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President's Message 05 June 2026
Kelly Binyon
ACTING PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Greetings and welcome. Thank you for joining our online news and updates.
I’m sure President Kelly is still having a great time enjoying her tours of Western Australia while we battle on through a taste of winter. I do hope, however, that they have been able to avoid some of the extreme weather conditions experienced over there recently.
In President Kelly and Secretary Neil’s absence, Michael Reed and I were entrusted with control of Monday’s Club Meeting which was one of our Club Assemblies. With several areas of focus to work through, the evening commenced with a report from myself on the Boards considerations and consequent setting of the 2026 -2027 fees at $200. All members should be receiving their invoices via email very soon with the option of paying in two instalments; it would be helpful if these could be paid promptly. The second item for discussion was that of the Club’s fundraising disbursement. Michael Reed presented a spread sheet showing the funds raised and the many recipients who benefited from our disbursement. Please see the table below for an indication of who we have supported this year – a very impressive list. As you would expect, these organisations have been ecstatic and very appreciative of our support. It is important to note that our club does more than support through funds, we also support through our actions, all club members deserve a big “pat on the back” for the year’s results.
Both presentations were well received, and I would like to thank the Board members for their work and considerations in finalising these two very important and complex tasks. To round out the evening, members were given the opportunity to discuss the direction of the club for the coming year.
A reminder that, due to the King’s Birthday long weekend, there is no meeting on Monday June 8th so our next club meeting will be Monday June 15th. This will be your opportunity to hear Lauren Kelly, from the Barwon Sports Academy, reflect on her experience as our sponsored participant at RYLA in April.
Saturday saw us at our last 2025/2026 barbeque and thanks to Geelong playing Friday night, Torquay playing at home and beautiful weather we had an amazing day. Slow start, and then it started and everyone worked hard. We had a great day which was successful, from a fund-raising perspective. We had to get more sausages, bread and tomato sauce.
Thank you to the fantastic team who kept the sausages coming and the hungry crowd fed.
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to a successful barbeque season. I truly appreciate the effort you have put in. A big thank you to Gail for her tireless work in getting our supplies; Coles supermarket for the donations of sausages and bread; those drivers who deliver the trailer to each barbeque; and those running the barbeque -cooking, serving and collecting the monies. You are an amazing team
On Thursday, along with many current and past Club members, I had the privilege of attending the memorial service for Chirs Sims.
As strong winds and stormy weather swept around the venue, family members, friends, and fellow Rotarians shared memories and reflections on a life that had touched so many people. The stories spoke of a man deeply committed to Rotary, respected for his leadership, admired for his generosity, and remembered fondly for his sense of humour and love of family.
Having joined the club after his active involvement had declined due to ill health, I felt a sense of regret that I had missed the opportunity to know him personally. Listening to those who knew him well, I gained a real appreciation of the impact he had on our club and the wider community. It was clear that Chris was an exceptional individual whose legacy will continue to inspire those who follow.
