Feed Me Surf Coast. I believe people enjoyed the food and the night. We then listened to Stef Gemmill and her pathway to becoming an Author and how she came to write “A Home for Luna” (An award-winning book) I think a few Christmas presents may have been purchased.  Thank you to all those who helped with setup and pack up. Many hands make light work.

Cowrie Market

What a beautiful day it was down at the Cowrie Market! The sunshine was awesome and the crowds enjoyed the Market and then the beach. We had a successful day. Our profits for the day will be over $1500.00. Our best Cowrie Market since 2024/2025 season.  Our Trailer was decorated with End Polio posters and we also took donations for End Polio.  Thank you all those who helped from collecting supplies, to Trailer Delivery to cooking, serving, cashier, cleaning up and returning the trailer. Well done everyone. A successful day

Resignations

Over the past month we have had Chris Moxey resign as he is now settled back in Melbourne with his new partner. Sue Currie has also resigned due to work and personal commitments. 
 
We would like to thank them both for their contribution to the Rotary Club and local community during their time with us. They are welcomed as Friends of Rotary.

Val Oswald

It is with great sadness that I am letting you know that Val passed away on Wednesday afternoon, at home. Val was an amazing support to her Husband John, and our thoughts and prayers go out to John and their families at this difficult time. We will pass on any other information as we get it. Rest in Peace Val.

Our Village

Gail and I joined the Volunteers morning tea at Our Village. It was a lovely morning. Please see further details in Gail’s report.
 
I wish you all a lovely weekend and don’t forget the sunscreen. Stay safe, Linda 
 
Stories
Chair Report - Stef Gemmill, International Award Winning Children's Author

Stef told us briefly about her childhood and how they moved on many occasions, and at one stage she spent some time in foster care. This expanded her imagination about stories of hope and belonging. Although she never set out to be an author she wrote a story titled “A Home for Luna” which was discovered by a publisher. They arranged for an illustrator to compose the very important drawings and then published the book which ultimately won a UK Childrens Book Award. Stef has gone on to have many more works published – and had a table display of her books for all to see and purchase if desired. (It was pretty empty at the end of the night!) 

Read more...
Community Services Report

On Friday morning, President Linda and I attended an awareness and acknowledgement morning tea held at ‘Our Village’ in Geelong. Many of you will be familiar with this amazing organisation which was previously known as ‘Geelong Mums’.

I have visited here many times over the past years and am always amazed at their dedication to serve the community of families who are ‘doing it tough’ within Geelong and surrounding communities. They have a huge army of smiling and skilled volunteers who are very valued.

Read more...

Rosters

Bunning’s Halloween Event Thursday 29th 2026 5-7

  1. Linda N

  2. Greg and Gail B

  3. Kelly B

The BBQ trailer decked out to promote ‘End Polio’ at last Sunday's Cowrie Market

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World Polio Day - 24 October

 

World Polio Day is nearly here

On 24 October, World Polio Day, we will join our partners to remind the world that together, we end polio.

Rotary members are planning thousands of actions worldwide to raise awareness and funds for the fight against polio.

 

Read more...

Walk With Us to End Polio

Use this link to join the team or to donate  to End Polio - https://www.rotarywalkwithus.org/fundraisers/torquayrotaryendpolio2026

Read more...
Resale Shed - Special Collection Day

Future Meetings 
Member Birthdays and Anniversaries

Member birthdays for October:

 

 

Garth Symington   7th Oct

Richard Hawker     7th Oct

John Weber             11th Oct

Vernon D'Souza     16th Oct

Maggie Isom           22nd Oct

Trevor Hall              25th Oct - and congratulations on your OBE for this special birthday

Tom Fratantaro      27th Oct

 

Date joined Rotary :

Trevor Pickles       Joined Oct 2000,   26 yrs

 

Rotary International Key Links