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Vice President's Message 01 November 2025
Michael Reed
This weeks report written By Neil Henderson:
Note from editor: This bulletin was published on Friday evening, 31st October, but I received a report that it had not been received by members. I am resending it now, apologies for the IT Glitch! Cheers Michelle
Well it’s certainly the time for a holiday. There are so many members away we just made our minimum number to ensure Monday’s meeting went ahead. Thanks to those who heeded my callout earlier in the week.
And we weren’t disappointed as we listened to a most interesting presentation from Not For Profit organisation Geelong Sustainability. CEO Jane Spence lead off with some background information explaining how Geelong Sustainability is a for-purpose organisation encouraging community action on climate change. They help both individuals and community organisations to take action to reduce use of fossil fuels and convert to electricity. Paris Mules-Kopai then specifically covered one of their programs – the Electric Homes Program.
In order to help people convert their houses from gas to all electric, Geelong Sustainability have partnered with a number of preferred suppliers to facilitate this process. These suppliers cover a range of areas including energy auditing, solar systems and batteries, hot water heat pumps, induction cooktops plus more. These suppliers will advise on their specific areas of expertise and endeavour to make any changeover as easy as possible.
Individual home owners can start by replacing just one product at a time, preferably as a gas appliance reaches end of life. Or you can receive advice to carry out a full changeover all at once. There are a number of rebates available and Geelong Sustainability can help guide people to the best financial outcomes. There is also an electric home planner guide on the SEC Victoria website.
I hope your Club members might be interested in purchasing Kardinia Rotary "Geelong Gourmet Goodies" hampers for Christmas. This is an exciting fundraising opportunity that can make money for your organisation, support local businesses & jobs in the Geelong region, and enable great Rotary community projects.
Over the past 5 years Kardinia Rotary has promoted: "Geelong Gourmet Goodies" Hampers showcasing products from the Geelong region, whilst injecting funds into the local economy with our purchases. In 2024, with the support of our volunteers, we sold and delivered over 1,500 hampers, raising much needed funds for Rotary projects.
100% of the funds raised go to Kardinia Rotary projects and disaster assistance, both locally and abroad.
Containing fabulous local products from the region, there is a choice of 3 sized hampers - $125, $85 or $60, all delivered for free within 50kms of Geelong CBD.
1. Nature strips in Torquay do not need too much paperwork to complete, so it does not seem that we need to be involved on the small scale projects. I will put something together to advertise the advantages of native plants and not having to mow the strip!
It will include some of the considerations when planning your strip:
Is there a space for your bins?
Is there room to open a car door and step out, without harming your plants? [If that is appropriate].
Do your plant selections allow for cars to see, if you are on a corner?
The United Nation’s international campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, takes place each year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
25th November 2025, at 9am, The Rotary Club of Torquay in conjunction with Surf Coast Council and The Community House, will be walking from the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club to Zeally Bay Car Park. This walk is to commence the 16 Days of Activision.
We are organising for some speeches by key local personnel, to be held at the completion of the walk.
We would love to have as many males as possible, help us to raise awareness about this disastrous scourge that is part of our society.
Locally, it is kept, very much under wraps, but let us see if we can help these people seek help or at least know where they can receive help and assistance.
Enjoy complimentary bubbles and canapés on arrival, followed by a delicious seated main course lunch and then later afternoon sandwiches, lemon tarts and truffles.
Wear your favourite hat or fascinator and enjoy a day of fashion, fun and festivities.
Booking Link: Please click link to buy tickets on website or let me know.
I wish to formally advise all members of the Torquay Rotary Club that our Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held at Kithbrooke Country Club on Monday 24th November at 6.30pm.
