Welcome to my first President’s Bulletin Message.
What a great night we had on Monday Night at our Annual Change Over Dinner! There were over 50 people there. Guests included District Governor Tonie Thiel, District Governor Elect Judy Beasley, Deputy Mayor Tony Phelps, Lions Club Vice President Colin Bellis, President of Belmont Rotary Club Lisa Mitchell, and my amazing family (who all came to see Mum/Nanny be inducted into the role as President). I was so blessed to have them there. I was so pleased to see Rotarians who have had hospitalizations and treatments over the last few months at the Changeover Dinner. Glad to see you are on your feet and improving.
Our PDG Lesley Shedden was MC for the night, as always did an amazing job, as only our Lesley can do. DGE Judy proposed the Toast to Rotary International and DG Tonie Tiele responded on how we Create Lasting Impact.
We were then able to enjoy a lovely vegetable soup, which was then followed by the Awards and Recognitions – Chrissy Sims received a PHF, in recognition of her and Chris’s contribution to Rotary and Rotary International. Chrissy was also presented with Chris’s dinner badge. I did also receive a PHF – for which I was truly honoured to receive. PP Kelly also presented flowers and gifts to Maggie Olsen, Lesley Shedden and Gail Birchall, for the amazing work they have done during the past year. Maggie was also given an Honorary Membership to Rotary Club of Torquay for the years of service she has provided.
Main course was either chicken or salmon and both dishes were delicious. Kelly then presented her review of the year. It is always great to look at the achievements of the year and how the year played out for us. Well done Kelly, and thank you for your hard work during 2025/2026.
We were then served lovely sticky date pudding or fruit salad for dessert. A dessert most people thoroughly enjoyed.
DG Tonie inducted me in as the new President. Following the Induction, I outlined briefly that the main efforts during 2026/2027 would be based around SN2DV and hopefully a major project; ARAM; and the Environment. My trip up to the Arctic increased my awareness about Global Warming, and how we have to work on overcoming this.
The new Torquay Rotary Club Board (well, those who were braving the cooler weather) were introduced and presented to the audience.
Immediate Past President – Kelly Binyon
Lesley Shedden – Rotary Foundation
Community Director – John Weber
Environment Director – Judy Rutter
Rotary International Director – Ray Ayers
Youth Director – Amanda Hough
We will introduce the remaining members of the Board – when they return from the sunny north of Australia.
We didn’t have to wait long for a request to provide barbeques. The first being to cater for the Moriac Primary School children and teachers while they plant trees at the Bob Petit Reserve, on 13th August 2026. We have had enough volunteers offer to help and we may be able help plant trees, which will be amazing
The second is for the Bunning’s Father’s Day (on 3rd September), evening from 5-7. Bunnings provide everything and we cook the sausages. We will require 3, but if possible 4 volunteers.
Our new Rotary Year has begun. I hope that we have as great and successful year as we had last year.
I look forward to working with you all, and for us to have loads of fun, as well as providing services to our local communities.
Stay safe and healthy.
Linda Neale (Club President)
Meeting Structure for Remainder of 2026
1st Monday – Regular Meeting
2nd Monday – Board Meeting only
3rd Monday – Regular Meeting
4th Monday – Social / Vocational Meeting
5th Monday – Club Assembly
