Bill Ellis grew up in Browns Bay and has spent his entire life involved in the community. In 1968 he suffered a brain injury from a serious car accident. This led to his involvement with the Brain Injury Association. He is married to Barbara and together they gradually got involved in many community groups, including the Torbay Historical Society (Vaughan Homestead), the East Coast Bays Community Project and Torbay Community Association. Along with this Bill is an experienced photographer, taking photos when requested by many local groups and also for the Torbay Newsletter for more than 20 years. Bill answers a few questions this month from Courtney Bennett about being part of the Bays community.
COURTNEY BENNETT: How did you get involved in community work?
BILL ELLIS: After my accident, I took up photography as part of my rehabilitation. I soon realised that many things were changing – disappearing. This led to the production of three books of photos, and involvement in many societies and helping with events.
CB: What does a typical day look like for you?
BE: There is no typical day. That’s why we keep a diary. We attend meetings and help at community events and take photos, while trying to keep up with house, car and garden maintenance.
CB: You have pretty much always been involved in the community?
BE: My family instilled in me that community was the way of life from a young age. We knew all our neighbours and all worked together through church and other groups. When we finished our so called ‘working life’ (mechanic and a teacher) it was a natural thing to get involved in community, as our families had been.
CB: What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming warmer months?
BE: Attending and helping at many community events, meeting more people and taking more photos at events and around the district for historical purposes.
CB: What makes a good community to you?
BE: Working together. Getting to know your neighbourhood. Saying ‘hello’ to those you see on the street. Caring especially for the elderly and disabled. There are groups in this area which are caring for those in need. We find people to be very friendly here.
CB: What has been your proudest moment when it comes to your community work or involvement?
BE: One of our proudest moments was when the Vaughan Homestead at Long Bay was opened 20 years ago. The Torbay Historical Society, of which we are a part of, had spent several years saving it and restoring it to its present state. We feel proud to be able to entertain visitors there.
CB: What community groups or charitable organisations do you admire and why?
BE: ‘Brain Injury Association’ because they have brought about public awareness of brain injury and helped sufferers and their families. SPCA because they help animals who have no voice.
CB: What do you like most about living in the Bays?
BE: There are still areas of natural environment and beauty. Many people are passionate about keeping it so. ‘Capturing the moment’ is a photographer’s delight.
CB: Anything you feel we could better as a community?
BE: It is up to individuals to get involved. When you see something that needs doing, approach the appropriate authority.
CB: In my next life, I am going to come back as…
BE: ... A mobility dog
Channel Magazine: Issue 70 October 2016
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