PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 

Greetings and welcome. Thank you for joining our online news and updates. 

We seem to be doing something right at the moment with another Club Meeting that was filled with enthusiasm, lively chatter and positive “vibes”. A big part of this was that we were inducting a new member, JJ Walia. It was a pleasure to formally welcome JJ into the Rotary Club of Torquay and, although JJ seems to have been part of our club activities for a while now, this was particularly enjoyable as we were joined by JJ’s wife Katrina along with their three boys Jagger, Jaxon and Joshua. It was also interesting to hear a little about JJ’s journey that brought him and the family to Torquay. We look forward to ongoing connection with JJ’s family and a continuation of JJ’s considerable involvement in our club.  

The dinner part of the evening also included a presentation to Immediate Past President Phil Beasley. Phil not only gives a lot of his time to Rotary in many areas, whether that be at the Club or District level, but as this award indicates he (along with Judy) has also made valuable personal contributions to the Rotary Foundation. This recognition level was for a Paul Harris Fellow + 8. 

Please click here for further photos of the evening.

I would like to thank Gerard Hogan for rounding our evening off with a very informative reflection and report on the Lese Oalia project. It is well worthwhile going back over lengthy projects to refresh our knowledge of what has been achieved. 

Member updates 

• The May edition of Rotary Down Under is out now. There are a number of interesting articles that I commend to all members. There is also an update on how RDU is evolving to RDUONE. There is also a flyer below for a quick reference. 

Save the Date 

• Torquay Rotary Club Changeover 

Monday June 30th, Kithbrook Park. This will be taking place at the time and location of our regular club meeting. Join us as we reflect on the “12 Months that Was” and welcome our new board and President for 2025-2026. 

• President Elect Learning Seminar (PELS) 

Saturday 24th May in Horsham.  

• District Assembly 

Sunday 25th May in Horsham. 2025-26 Presidents, club officials, board members plus new and interested members encouraged to attend. Horsham Town Hall, 71 Pynsent St OR 80 Wilson St, Horsham VIC 3400, Start Time:  10am - 4pm. Registrations at this link.  

• District Changeover 

Sunday July 6th, in Nhill. Details provided as they come to hand. 

Bruce Turner 

President