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President's Message 27 March 2026
Kelly Binyon
Hello,
Monday night’s meeting focussed on the visit to Lese Oalai Village in PNG by International Services Director, Ray Ayers.
Ray must be commended for jumping straight into the literal fire by volunteering to head up to PNG in December last year to get an ‘on the ground’ perspective of our project. We have achieved great things so far in getting the toilet block built but we have also encountered some issues and delays and understanding how these arose and finding workable solutions is the key.
Congratulations to Ray and the International Services Committee on continuing to move this project forward, given the complexities of dealing with cultural differences. We look forward to the next update.
Our collaboration with Jan Juc Cricket Club unfortunately did not happen due to the weather being so calm there were no waves!! A couple of us are still going to try and do some carparking shifts over the event so they can reciprocate in January and help with unloading/loading the container for the Book Fair.
Now onto our exciting weekend just gone....
🌟 Multi-District Impact Summit – Horsham 2026
Rotary members and friends travelled to Horsham for the Multi-District Impact Summit—bringing together Districts 9780, 9800 and 9510 for a weekend rich in inspiration, connection and community impact.
From the End Polio Walk on Saturday morning to an unforgettable country-style gala (and a lively dance floor!), the Summit captured the spirit of Rotary at its very best. A special highlight was seeing Youth Exchange students from all three districts head off to explore the Grampians—building friendships and memories that will last a lifetime 🌏
🎤 Inspiring Speakers & Big Ideas
The speaker line-up delivered powerful insights, real stories and practical takeaways:
Wayne Holdsworth (SmackTalk.com.au) – equipping young people with tools for mental fitness and resilience after suffering the unimaginable loss of his youngest son to suicide
Marc Ryan (Beautiful Bogan) – as a comedian who draws from his own lived experiences dealing with mental illness, Marc delivered a raw, honest perspective on mental health and vulnerability
Dr Luke Isbel – on exploring epigenetics and its role in shaping the future of medical research. Fascinating work that will result in better outcomes for cancer patients
Mahir Momdand (CEO, RAWCS) – a deeply moving insight into Rotary’s impact, shaped by 19 years living in a refugee camp. A fascinating journey from Afghanistan to Australia
Phillipa Huynh – highlighting the realities of complex trauma and its impact on Australian men. Recipient of an Australian Rotary Health PhD scholarship and witness to trauma through lived experience. An area that needs more attention to understand how to help men deal with disregulated systems
Rotary Peace Scholar (Sydney Rotarian) – tackling the question: “Why do people fight each other?” through a global lens of many years in the field with the UN
Gary Morgan AM (RC Ballarat South) – strengthening resilience through wildfire preparedness programs in Portugal
Jessie Harman – sharing the highs and lows of trekking to Base Camp in support of End Polio Now
Fleur Maidment – showcasing the Wimmera–Burma Ripple Effect, delivering safe drinking water to communities in Myanmar
David Sudholz (Natimuk Fire Captain) – a raw and powerful account of the Natimuk Fire, reminding us:
“We can’t control catastrophic days—but we can control our preparedness, our skills and how well we work together.”
✨ A proud moment for Torquay was seeing our newest member, Misha Coleman, take to the stage presenting on Interplast, highlighting the life-changing work being done across the Asia-Pacific.
🤝 Connection, Learning & Impact
Across the weekend, we shared ideas, explored new projects and strengthened connections across districts. The overwhelming message was clear: collaboration is the key to greater impact.
We returned home energised—with fresh ideas, renewed purpose and a reminder of why Rotary matters.
If Horsham is anything to go by, the next Multi-District Impact Summit in Warrnambool 2027 is not to be missed.
👉 Let’s get a strong Rotary Club of Torquay presence there—because together, we truly can Unite for Good.
REMINDER #1: CHECK BBQ ROSTERS
REMINDER #2: MONDAY 6 APRIL IS AN RDO (ROTARY DAY OFF)
Wishing you and your families a safe and peaceful Easter and we gather again on Monday 13 April trialling a new start time of 5.30pm for 6.00pm. Our guest speaker will be Nathan Rivalland from the Times News Group.
Thank you to everyone who has helped at the Bunnings Barbeques – both the fund-raising barbeques and those we do as a Community Service. I truly appreciate your help and assistance.
Today I had the pleasure in collecting tablecloths to cover our barbeque tables and weights to secure the four gazebos we use at the Motor Show and any other function they are needed at. A huge thank you goes to Bunnings for their amazing donation. So worth our whilehelping at these Community Nights.
Happy Easter Rotarians and families. Travel safely, if you are on the road, and stay safe if you manage to stay on the Surf Coast. Enjoy and love your families – life is a very precious thing as are your families and friends.
