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President's Message
Bruce Turner
President’s Message July 11, 2024
Welcome to the first bulletin of the 2024-25 Rotary Year.
Thank you to all those who attended our Club Changeover on Monday night, what an amazing turnout even though we have a number of members off searching for better weather at the moment. MC Allan Hillgrove guided us through the night as we celebrated and acknowledged the club’s achievements of the last twelve months. Immediate Past President Philip Beasley kept the reflections of the previous year very brief as there were many acknowledgements to work through. In addition to Torquay Rotary members, we were fortunate to have as our guests: Cr Rose Hodge, District Governor Lesley & Rob Shedden, Chair of the Royce and Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship Committee David Abbey, President Torquay Lions Club Colin & Veronika Bellis, President RC of Grovedale/Waurn Ponds Gary Clarke, Past President Rotary Club of Kardinia Brian Bennett, Past President RC of Currumbin/Tweed John & Carol Giuricin and Rotarian John Webster & Judy Rutter RC of Southern Mitchell.
Although tinged with a touch of sadness, as a number of members were “retiring”, a feature of the evening was the presentation of awards to our members. Here is a brief overview of the acknowledgements:
Honorary Members in recognition of service to Rotary and The Rotary Club of Torquay in particular: Gerard McNamara, Peter Bollen, Vernon D’Souza and David Mitchell.
Recognition of Service to Rotary and The Rotary Club of Torquay in particular:
- Margaret McPherson
- Linda Neale District Governor Recognition for Outstanding Service 2023-24
- Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of exemplary work in community service or helping those in need: Ben Featherston, Trevor Hall, Neil Henderson, Allan Hillgrove, Linda Neale, Stephanie Reed and James Waters.
Royce Abbey Awards- recognising Rotarians showing enthusiasm and commitment to the Ideals of Rotary: Ben Featherston and Bruce Turner.
I’m sure I speak on behalf of all recipients in expressing thanks for the acknowledgement and I feel privileged to be part of a club that exemplifies “Service Above Self”.
As my first official Presidential duty, I was honoured to be able to induct Gail Birchall to the Rotary Club of Torquay. Gail has been a regular and very active participant in club events as she has supported her husband Greg’s involvement over many years. Gail is currently coordinating our “friends of Rotary” register and we look forward to her continued participation in our club activities. Congratulations and welcome Gail.
While the evening was a great celebration of our club and its members, it was also a fantastic evening of fellowship and a valuable social evening. Thanks to Emma and her staff for preparing our lovely meal and catering for such a large number of attendees. Also, a VERY, VERY big call out to Maggie Isom and Phil Beasley, along with their band of helpers on the night, for producing such a successful event.
In closing I would like to congratulate Phil and his board on a very successful year. I seem to recall you mentioning that you were a little rusty when taking on the role of President, but your extensive Rotary experience, along with that of your fellow board members, has been valuable to and appreciated by the members. The programs and systems that are in place, or being developed, will ensure our club continues to develop into the future.
12.15 – 4.00: John Evans, Tom Turner (BNI), Mia Turner (BNI), Bruce Turner
Thank you to the volunteers from BNI for assisting on this date. It would be helpful to have a couple of emergencies available on the day – let me know if you are happy to be one of those.
Landcare BBQs - revegetation program
We will require three or four people to run these BBQs, which will involve preparing and providing lunch for the students on each day.
Friday 9th August: 60 students from Bellbrae Primary School
Over the next few months, there will be training offered to Rotarians in Sexual and Domestic Violence.
If you can find some time, one of these is worth completing.
The days are cold so sitting down with the heater on and attending one of these sessions sounds like a GREAT idea!!!! That is if you are not travelling North to catch the sun rays and warmth!
ROTARY- Family Violence and Sexual Assault: Understanding & Responding Training
This module is an entry-level training designed for anyone interested in building an understanding of family violence and sexual assault.
