A gentleman who transformed communities through connection, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
Trevor Colvin, who passed away on November 8, 2025, leaves behind a legacy that spans continents and touches countless lives. Described by many as “a gentleman and a gentle man,” Trevor’s life was defined by his remarkable ability to bring people together and build thriving communities wherever he went.
Trevor Colvin brought the Trafalgar District News back to life in December 2023 after it had folded, using a lifetime of experience in the newspaper world. Trevor always joked that it was perhaps a “foolish adventure” but recognised the importance of the newspaper to the local community. Importantly, he ensured the paper was financially sustainable, having four paid workers, something of which he was proud.
Early Years and Professional Success
Trevor’s professional journey began with a Diploma in Advertising and Communications from RMIT, launching a six-year career in advertising before joining The Age newspaper. His talents soon took him international when he was sent to Hong Kong to manage The Age’s Asian publishing business. It was there that Trevor’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished—he established six new publications and spent time in the People’s Republic of China starting the first English-language daily newspaper, The China Daily, demonstrating his vision and determination in challenging markets.
After six years abroad, Trevor returned to Melbourne as Deputy Display Advertising Manager with The Age. Following his retirement, he and his wife Susie embarked on a new venture, starting a newspaper publishing software business together—a partnership that reflected both his innovative spirit and the strong bond they shared.
Wonyip and Yarram
Trevor and Susie left Melbourne to live the country life of their dreams, and managed for some time to run their business from Wonyip in South Gippsland where they had settled. But as the business and international travel demands grew, Trevor found himself commuting weekly between Wonyip and Melbourne, until his retirement.
Born in Trentham, Trevor was deeply connected to rural Victoria. When living on their farm in Wonyip, he started the Wonyip Landcare group, demonstrating early on his commitment to environmental stewardship and community action. His main goal for this initiative was to build ‘Highways for Quolls’ from Wonyip to Wilsons Promontory, after it was discovered via hair-tube sampling, that the endangered Spot-tailed Tiger Quoll was still active in the area. He raised tens of thousands of dollars beginning in 2007 for this project, primarily from the World Wildlife Fund. He also enrolled Hancock Victorian Plantations to donate tracts of land that the Wonyip group planted out with native trees, following harvesting of plantation timber along the route. This project is ongoing.
He also spent many years heavily involved, voluntarily, with Landcare Victoria.
Trevor was an active member of the Yarram Golf Club, and instigated very successful marketing campaigns on its behalf. He was also very involved with Tarra Territory Tourism, promoting the beautiful Tarra Valley and Corner Inlet.
After the catastrophic central Gippsland bushfires in 2009, which had a devastating effect on the Yarram farming and surrounding communities, Trevor formed Blokes and Banter, after he became acutely aware of how difficult such traumatic events are for many men to process. The group was formed specifically to provide a secure, non-challenging space for men to come together to support each other – and share their experiences, if and when they felt able. Or just to have a sausage and a beer, no questions asked. The group is still going strong.
Trevor also spent time in the early stages of developing a feature movie about the extraordinary life of Sir John Monash. A project of many, many years duration and commenced prior to his move to Trafalgar, it is far from complete…but it is back in the hands of the original scriptwriter who will, hopefully, finally bring it to life.
The Trafalgar Chapter
Six years ago, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trevor and Susie moved to Trafalgar—a decision that would profoundly impact the town. Trevor didn’t just move to Trafalgar, he fell in love with it, embracing the community and its people with characteristic enthusiasm and dedication. He loved to play a round at the Trafalgar Golf Club and he looked forward to relaxing at the end of the week playing bowls with mates at the Traf Bowls Club. Out of respect for his great friendship, the president Ian Myles lowered the flag to half mast to honour his dedication and commitment to the club.
As one of the founding members of the Silk Road Community, Trevor became a driving force for positive change. His initiatives transformed Trafalgar’s social fabric:
- Community gardens: Creating spaces where neighbors could grow food, share knowledge, and build friendships.
- Men’s support group: Providing a vital space for men to connect, share, and support one another.
- Trafalgar Farmers’ Market: Bringing local producers and community together, strengthening the local economy.
A Legacy of Courage
When Trevor was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer three years ago, he faced his illness with the same grace and determination that characterized his life. Working until his last day, he continued encouraging others—especially his beloved wife Susie, his children, grandchildren and others —demonstrating that true strength lies not in avoiding hardship, but in how we face it.
Remembering Trevor
Trevor Colvin was a powerhouse who understood that community isn’t built by grand gestures alone, but through consistent, compassionate action. From Hong Kong boardrooms to Trafalgar community gardens, from international publishing to local community newspapers, Trevor’s life was a testament to the power of showing up, caring deeply, and working tirelessly for the common good.
He leaves behind his wife Susie, his children and grandchildren, and communities in Wonyip, Yarram and Trafalgar that are richer, stronger, and more connected because of his presence. Trevor Colvin was indeed a gentleman—and a gentle man—whose legacy will continue to inspire and unite the communities he loved so dearly.
