The Old Paradians' Association was saddened to hear of the passing of a great and generous man, Bill Gibbins (1963).

Bill was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for his significant service to horse racing and to people with disabilities, as well as his philanthropic generosity.

As a committed philanthropist, Bill has donated his time, energy and money to various organisations. He was a patron and Life Member of the Rats of Tobruk. In 2007, he purchased and saved the Albert Park headquarters of the surviving Rats of Tobruk, outbidding developers so veterans and other military organisations could continue to use the facility indefinitely. Bill argued it was a small price to pay for a debt of service that could not possibly be paid.

Bill was also a big supporter of Brother Olly Pickett and ‘Wheelchairs for Kids’. Br Olly is an Old Paradian and Christian Brother who has transformed the lives of many children around the world through the manufacture of adjustable wheelchairs and occupational therapy expertise for children in developing countries.

Bill was a substantial contributor and founder of the annual Jericho Cup at the Warrnambool Racing Club. Bill was inspired by Australia’s Light Horse in Palestine during a lull in hostilities, who ran a 3-mile race dubbed the ‘Jericho Cup’ won by ‘Bill the Bastard’. Bill sought an opportunity to honour the courage and spirit of Australia’s mounted troops. His passion, vision, determination and dedication brought the Jericho Cup to life.

The Old Paradians' Association extends its condolences to Bill’s wife, Iolanda and to his boys Greg, Andrew, Matthew and James, the wider Gibbins family and to his many friends and supporters.