Harrington Park Over 55’s Social Club

Harrington Park Over 55’s Social Club is open to men and women over 55, who would like to socialise and have fun.

The group meets monthly at the Harrington Park Community Hall, on the first Monday of the month at 10:00am.

Each month, they have a guest speaker, and entertainment on the day. Morning tea is also supplied.

To join Harrington Park Over 55’s Social Club, there is a once only joining fee of $25.00, then $25.00 for yearly membership. An attendance fee of $5.00 each month includes the entertainment and morning tea.

Other activities that they participate in include dine out lunches, bus trips and theatre/cinema outings.

“It is a very friendly and welcoming social group. There are great opportunities to make new friends” said Phil Weller, President of Harrington Park Over 55’s Social Club to the Oran Park Gazette.

“Groups like ours help seniors to get out of the house, away from the drudgery of the same old routine and socialise. They assist in stopping senior members becoming lonely and bored in life, especially now that COVID restrictions have lifted, and people are out and about” he continued.

If you would like more information about Harrington Park Over 55’s Social Club, contact Phil Weller on 0413 526307.

15 Years of Dry July: OG Sober Challenge Marks Milestone with Biggest Year Yet

68% of drinkers have considered going alcohol-free in 2023, making this year the perfect time to sign up to the OG sober challenge.

2023 marks a milestone 15 years of Dry July, the annual challenge encouraging Aussies to give up alcohol and raise funds towards improving the comfort, care and wellbeing of people affected by cancer.

Since its inception in 2008, Dry July Foundation has raised over $82 million for more than 80 cancer organisations and funded more than 1,200 projects across Australia in the process.

It all started with three friends in a pub pledging to give up alcohol for a month to raise funds for their local hospital, their original goal was to raise $3,000. They well and truly smashed it, gaining the attention and support of Adam Spencer and raising a whopping $250,000. All three Founders still remain on the Board of Dry July Foundation, and proudly take part in the challenge each year.

Co-Founder Brett Macdonald says, “We love to have a laugh about the old joke ‘three men walk into a bar’, and that’s really how it all started. Never did we imagine 15 years ago that Dry July would not only take off in Australia the way it has, but that it would be the inspiration for countless other sober challenges here, and around the world.

“We couldn’t be prouder to be the trailblazers of such a positive global trend, that has not only impacted people’s health and relationship with alcohol, but above all, has raised vital funds for people affected by cancer. That mission has and always will be our number one priority.”

In the last 15 years, over 317,000 Dry July-ers and counting have given up the drink and joined the cause.

Dry July Foundation CEO, Katie Evans says, “It’s undeniable that the mass participation we’ve seen has impacted Australia’s drinking culture. Our research this year proves people are less worried about backlash from their mates if they opt to take a break from the booze.” r Dry July Co-Founders Phil Grove, Kenny McGilvary, and Brett Macdonald | Image/Article: Dry July Foundation/Forward Agency

73% of people agree that it is more popular than ever, and over half admit it’s no longer taboo to take a booze break. As for past Dry July participants, the experience has been such a positive one, that four in five have considered going completely alcohol-free.

Over the years Dry July-ers have noted the greater sense of purpose and achievement they feel not just from giving up alcohol but do it for a cause and raising money for those affected by cancer.

To sign up for Dry July or make a donation, visit the Dry July website – www.dryjuly.com.