Past Presidents

COL. JOHN LONGVILLE PRICE

John Longville Price, Geelong solicitor was the first President of the TIA. He built his holiday home in Torquay in the very early days of the Torquay. He devoted a lot of time to the development of Torquay and as a Geelong Mayor, Alderman and councilor was heavily involved in the affairs of Geelong. He was passionate about the military and as attached to the Geelong militia, retiring with the rank of Colonel.

JOHN WILLIAM TAYLOR

A passionate fisherman, John W Taylor along with his brothers established one of the first houses in Torquay. He was managing director of the well-known Geelong firm J. C. Taylor and sons established by his father. John was an active member of the Gordon College and first president of the Geelong Master Builders’ Association and many prominent buildings in Geelong were constructed by him. He spent most of his leisure time in Torquay and worked tirelessly in the development of Torquay. John was a committee member of the first Spring Creek Progress Association (later to be Torquay Improvement Association) and later became President. He was also a member and President of the Torquay Public Reserves (1893-1921). More about him at https://www.torquayhistory.com/brief-history-of-torquay/people/john-william-taylor/

ERNEST JOHN TAYLOR

When John William, who was president of the TIA and chairperson of the Trustees Torquay Parks and Reserves, died in 1921, his son Ernest John Taylor, already a member, was elected chairperson of the Trustees Torquay Parks and Reserves and president of the TIA to fill the vacancy. Ernest, like his father was a timber merchant in the family business of JC Taylor & sons and had served on the TIA committee since 1901. He continued to serve the Torquay community through his membership for many more years.

J W SCOTT

James W. Scott, who was amongst the earliest students at Ballarat College, was to achieve an early scholastic milestone by being one of the first three candidates to pass the Victorian Pharmacy Board’s examinations. By the time James and Mary Ann were married in 1882, he had established himself as a prominent chemist in Sturt Street Ballarat. After retiring in 1921 James and his wife Mary moved to Beales Street, Torquay. They quickly became involved in community activities with James coming the fourth president of the TIA the following year.

BASIL DRAYTON

Basil was an estate agent, grocer and general merchant when he lived in Torquay. He moved to Torquay from Chilwell and not long after purchased the grocery store and mail service from Thomas Vines. Basil immersed himself in Torquay community life by becoming an active member of the Presbyterian church, he was appointed Secretary in 1918. His orchestra would often entertain at Torquay activities as well as his usual Geelong performances. Basil and his solo coronet performances were always a big hit too.

He was a foundation member of the Bowling Club and member and patron of the Surf Lifesaving Club. Basil expanded his business by operating a motor service from Geelong to Torquay after getting his carter’s licence in 1920. Basil was a member of the TIA for around twenty years.