Guest speaker at our meeting on Wednesday 26th August 2026 was club member Phillip Lee who gave a member talk. Phillip is one of three remaining charter members of the club along with Judy Barnes and Sue Lewis who have all been with the club since it chartered in April 1990.
Phillip grew up in Terang in Western Victoria in a home built for his parents by his grandfather Phillip. His secondary schooling was at Terang High School and his interests during those years were photography and music. He convinced the principal to let him play music over the courtyard speakers once a week at lunchtime, and when he wasn't at school he listened to music on 3XY.
After leaving school, Phillip moved to Melbourne, where he worked at a dental supply firm for just over 12 months before moving to Ballarat to work in production at television station BTV 6. During his four and a half years at BTV 6 he worked in the studio, telecine, as a floor manager and was a senior videotape editor when he left to begin a career in real estate in late 1984.
During the next four years he established himself in real estate sales in Ballarat and spent four years studying by correspondence for a Certificate of Business Studies in Real Estate which enabled him to obtain his real estate agents licence.
In April 1989, Phillip and his business partner Trevor Booth, opened Booth & Lee in Lydiard Street South, Ballarat. They operated it for twenty-two years before joining the Ray White Group, which they ran for another eleven years prior to selling the business.
For fourteen years, Phillip and Trevor appeared on 'Your Property' with Frank Clark on 3BA at 8.30am on Saturday mornings.
Phillip is proud of his commitment to giving back to the community, serving on various boards including St Columba's School, BRACE and Committee for Ballarat. He conducted regular charity auctions around Ballarat as well as compering pancake races, sports expos, a fashion parade and administrative professionals' breakfasts.
Phillip and his wife Debbie have three sons, along with their partners and two grandchildren. Since retiring and spending time with his grandchildren building Lego, he decided to build a Lego city for them. The city ended up much bigger than intended, taking over a room in their home. Phillip brought along some Lego trains and a station for members to view.
In thanking Phillip, President Danny Driscoll said that Phillip had certainly "Created Lasting Impact" during his career and service to the community.
