Gordon Binns

Gordon Binns (1 March 1899 – 24 September 1976) was an Australian bank manager and amateur ornithologist, notable for his involvement with the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union. He was Secretary of the organisation during the periods 1953–56 and 1959–63, and President from 1965–66.

Early life and career Binns was born on 1 March 1899 in Yarraville, Victoria, and spent his boyhood years in the Victorian townships of Great Western and Victoria. In 1914, after leaving school, he began working at the State Savings Bank of Victoria. He was wounded in northern France on 10 August 1918, during the Australian attack on Lihons, and spent more than a month in hospital recovering from his injuries. After the war, he remained in England for two years, before returning to Australia and his employment at the State Savings Bank. In his final years with the State Savings Bank, Binns was manager at several suburban branches (1951–56), at Horsham (1957–1960) and Box Hill (1961–64). During this period, he was also a prominent member of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, serving as their Secretary from 1953–56 and again from 1959–63, and President from 1965–66.

Death and legacy Binns died in Blackburn, Victoria on 24 September 1976, just a few months after the death of his wife, Ilma. He was survived by his three daughters, Ruth, Phyllis and Meredith, and his son Greg. In an obituary published in the journal The Emu, W.R. Wheeler wrote that "As one who worked with him on Council, I regarded his diligence and energy, particularly over his correspondence with members throughout Australia and overseas, as outstanding. He was truly one of the old school."