Cyclists ride for a cause in memory of David Turnbull

Published on 17 March 2025

The phrase ‘Guts It Out’ will inspire many participants in the upcoming GIO David Turnbull Memorial Bike Ride later this month.

The motto was a favorite of the late former City of Whittlesea Chief Executive Officer David Turnbull OAM, who passed away from cancer aged 61 in March 2020.

Friends and colleagues have organised the ride to honour Mr Turnbull’s life and his 40 years of service to the community through local government.

Mr Turnbull served as the City of Whittlesea’s Director of Planning and Development from 1994 to 2007.

From 2007 to 2016 he served as the Council’s CEO.

In 2023, Mr Turnbull was posthumously awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to local government administration.

Riders will set off from the Whittlesea Community Centre at 10am on Sunday, March 30 with the choice of completing either a 20km or 40km circuit.

The 40km route will take cyclists through the City of Whittlesea and neighboring areas, where Mr Turnbull worked for 21 years.

Both circuits will finish at the Whittlesea Fire Brigade, with participants rewarded with a well-deserved barbecue lunch.

The ride’s entry fee is $45, which includes lunch, or $15 for just lunch. All proceeds will go to the Country Fire Authority.

To register, or for more information, contact Bruce Manison on 0448 944 000 or Michael Bates on 0418 104 206.

Quotes attributable to CEO, Craig Lloyd:

“David’s legacy continues in many areas, from his groundbreaking efforts in local government advocacy to his leadership during the aftermath of the 2009 bushfires.”

For event details, visit the page 'Guts It Out' David Turnbull Memorial Bike Ride.