December 2022 - January 2023 Active Retirees Digital Magazine

AMAZING PROBIANS

Stories from inspiring members whose contributions to Probus and our society are extraordinary.

Feature Story - P34

As we count down the weeks to the festive season and a new year, I am reminded of the wonderful celebrations that I have attended, so many happy times and memories. Now, the joyful holiday season is just around the corner.

I love this time of year – things are warming up, the days are getting longer, and meteorologically it’s a time of transition. Summer also heralds holidays and festivities.

Many of our Probus Clubs are currently enjoying Christmas events and sharing the spirit of the season, no doubt Members are wishing each other good health, peace and prosperity.

The modern definition of the holiday season is most often equated with frivolity and enjoyment. No matter one’s culture or background, most people seem to get involved in Christmas in some way, whether by attending an annual club function, parties with family and friends, exchanging gifts, or going all out and hosting that very special meal.

At the end of the day, the original meaning of the festive or holiday season has usually been about human connection and using our time to return to core values such as joy, love, kindness and compassion. The fancy decorations and special meals are just the sprinkle on the top, not the core reason for celebrating the season.

Let’s be mindful of those around us who may not be as fortunate as us. Consider inviting a Probus friend or neighbour, who may be facing a lonely time, to a celebration or meal you are planning – set an extra place at your table.

For many of us this is what the festive season is all about–– affection, mindfulness and authentic connection. Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things, but simple joyful experiences, heartfelt feelings, and genuine emotions. Joy can be found in life’s smallest, everyday moments—if we choose to see it. Unlike gifts, kind words cost nothing, but their echoes are truly endless.

This past year went by like no other. On a positive note, within our Probus Community, the recent Probus Day Celebrations provided an opportunity for Clubs to promote Probus locally. It is pleasing to see many Clubs increase their promotional activity as a result. Of course, we

hope to see a lot more of that activity as more and more people appreciate the value of Probus.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to read our Probus Day edition of Active Retirees, you can view it on our website here May I take this opportunity to thank all of our valued Club Management Committees and Membership Representatives, you have all contributed so much during some challenging times - your support of Probus is very much appreciated.

I also wish to recognise and thank our wonderful Management and staff, their commitment and loyalty has been inspiring, led by our CEO Silvana who has recently celebrated her 15th year anniversary with PSPL.

On behalf of my fellow Directors, I’m sending my warmest wishes your way. May the holiday season bring you good cheer and health throughout the coming year. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Maestracci AM Chairman | Probus South Pacific Ltd

Judith

A lifetime of helping others

Sparked by the love of his life, Bruce is leaving a gift behind in his Will. Will you?

Bruce Smith and his late-wife, Mavis, have left gifts in their Wills for Australian Red Cross after volunteering more than 30 years together. Through an enduring legacy of love shared between Bruce and Mavis, Bruce hopes that their impact will be felt by people in the future long after they’re gone.

Bruce has dedicated more than 30 years volunteering for Australian Red Cross. But it was through his love for his wife, Mavis, that sparked his interest in Red Cross when she began as a volunteer in the 1960’s.

Over the decades and since his retirement, Bruce has supported Red Cross in a range of areas – from picking up refugees from the airport and helping them settle into their new homes to providing psychosocial support to survivors of the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria in 2009.

While Mavis has since passed on, Bruce wants others to think about their contribution to helping others beyond this life.

Photo: Australian Red Cross/ Amelia Wong

“If you’ve been supporting a cause throughout your lifetime, then please don’t stop when you’re thinking about what’s going to happen after you leave.”

Bruce will be leaving a gift in his Will to Red Cross – just as Mavis did – and he hopes he can inspire others to do so too.

“I always think about ‘people helping people’ as being a motto

or a thought that l keep in mind, that you get more out of helping people than you can fully understand.”

This is the message that Bruce wants to pass on as his legacy: “It would certainly be a wish of mine that people would consider helping others in such a way that they continue to support the causes they care about after they’ve gone”.

Mavis Smith, a skilled artisan, is pictured front left.

FEATURES

Health 12 5 ways to deal with festive stress

With the silly season upon us, we give you some stress-busting tips to help you stay cool.

13 6 ways to stronger bones

As we age, our bone health is one of the most important things we can work on.

Travel 21 Go West

As our friendly neighbours in the west will tell you, Perth is the place to be.

Technology

25 Keeping up to date

It seems like a computer update comes along almost daily, but do we need them?

Finance

29 How to do Christmas amidst this cost of living crisis

Christmas may well be the most festive time of year but it also quite often ends up being the most expensive time of year.

32 Retirement –just another career change

Many older people are eschewing traditional retirement in favour of new and exciting career paths.

Feature Story 34 Amazing Probians

Stories from inspiring members whose contributions to Probus and our society are notable and extraordinary.

is the official publication for the Probus organisation in Australia. Active Retirees is a trademark of Probus South Pacific Limited. ACN 152 374 395

Chairman Judith Maestracci AM

Vice Chairman Michael Ransom Treasurer David Ekert

Directors Tony Blaber, Peter Turner, Graeme Brown, John Hall, Bill Killinger AM and Merv Richens

PSPL Administration

PO Box 1294, Parramatta NSW 2124 phone +61 2 9689 0200 1300 630 488 (Australia) 0800 14776 287 (New Zealand) email admin@probussouthpacific.org website www.probussouthpacific.org

Active Retirees Production & Management

Probus South Pacific Limited Editorial Monika Prasad email monikap@probussouthpacific.org

Citrus Media Advertising Alex Brereton email alex@citrusmedia.com.au

PAST ISSUES PROBUS PARTNERS

Active Retirees Australia Disclaimer. Active Retirees is published by Probus South Pacific Limited (ACN 152 374 395) (PSPL). Advertisers and contributors to Active Retirees acknowledge that they are aware of and undertake to comply with the provisions of applicable State and Federal discrimination legislation and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 in relation to false and misleading advertising or statements and unfair practices. PSPL does not accept any responsibility for such breaches. Opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of PSPL. All articles are general in nature. Individuals should seek expert advice before acting on any information contained in Active Retirees. PSPL does not make any warranties in relation to the information provided and, to the full extent allowed by law, disclaim all warranties of any kind, express or implied. All material in Active Retirees is copyright and may not be produced in whole or in part without the express written permission of PSPL. Advertisers and contributors warrant that photographs provided for print in Active Retirees do not infringe the intellectual property or moral rights of any third party and that the advertiser or contributor holds all necessary permits and licences.

Experience the unforgettable...

Jamala Wildlife Lodge provides guests with luxurious accommodation and an unparalleled experience of the wildest kind! Located within the grounds of the National Zoo and Aquarium in the centre of Canberra, Jamala offers a variety of opulent safari style suites and bungalows that not only boast sublime African art and décor, but are also surrounded by some of the world’s most magnificent and endangered animals. A single night’s stay includes 22 hours of luxury, excitement and adventure with a tour of the zoo, afternoon tea, breakfast and a gourmet 4 course dinner with Moet champagne and fine wines included! Many guests choose a 2 to 4 night stay to experience more than one accommodation style. Animals: Please note that while the animals generally join guests as shown, no guarantee of their attendance or length of attendance can be given.

Reef Room

Jungle Bungalow

Rediscover your favourite sounds this festive season with

It’s an exciting time of the year coming up, with lots of holiday parties and family get togethers.

Sometimes when you’re spending time with a loved one, you may notice that they’re having trouble with their hearing. Maybe they are asking you to repeat yourself or have the TV up too loud.

At Audika, we believe hearing health is such an important part of connecting you with your loved ones – think of all the things hearing gives you. A shared secret, the sound of your grandkid’s footsteps as they approach your door, a great joke at a dinner party.

Hearing loss can change your everyday life and can also impact your loved ones. That’s why the team at Audika want to help you love your ears, with FREE* hearing health checks and expert advice.

To learn more about how to help your loved one on their journey to healthy hearing this season visit here

Invite us to your next event

Right now is a great time to be taking action on your hearing health.

As the Probus exclusive hearing partner, Audika are offering a range of services and discounts to Probus Club members across Australia and New Zealand.

Apply now to have one of our hearing health experts attend your next local meeting or event, where your members will be offered FREE* hearing checks and advice on hearing health.

Probus Club Members also receive 10% off the Optimal and Premium range of hearing devices purchased from an Audika hearing clinic.

Hearing is an important part of staying connected to your circle of friends. When you care for your hearing, you’re caring for your health and wellbeing – and we want to help Probus Members to love their ears and stay connected to their world.

Here’s what’s on offer:

• Hearing health expert to talk about hearing health

Apply now to have one of our Audika hearing health experts attend your next event for FREE.

• Free* hearing checks for all event attendees

• 10% off the Optimal and Premium range of hearing devices.

Ask your local Probus Club to book one of our hearing health experts today!

Visit here to find out more.

^Visit Audika.com.au/Probus-partnership for eligibility criteria and full T&Cs. $40 gift voucher to be of choice by Probus Clubs. Offer available until 30/06/2023.

*FREE hearing checks for adults aged 26 years and over.

ways to deal with festive stress 5

The run-up to the silly season is supposed to be all joy, family and mistletoe, but the holidays can also mean lots of stress: with parties to plan, relatives to entertain and gifts to buy. So here are five stress-busting options for when you feel that you are on the verge of getting a bit too worked up.

1Puzzling it out

We all love a good puzzle page. Mind games are like a mind massage: they help keep your brain active and healthy. Concentrating on a crossword or Sudoku helps you forget about your stresses and can distract you if you tend to be a worrier. It is fun and it is good for you and keeps your mind alert and ready for busting stress.

2

Talking it out

Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend is one of the easiest ways to get it off your chest. A sympathetic ear may be all you need to lighten the load. If your stress is related to a particular issue such as bereavement or financial worries, or is affecting you more than you’d like, you may need some informed advice, search your local area for support groups or ask your GP for a referral to speak to a professional. A problem shared is a problem halved, after all.

With the silly season upon us, we give you some stress-busting tips to help you stay cool.

3 Make a furry friend

Studies have shown that pets tend to lower stress; we just seem to be more mentally relaxed knowing we have an animal companion. For retirees, you must be very careful when considering this option. As we age, we must make sure we are physically able to care for an animal and that there is someone to help out so that the pet is not more stress to add to your plate.

4

Take a breather Meditation is a sure way to beat stress. The great thing is that it requires no equipment or special skills; you just need to learn to calm your mind. That sounds simple, but the building blocks are just trying to be more present and concentrate on your breathing. You will be surprised how easy it is to reduce stress with just a few deep, well-controlled intakes of breath. Some therapists call it a “body flop”; a conscious relaxing of all your body via breathing. Check out podcasts or online classes to learn a method that suits you.

5

Stay active

You fight stress better when your body is in good shape. That does not mean a million trips to the gym; just making sure that you regularly exercise your body and eat healthy meals. Consider some calmer exercises like yoga or tai chi and qi gong – these regimens also have you consider your breathing and keep you in the moment like meditation and exercise rolled into one. Also, you could attend some activities your Probus Club have on offer, and keep your body and mind active at the same time.

Don’t tear your hair out this holiday season. The Christmas period should be full of love, not stress. Keep mindful of your stress levels and have a few simple techniques up your sleeve to make sure you banish any bad thoughts.

ways to stronger bones 6

Our bones are the scaffolding of our bodies, holding everything in place. As we get older our bones can deteriorate if not looked after correctly, so let’s take a look at some of the ways we can keep our bones healthy.

1Get some calcium

Simply put, calcium is essential for strong bones. According to Osteoporosis Australia, almost 99 per cent of the body’s calcium is found in the bones. If calcium is needed elsewhere in the body it can be taken from the bones leading to a loss of bone density, so it is important to put the right amount of calcium into our diets. The recommended daily intake for women over 50, and men over 70, is 1300mg per day.

As we age, our bone health is one of the most important things we can work on. Follow these simple steps to better bones.

2

But get some Vitamin D, too Vitamin D helps calcium get absorbed by the body, so make sure you get a good dose. The easiest way to do it is to get some sunshine. The amount of sunshine needed is pretty low and it should be easy to achieve.

3 Get physical

Physical activity helps with bone density because bones get stronger when they have a certain amount of impact and strain put on them. This means the best exercise for keeping your bones healthy is weight-bearing exercise – walking, tennis, impact aerobics – or resistance training using gym equipment to lift appropriate weights.

4

Know your medicines

Some medicines we take for other issues may have the effect of weakening our bones. Check with your doctor to see if things like thyroid medicine might be reducing your bone density and discuss ways to help prevent it.

5

Eat your way to good bones

Eating a lot of vegetables, especially green and yellow vegetables, can help with good bone mineralisation. Eating lots of vegetables has been shown to be particularly helpful for older women, who are at more risk of osteoporosis.

6

Maintain your fighting weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can help your bones. If you are underweight you run the risk of osteoporosis, but being overweight is bad too. As you age, carrying excess weight can lead to bone fractures and can be detrimental to bone health.

These simple things can help you have stronger bones for longer, and that means a healthier, happier retirement.

Outback Aussie Tours

Experience the unforgettable

from their/our close working relationship with outback communities, station owners, accommodation providers and local tour operators. As ‘Smithy’ likes to say, ‘Our guests leave as true friends of the outback.’

Between “Big Red” desert sand dunes with breathtaking sunsets to lush rainforests in the Daintree, Outback Aussie Tours are proud to be the only touring company in Longreach offering this incredible range of specialised once in a lifetime experiences in Outback Queensland. Beneficially, all tour costs are reinvested to help sustain and celebrate Outback communities.

Outback Queensland is high on the bucket list for many Australians. And we know why! Outback Queensland is packed full of authentic, unforgettable experiences and incredibly diverse landscapes with stories that share deep connections which take your breath away.

Longreach-based Outback Aussie Tours are specialists in guided tours of Outback Queensland. Owners, Alan (Smithy) and Sue Smith, love the Outback and share a passion for its strong sense of community and the environment. For over three decades, this passion has translated into many truly memorable touring adventures and valued friendships for their guests.

Offering a wide range of 4 to 14day guided bus tours and shorter day tours for self-drive travellers, Outback Aussie Tours also operate private charters for groups that

want a truly customised tour experience.

Outback Aussie Tours are a proud Eco Certified Nature Tourism Operator, committed to best practice environmental sustainability and supporting their local outback communities. Indepth interpretation of the natural and cultural stories is guaranteed when touring with this multi-award winning Savannah Guides Operator.

Comfort and safety are assured aboard their fleet of custom-built vehicles, designed for outback conditions. Road packaged with iconic rail journeys adds to the experience, these guys are truly the Daylight Rail experts.

Touring experiences and locations are carefully selected for their authenticity and local flavour. Guests benefit

Guided Tours range from 4 - 14 days to destinations including Longreach and Winton, Birdsville, Corner Country, Gulf Savannah, Cape York and Torres Strait. All tours are packaged with flight and rail connections for a seamless travel experience – just speak to their friendly reservation team. Tailored guided tours can also be arranged to your group’s needs.

Outback Aussie Tours also operate a selection of day tours and cruises in Longreach including the award-winning Drover’s Sunset Cruise with Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.

With Outback Queensland touring in high demand, travellers are planning their 2023 holidays now with discounts for Probus members. If Outback Queensland is on your bucket list, you’re encouraged to book in early before seats run out.

For more information or to book, please visit here or call 07 4658 3000.

2023 A YEAR OF

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

As 2022 draws to a close, it is the perfect time to reawaken wanderlust and begin to plan our next travel adventure. As the world’s leading family-owned travel company, The Travel Corporation (TTC) has over 40 Brands offering a range of holiday styles across seven continents. So, we asked our in-house travel experts for their recommendations to create a 12-month calendar of tasty travel treats especially for our friends at Probus. Read on to discover why April is the perfect time to experience the Netherlands and why the Northern Territory in August should absolutely be on your bucket list.

Although beautiful all season, find yourself in Tasmania in January and you’ll be able to experience lavender in full bloom. The fragrance is delightful, but lavender can also be infused into ice-cream, teas and jams, creating a multisensory treat. February in New Zealand, brings the best weather and clearest skies for stargazing. Experiencing Waitangi Day, celebrated on the 6th of February, is an amazing opportunity to learn about the deep and rich traditions that bind New Zealand together. Culture, music and food are all in glorious abundance in Spain during March. Not to mention the warm Mediterranean climate, perfect for gentle walks along the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Enjoy Belgium and the Netherlands in April at their most colourful during this season of rebirth. Stroll through acres of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens to get a sense of the Netherlands’ extraordinary connection to these flowers that only bloom from early to late spring. Visual splendour is also found among the landscapes of Tuscany in May. Beating the crowds, you can experience the destination at its most authentic and the countryside at its most vibrant. In June the UK & Ireland’s enduring natural beauty is showcased to perfection. Coastlines, countryside, picturesque villages and greenified cities put on an amazing display at this beautiful time of year.

April brings an exquisite carpet of colour in the Netherlands.

Sunset over the Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

Experience the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site Victoria Falls in July for the best chance in seeing the famous lunar rainbow. Game viewing is excellent at this time of year, as wildlife begins to congregate along the riverbanks. August in Uluru is a comfortable travel experience, with an average maximum temperatures of 20 - 30 °C. The colours of Uluru also become more vibrant during this time, creating exquisite photo opportunities – no filters required. An under-appreciated season in Scandinavia, autumn will charm you with crisp, clean air, plenty of daylight hours and colourful foliage. Scandinavia in September is full of delicious seasonal foods and is one of the best times to spot the Northern Lights, with the aurora at its most active around the September equinox.

It is breeding season in The Galapagos Islands in October, making for exceptional wildlife encounters. The air temperature is cooler, with little rainfall, making pleasant conditions for walks, hikes and unique wildlife-spotting. Cooler days, balmy evenings and thinning crowds make exploring Egypt in October a delight. An experience to be treasured is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, celebrating the two dates each year (February & October) when the innermost temple room is illuminated by the sun’s rays. Immerse yourself in Europe’s old-world charms at Germany & Austria’s magical holiday markets in December Sparkling lights transform ancient cathedral squares, and the sound of children’s laughter mingles with carols. In the words of the Christkindl, “While this market’s splendour is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal.”

Why not take this travel inspiration a step further and browse our 12-month trip calendar on the next page. As a Probus Club Member you’ll save $100 per person when travelling with TTC’s award-winning travel companies: AAT Kings; Adventure World; Costsaver; Luxury Gold; Insight Vacations; Inspiring Journeys; Trafalgar and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.

Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world

Uluru, the heart of the ‘Red Centre’. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia.

Be entranced by Egypt’s ancient treasures and rich history

12-MONTHS OF TRAVEL

PERFECT TASMANIA

Expect World Heritage-listed historic sites and wilderness areas, blinding beaches and glacial lakes, with a parade of distilleries, wineries and farm-gates in between. Cruise Wineglass Bay and along the Gordon River on the wild West Coast.

FROM

TULIPS & WINDMILLS

Step back in time to as you visit historic villages and medieval city centres. Art lovers will enjoy guided museum visits, while garden lovers will find a host of wonders with springtime blossoms.

FROM $6,399

NEW ZEALAND UNCOVERED

Drift through World Heritagelisted gorges on a Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi tour and explore the icefields at Franz Josef Glacier. Sometimes there’s a Māori hangi feast on the menu; at others there’s award-winning wine.

FROM $9,124 * PP

COUNTRY ROADS OF ITALY

Journey across the Italian peninsula in this perfectly paced guided tour that stretches from the sapphire waters of the Amalfi Coast to the historic canals of Venice, with so many jewels in between.

FROM

IBERIAN EXPLORER

Add a dash of emoción to your journey across the Iberian Peninsula, following an enticing trail of tapas, architectural triumphs and centuries-old art on this adventure through Spain and Portugal.

FROM $2,150 * PP

BRITAIN AND IRELAND GRANDEUR

Trace the footsteps of giants and feel the salty spray of the Cliffs of Moher, inhale the fresh mossy walls of medieval castles and enjoy a toe-tapping, heart-stirring Gaelic song along the way.

FROM $6,950

HANDPICKED SOUTH AFRICA & VICTORIA FALLS

within Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premium wilderness area. Continue to Cape Town and spectacular Victoria Fallsor “Mosi-oaTunya” – the smoke that thunders.

NORTHERN TERRITORY DREAMING

Immerse yourself in Australia’s heartland. Discover the Top End’s striking landscape then journey to the magical Red Centre, seeing iconic Uluru, the mystical domes of Kata Tjuta, and windswept Walpa Gorge.

GRAND SCANDINAVIA

Cruise the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, step back in time to the reign of the Vikings in Oslo and see Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, on this delicious Scandinavia smorgasbord of a tour.

FROM

INSIDER GALAPAGOS & MACHU

PICCHU

ELEGANCE OF THE PHARAOHS

Enjoy a perfect blend of luxury guided tour and Nile cruise. Join an Egyptologist at the Pyramids of Giza. Enjoy a VIP, after-hours visit to the Temple of Luxor and the royal burial grounds of the Valley of the Kings.

Explore the islands of Galapagos with its unique flora and fauna. Experience Lima’s modern and colonial highlights. Uncover the Inca legacy in Cusco, culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu. FROM $6,820

EUROPEAN HOLIDAY MARKETS

Drink in the delightful festive atmosphere of wooden stalls displaying traditional crafts and foods, exquisite ornaments and fine contemporary crafts, along with fairy-tale villages decked in holiday finery.

FROM $5,199

A day trip to remember...

Enjoy a ferry ride & delicious lunch at Davistown RSL Club Only 2 minutes walk from Woy Woy station the M.V Saratoga departs Fisherman’s Wharf Monday to Friday at 10.45am and 12.30pm and on the weekends at 10.45am and 12.30pm for a relaxing ride on the beautiful Brisbane Water If you would like to stop for a meal or light snack then just inform the captain. He will ring the club prior to your arrival and arrange for the courtesy bus to pick you up at Central Wharf. The bus will then depart the club at 1.15pm and 2.15pm for your return journey.

Go West

How could any city have a better water view?

Stretching 90-plus degrees in either direction, is the Swan River which, on this sparkling day, is showing off the city to perfection. Perth was known for the people selling bunches of sweetly fragrant brown Boronia on street corners, arcades where tearooms served special cakes, bells tolling from St George’s Cathedral, and the ferry to South Perth. Fifty or more years later, the city has changed enormously. The flower- sellers have gone, the tearooms are replaced by trendy inner-city cafe strips. The Bell Tower’s Swan Bells chime in the freshly revamped Barrack Square wharf, a block or so from the sparkling glass high-rise of Perth’s CBD.

Remote capital

The thing about Perth is that it is a long way from anywhere. It wears the ‘most remote capital city in the world’ tag rather proudly. People from the ‘Eastern States’ or ‘over East’ (terms you will hear often in Perth) need several hours of flying, or days by car, train or ship to get here. Locals holiday in Bali because it is closer than Sydney.

WA evolved differently to Australia’s other states. The Swan River colony was the third to be settled in 1829. Perth grew up without much

outside influence. Soon, vines were planted in the Swan Valley, upriver from what would become the city. Later, gold and minerals would be discovered. The state became rich, with Perth the economic centre.

The park of kings

Perhaps the most farsighted vision was to create a park and botanical gardens on prime hilltop real estate, with views to the Darling escarpment and almost to the coast; and that lovely river – unimaginatively named after black swans that so fascinated the Europeans – as its centrepiece.

As our friendly neighbours in the west will tell you, Perth is the place to be.

Not only are there panoramic views, but a Flame of Remembrance and cenotaph, a memorial to the victims of the Bali Bombing, an oral clock, as well as walking and cycling trails and lawns to relax on with a BYO picnic. Can’t be bothered packing a hamper? The restaurant, café, or kiosk, can supply all you need.

In spring, Kings Park and Botanic Garden showcases wildflowers from all over the state, planted according to their region. Florally, at least, it means you can tour this state, that is about the size of a third of Australia, in a few hours.

Not a nature lover?

Perth has the WACA for cricket lovers, ocean beaches for sun and surf lovers, and some of Australia’s best restaurants for food lovers and being Perth, there are innovative ways to enjoy the latter. Take a tuk tuk ride in Northbridge to any of the restaurants on offer or Eat the Street on a walking degustation tour.

Better still, here you can watch the sun go down over the ocean, something impossible in most other parts of Australia. With a cold beer (Swan Bitter is the local drop) or a good wine (maybe a Harris Organic Wine) it hardly gets any better.

Plan a weekend visit to the 120-year-old Fremantle Markets for bargains, a dozen or more cuisines and, outside, street jugglers and magicians.

M A R C H

J U L Y

a r i e & B a l l i n a

C e n t r a l C o a s t C h r i s t m a s I n J u l y

A U G U S T

S u n s h i n e C o a s t C e n t r a l C o a s t M a j e s t i c

S E P T E M B E R

S o u t h C o a s t S p e c t a c u l a r

C e n t r a l C o a s t & B o w r a l T u l i p F e s t i v a l

O V E M B E R

T O U R

P E C I A L

A weekend in Goulburn Australia

Be enticed by the country charm of Australia’s first inland city. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy all that this progressive yet delightful regional city has to offer. Perfectly positioned, just two hours from Sydney and one hour from Canberra.

Heritage

Discover our history through the abundance of museums, homesteads, cathedrals and stunning heritage architecture. Some must-see attractions include, Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum and the Goulburn Historic Waterworks.

Culture

Immerse yourself in captivating galleries and performance venues. Visit the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery to admire the work of acclaimed artists, take a leisurely stroll along the self-guided public art trail or watch a show at the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre.

Shop

The main thoroughfare of Auburn Street is lined with a plethora of boutiques and speciality stores. Time your visit

right and head to one of the weekend markets in the City and surrounding villages.

Taste

The City has a bustling café culture – complete with great coffee and character. Enjoy a Devonshire tea at one of our historic homesteads, or a senior’s special afternoon tea at one of our service clubs.

Stay

From intimate guest houses, B&B’s, selfcontained cosy heritage homes and pub stays to sleek and modern hotels – Goulburn has a range of accommodation to suit every occasion and budget.

Keeping up to date /

Keeping up to date

Acomputer update can be nervewracking for a number of reasons.

It might change the functionality you were used to. You might find that it affects how your computer interacts with older programs or software.

However, there are very good reasons why we should keep our computer’s operating system, and the various programs and software that we use, up to date.

Latest update, latest security

The main reason you want to keep things up to date is that the latest version of the software will have the most recent, and therefore most effective, security to keep hackers at bay.

There have been global outbreaks of viruses that could have been easily prevented with up-to-date security and saved people a lot of headaches.

No sooner have software companies plugged a security breach than hackers start working away to break back in again. It is a game of cat and mouse that means you really want the latest online locks on your digital information.

If you do end up with a security breach or malware – hidden software designed to damage or gain access to your computer –you could infect your friends’ computers via email networks or sharing flash drives, but updating your apps to the latest version minimises the risk of these breaches

New features might help you

Software updates might change things you are used to, but they also offer new features that you could find useful. As soon as you have downloaded an app or some software, a team of developers is beavering away in the background trying to improve on it, so it makes sense to have the latest version of what you have purchased.

How do I find updates?

You will generally receive a prompt from your phone, computer or software alerting you that an update is available. These often seem to come at very inconvenient times – when you’re writing an email or trying to upload a photo from your latest Probus outing!

But don’t ignore it, for all the

It seems like a computer update comes along almost daily, but do we need them or can they be more hassle than they’re worth?

You could pass on viruses or malware to others

reasons above.

But what if you’re not getting prompts? It might be that your automatic updates feature has been turned off. You can do this yourself, or sometimes, if you have already got some malware on your computer, it can affect the automatic updates. Look in your settings and make sure that you’re being prompted when an update lands.

How do I find updates?

There’s no way around it –updates are a hassle. They can take a while to install, they disrupt what you’re doing, and they can cause problems on some occasions. But to make things easier, make sure you close everything and do the updates at night when you go to bed. This allows it to tick away while you’re not using the computer.

On balance, updating your computer will provide less issue than leaving your personal data open to hackers, so you just have to grit your teeth and press UPDATE.

ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE!

True North expands fleet

True North Adventure Cruises is excited to announce that the TRUE NORTH’s predecessor is returning to service.

The first TRUE NORTH to feature a ship’s helicopter has more recently been available for charter in Indonesian waters.

True North’s founding director, Craig Howson, reported “The boat is in first class condition. It has been extremely-well maintained and remembering that it was originally designed to conduct adventurecruises along the Kimberley coast – it remains ideally suited to this task.”

The boat will be sailed to Fremantle at the end of the year where it will undergo refit ahead of its maiden voyage as TRUE NORTH II. TRUE NORTH II will feature capacity for 22 guests, 5 dedicated adventure boats and a ship’s helicopter.

Howson continued “The introduction of a second boat will obviously allow our reservations team to offer much improved availability, however we will also be able

to offer pricing that generally represents a 25% saving when compared to the TRUE NORTH. The TRUE NORTH will offer the superior level of onboard refinement however life onboard TRUE NORTH II will also be very comfortable and stylish and more importantly, it will still be the same True North experience featuring unparalleled access to wilderness, multiple daily activities and, revered onboard dining.”

The new TRUE NORTH II sailing schedule commences in March 2023 and in many instances, it will complement the TRUE NORTH’s schedule, however new itineraries include fishing and snorkelling at the Montebello Islands, seeing the solar eclipse at Ningaloo Reef, new 4 and 10-night adventures in the Kimberley, 13 nights on the Great Barrier Reef and a 7-night itinerary ideally suited to charter that will feature Christmas and New Year in Sydney.

For

www.truenorth.com.au/cruise-map/schedule/

FAST FACTS

True North Adventure Cruises has won a plethora of awards for excellence including state and national tourism awards, export awards and numerous consumer awards.

TRUE NORTH and TRUE NORTH II are purpose-built to sail deep into the heart of wilderness, visiting areas that larger ships cannot access. Guests are privy to immersive excursions via the onboard helicopters and dedicated adventure boats.

Exceptional food and wine are also at the heart of the True North experience. Modern Australian cuisine is supplemented with locally sourced ingredients and complemented by an outstanding selection of Western Australian wines.

TRUE NORTH (36 guests) features the ultimate in comfort and style including a panoramic dining saloon, a dedicated ship’s lounge, an alfresco bar, and an observation lounge.

TRUE NORTH II features a more intimate experience (22 guests) with a combined saloon/lounge.

Daily activities can include scenic walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving, picnics, cultural events, and spectacular helicopter flights.

Destinations include the Kimberley – a panorama of rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls; the still-wild coast of Western Australia featuring the pristine beaches and islands of the south coast, the intriguing Abrolhos Islands, world-famous Ningaloo Reef, fishing paradise at the marvellous Montebello Islands and the stunning Rowley Shoals; Over the Top adventure from Darwin to Cairns; the breathtaking Raja Ampats; the whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay; the mighty Sepik River and the un-spoilt islands of Papua New Guinea; mysterious Bougainville Island; beautiful Sydney Harbour and; a seafood safari featuring Kangaroo Island and the picturesque Eyre Peninsula.

How to do Christmas amidst this cost of living crisis /

How to do Christmas amidst this cost of living crisis

It’s no secret that the cost of living has soared to an unrealistic benchmark this year, everything but salaries & pensions have gone up, leaving Aussies in a tough situation this festive season. We explore ways to tighten the purse strings and make the most of this Christmas without pulling your hair out.

Arrange your expenses

First of all, make a list of things you and your family usually spend on during Christmas and make sure you include all the tiny ones, too. Every dollar counts! Some usuals include: presents, Christmas cards, decorations, stocking fillers, outside dining and new clothes. A smart way to do it might be to go through your 2021 December bank statement and highlight all your Christmas expenses. Once you have the list, you are free to start splitting the essential and the nonessential, as hard as this may be, this will help you in weeding out the bigger fish which aren’t really essential.

Go on a cash only budget

This means to decide a budget before you start spending and withdraw that money as cashthat’s your festive allowance! There is no way for you to overdraw or stretch your budget if it’s in hard cash sitting in your wallet. Whether you prefer to write your budget as dot points in a notebook or on a digital spreadsheet, it is important to bring it onto paper so that you are committing fully and you have the freedom to monitor your spending as you go.

Christmas may well be the most festive time of year but it also, quite often, ends up being the most expensive time of year.

Shop thriftier

Being thrifty during Christmas is an art which involves browsing tons of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas sales. These usually see full priced, branded products labelled at anywhere between 30-70% off their retail price. Those are some major savings. Another thrifty trick is combining your online shopping carts to qualify for free shipping, or to look for stores which do free shipping.

Finance How to do Christmas amidst this cost of living crisis /

Try Secret Santa

When in larger groups, some are usually obligated to shop for everyone in the group, meaning multiple presents and multiple spends. This year suggest the neat idea of a Secret Santa, in which you pick a name out of a hat and that’s the person you need to buy a gift for, and in turn, someone else picks your name and you receive a gift too. This is a huge penny pincher.

Be energy smart

Christmas can really see a spike in your energy bill as there’s the added electrical usage in almost every area of the house, not to mention outdoor lighting. The kitchen sees more and more oven hours to cook up yummy roasts, the living room sees the Christmas tree lit up all day/ night, the outside of the house gets decorated in a cascade of lights, the late nights bring on more light time and more. This is how things could really add up and get out of hand when the bill lands in your mailbox a few months later. So make sure you do what you can to minimise this effect. Turn lights and appliances off when not in use, watch your use of air-conditioning and try to dry all your clothes on the line outside – your clothes drier is a power glutton!

Give ‘second hand’ a go

A great idea is to visit second hand stores to pick up some rare decoration finds which may bring a new character to your Christmas setup. Some may prefer to go second hand for their gift shopping but that’s up to everyone’s personal discretion.

Don’t stress

Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be an enjoyable time. May it be a smaller tree, less lights, less presents or less extravagant food. What’s important is that you spend quality time with your family together sharing laughs and making memories!

James Fletcher, Filmink

Retirement – just another career change

Hybrid careers are all the rage with millennials.

Lawyers are now also expert coders, Olympic swimmers study engineering and corporate professionals moonlight as bloggers. These career changes and combinations are not limited to the younger generation. Many older people are eschewing traditional retirement in favour of new and exciting career paths. What’s more, they are finding that embarking on a new challenge later in life can have distinct practical advantages.

David Freilich is one of a growing number of people who have embraced this concept. After practising as a neurologist for over 40 years, in his late 60s, he decided to scale back his working hours to pursue his passion for writing. Now 70, he has published three books, has completed another and is working on a fifth.

For him, forging a literary career later in life has had distinct advantages. For one, where young writers

often speak about their struggles with the discipline and dedication required to complete a novel, David has found that his medical training has equipped him with many of the skills required to work productively as an author.

“Being a doctor requires a lot of discipline,” he says. “You have to be a bit obsessive, have good attention to detail and, of course, it’s a lot of hard work. Especially

in the younger years when you’re training and building up a career, I think that stands you in good stead. And writing does require a lot of discipline.”

Having already built a career, David does not need to rely on notoriously unreliable book sales for financial stability.

“My medical career has allowed me to lead a certain lifestyle and has afforded me time now that I’ve cut back to be able to spend time writing, for which there’s very little recompense,” he explains.

David is hardly alone in

his pursuit of a different passion later in life. While he acknowledges that some of his friends remain reluctant to change their careers, many have sidestepped traditional retirement and adapted their nine-to-five jobs to accommodate other interests.

David mentions an acquaintance, an architect, who turned his home into an art gallery. Another friend, an accountant, has ended up “making biscuits and pastries”. Two of his colleagues, both ophthalmologists, also write. In fact, the medical profession appears to be rife with latent creative talent.

Such is the demand growth for pursuing new challenges later in life that many universities are creating programs designed to aid the transition from one career into another. Harvard, for example, has

developed the Advanced Leadership Program. The program aims to give people nearing the end of their careers the opportunity to engage with new fields. It is the only course that allows students to take classes from any of the University’s faculties, encouraging bankers to study literature, army veterans to read philosophy and accountants to discover art history. Similar courses are appearing around the world,

including Australia, with the University of Sydney, UNSW, RMIT and the University of Melbourne all developing programs designed specifically for people looking to change their careers later in life.

To anyone considering pursuing a new career, David is a staunch advocate for taking risks.

“If you’ve got a passion for something – do it. And don’t be put off by the possibility of failure. I think you need to do it. And if you succeed, well and good, and if you fail, so be it. But you should do it.”

Our Amazing Probians

We often receive profiles of our amazing Probus members to feature in Active Retirees. This month we’ve decided to showcase some inspiring members whose contributions to Probus and our society are just an example of the amazing deeds our Probians are accomplishing every day.

Visiting from the UK, Paddington Probus member Ronald Collins celebrated his 101st birthday in Queensland. He met with the local Probus Club and was welcomed to Australia by our Chairman Judith Maestracci AM. He has shared with us some early memoirs about his time as a war hero and his work with the UK Ministry of Defence.

Brian Gilmore has worked tirelessly (in retirement) and been instrumental to the growth and strength of Probus in different states. He has spent two decades contributing to his peers, growing Club membership and providing enriching friendships that have bettered the lives of countless members. Yet, in his own words, he humbly speaks only of how his service has enriched his life.

Retired pilot and former Probus Club President Jim Hynd stopped flying when his vision began to fail. Rather than shy away from this condition, he invented an aide to be used in conjunction with a free app to help other people suffering from vision problems. He is trying to start a support group to increase awareness and decrease isolation from others suffering from similar vision disabilities.

Early memoirs

– Ronald CollinsSalisbury Probus Club, UK

I was a 22-year-old Radar Technician in the royal Airforce in North Africa when the Italian Government decided to change sides and join the allies. As a result, the Germans and allies rushed off to take over territory held by the Italians. The Germans took over the

prime Island of Rhodes and the allies had islands in the Dodecanese which to were Kos and Leros. In the Winter of 1943, there was the battle of Leros where unfortunately the British and Italians that were there were defeated, and I was taken as a prisoner of war.

I was shipped across on one of at least two ships from Leros to the port of Pyrias in Athens. Unfortunately at least one of the ships carrying many prisoners of war was sunk by what was later referred to as “allied action”. Several thousand prisoners, including British soldiers, drowned. We were paraded down the main streets of

Ron’s father, Ralph Collins, Mounted Cavalry in World War 1

Ron circa 1930

Our Amazing Probians /

Athens as propaganda action in front of large crowds of completely silent Greeks because it was the last success that the Germans had in the War.

When we were held there in Athens we were then put in a cattle truck with straw and barbed wire and transported to a fleet of goods trains that took us North to Germany. It was a very eventful affair with many adventures.

When we arrived in Frankfurt to my surprise, I was taken off the train and taken to a unit called Dulag Luft which was a prison. I was put in solitary confinement and eventually interrogated, then transported up to the North Atlantic coast to Stetin and arrived at the POW camp, Stalag Luft 1 in October 1943.

When the war ended, Russian tanks and personnel came and liberated us in the POW camp. In the days following the Liberation, there were no services, no food or water and after a few days the operation to repatriate us all began. We were flown from an airstrip close to the POW camp to Ford (UK) airdrome. I arrived home in the UK with ulcerated legs that required surgery, and significant malnutrition and weight loss. I spent some time in a wheelchair during my convalescence. In November 1945 I returned to service in the RAF and was given a priority discharge in June 1946.

After leaving the RAF I worked for Sir Alan Cobham who was an RAF pilot who had pioneered the route from London to Sydney via Africa and who was quite a character. He was very much involved in in-flight refuelling, and he had carried out several tests prior

to the war. I joined him and helped to convert Lancaster bombers to British standards and meet Civil Aviation requirements.

After that operation very fortunately the Berlin Airlift started. I ran a radio and radar workshop in Hanover and Hamburg for Flight refuelling during the Berlin Airlift which lasted approximately 10 months. After this, I joined the Ministry of Civil Aviation Authority in the UK at Heathrow Airport to develop a ground approach system to replace the American system that had been in use up to that point.

After this, I joined the War Office to put a call out for exradar personnel to service and maintain their artillery unit which was radar controlled along the south coast of the UK. I joined them and spent some 37 years which then became the Ministry of Defence (Army) and ran various workshops.

I retired at the age of 60 and after a short time, I realised that I was not ready to retire so I spent nine years with a security and access control firm dealing with security and access solutions which included a security install at Buckingham Palace.

I attach a photo of my Father who served in World War I as a mounted cavalryman and luckily survived and went on to live a long life until the age of 96. Ironically, I survived a similar fate in Leros engineered by Churchill in World War II in a similar area of the World because of Churchill’s belief that we should “attack the soft belly of the access”.

I am a Member of the Salisbury Probus Club in the UK which is a men’s only Club. I was humbled to be appointed an honorary member on my 100th birthday and delighted to have been welcomed by a Probus Club in Brisbane. I was delighted to see that both men and women are encouraged to participate.

Ron after the War

Ron’s German paperwork when taken as a POW during WWI

Ron attending a Probus meeting around his 101st Birthday

Probus Life – Brian Gilmore - Algester Probus Club and PAQ Treasurer

When I retired from work, I had no specific plans for what I was going to do in retirement, except to say I was just glad to retire, and enjoy it.

Just before I retired a colleague at work, who was a Rotarian, suggested I should check out Probus. It took over 12 months before I attended my first Probus Club Meeting at the Tuggeranong Club in the ACT.

I could never have imagined how this decision was about to change my life and could never have imagined how rewarding volunteering for a role in the management of my club could be. After nearly twenty years I have come to the realisation that the decision to join Probus and take an active role has kept me mentally stimulated and physically active which continues still today.

The day I was inducted as a member of the Tuggeranong Club, the Treasurer resigned and, as they could not find a replacement, I agreed to take on the role until the next AGM, so began my Probus journey.

In March 2004, I was appointed Secretary of the Club and held that position for two years. This was followed by two years as President of the Club and then again Secretary for the next five years, being made a Life Member in 2012, before my move to Brisbane. Both my wife Marlene and I certainly enjoyed the fun and friendship at that club.

While living in Canberra in 2004, I became involved with the local Association and appointed President in 2007, followed in 2008 as Secretary for the next four years. The Canberra Association was quite active in supporting the local clubs. It also conducted an annual Friendship dinner which were a huge success during those years, with many members attending, and on a number of occasions supported by Trade Travel running Travel Expos at the same time.

While living in Canberra I became involved with assisting the Rotary District Probus Chairman and was involved in the establishment of two new Clubs Greenway and Lanyon. My wife and I also joined Greenway Club, as Foundation Members, and remained as members until moving to Queensland.

In August 2012 my wife and I moved to Queensland and started looking for a new Club to join. It was recommended to join the Algester Club, which we did in September that year. I was just happy to become a member and enjoy the fun and friendship that Probus offers. However, Algester was an ageing club, and I managed to suggest a number of new ideas I brought from Canberra. Like many clubs, we were having difficulty finding a President, so in March 2014 I agreed to take on the role of President of the Club and again in 2015. Again, I felt this was very rewarding also moving interstate and making new friends, feeling part of the community again. In 2014, I also took on the role of

Newsletter editor and still continue to do that role today. In 2016, I was awarded life membership of that Club.

During 2014 I received a call from a Member of the Queensland Association with the view of me becoming involved. I agreed to join the committee in 2015, and in March 2017 was appointed President and remained in that position for the next three years, again I felt it was very rewarding. In March 2018 a Memo of Understanding was signed between the Probus Association of Queensland and Probus South Pacific which has led to a major change in attitudes and understanding of how we can all work for the better. The Associations role has now changed from supporting clubs with social activities, to supporting Clubs with Membership retention, Membership Growth, New Members and New Clubs. In March 2020, I agreed to take over the role of Treasurer of the Association and remain in that position today. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to serve in all these roles. I know many members are reluctant to volunteer for the committee of their Club, however if they could only realise how rewarding it can be, it would not only be beneficial for them but also the future of their Clubs.

Inventing an Extra-Hand – Jim Hynd - Cooma Probus Club

In 2011, at age 70, Jim Hynd casually noticed that he had to remove his sunglasses to read the speedometer in his car. Later it was the GPS that was difficult to read. As Jim had been an aviator pilot for most of his life, since the age of 19, and as he was very safety conscious, he now found reading small instruments difficult, he therefore voluntarily gave up flying.

Jim’s last flight was in a glider, the form of aviation that he started

at Gawler in the 1950s. That flight at Cooma in the Snowy Mountains was memorable, with a checked pilot on board, he achieved a full one-hour flight. As they decided that it was time to land a lone Wedge Tailed Eagle appeared at the right wing as if symbolic of saying “goodbye.”

Jim’s vision deterioration, in hindsight, continued to be barely noticeable. The optician at his bi-annual optical check-up advised that he should consult an ophthalmologist and promptly made an appointment. The ophthalmologist informed Jim that he had a dry macula in one eye and a wet macula in the other. Jim received an injection in the wet eye and had his driver’s licence endorsed for daylight driving only. Eventually, injections were needed in both eyes. Now for over two years, with injections every 4-6 weeks, his eyes have been stable.

In the meantime, Jim kept probing to find assistance to overcome the handicap. Jim attempted to form a local support group. He found that resistance came from people who did not want to discuss their problem, however, some that were referred by their families and others by their medical providers were forthcoming. One of the social problems with macula is that the VIP (Visually Impaired Person) does not show signs of impairment, so the public cannot assist. Jim has found that by wearing an “I have low vision” badge, the public is willing to provide assistance when necessary.

Jim found that there is an app developed by a German ophthalmologist, which is provided at no charge called ‘weeZoom’ which is available on the Play store or App Store.

Jim found that the problem with magnification was holding the magnifier steady enough to read and because he was holding the magnifier with one hand,

he needed an extra hand. Commercial electronic readers were in the thousand dollars plus range. This price was out of consideration so Jim invented his “Extra hand”.

The Extra-hand is a small specially designed stand, that supports a tablet or smartphone about 150mm above with the ‘weeZoom’ app.

Jim can now read anything with ease, convert business cards to read their phone numbers, and because he now has an ‘Extra hand’ can insert the screws in his glasses or thread a needle.

Jim is selling his ‘Extra hand’ locally on a ‘not for profit’ basis at $50 with proceeds going to visually impaired groups.

Jim would like to start an ARMD support group, if you are interested in finding out more, please forward your details to editorial@ probussouthpacific.org

Jim has been a member of the Cooma Probus Club for about 15 years, having served as President and been a member of the committee all that time. Jim says the Club provides mental stimulation through guest speakers, social contact and member support for his disability.

Jim Hynd with his invention

The ExtraHand being used for a delicate repair

P R O B U S T R A V E L I N S U R A N C E

E m b a r k i n g o n y o u r n e x t t r i p i s e x c i t i n g , a n d w h i l e y o u h o p e t h e u n e x p e c t e d d o e s n o t h a p p e n , i t i s b e s t t o b e p r e p a r e d . B u y i n g P r o b u s T r a v e l I n s u r a n c e f o r y o u r t r i p c a n o f f e r c o v e r f o r m i n o r t h i n g s , l i k e a d e l a y e d s u i t c a s e * , o r s i g n i f i c a n t t h i n g s , l i k e a n u n e x p e c t e d t r i p c a n c e l l a t i o n o r a n o v e r s e a s m e d i c a l e m e r g e n c y * W e ' v e p a r t n e r e d w i t h e m e r g e n c y m e d i c a l a s s i s t a n c e p r o v i d e r , A l l i a n z G l o b a l A s s i s t a n ce t o e n s u r e y o u h a v e t h e s u p p o r t a n d c a r e y o u n e e d R e m e m b e r t o a l w a y s r e a d t h e P r o d u c t D i s c l o s u r e S t a t e m e n t f o r t h e t e r m s , c o n d i t i o n s , l i m i t s a n d e x c l u s i o n s .

F E A T U R E S A N D B E N E F I T S

P r e - e x i s t i n g m e d i c a l c o n d i t i o n c o v e r Y o u c a n a p p l y f o r p r e e x i s t i n g m e d i c a l c o n d i t i o n c o v e r o n C o m p r e h e n s i v e , M u l t i T r i p a n d D o m e s t i c p l a n s u s i n g o u r e a s y o n l i n e m e d i c a l a s s e s s m e n t t h a t p r o v i d e s a n i n s t a n t o u t c o m e

2 4 / 7 e m e r g e n c y a s s i s t a n c e I f y o u n e e d h e l p w h i l e t r a v e l l i n g , A u s t r a l i a n b a s e d c a s e m a n a g e r s a r e h e r e f o r y o u 2 4 / 7 , w i t h r e g i s t e r e d d o c t o r s a n d n u r s e s a v a i l a b l e .

S i m p l e c l a i m s p r o c e s s I f s o m e t h i n g h a p p e n s w h i l e y o u a r e t r a v e l l i n g , m a k i n g a c l a i m i s s i m p l e w i t h o u r o n l i n e c l a i m s p o r t a l . Y o u c a n m a k e a c l a i m o n l i n e w h i l e y o u a r e s t i l l t r a v e l l i n g o r w h e n y o u r e t u r n .

P L A N S

D e p e n d i n g u p o n y o u r a g e , w h e r e y o u a r e t r a v e l l i n g t o , t h e l e n g t h o f y o u r t r i p , y o u m a y b e o f f e r e d o n e , t w o o r t h r e e d i f f e r e n t p l a n s T e r m s , c o n d i t i o n s , l i m i t s a n d e x c l u s i o n s a p p l y ; r e f e r t o t h e P r o d u c t D i s c l o s u r e S t a t e m e n t t o c o m p a r e p l a n s i n m o r e d e t a i l

G o t q u e s t i o n s ? V i s i t o u r F A Q t o l e a r n m o r e

C O N T A C T U S

I f y o u h a v e a n y q u e s t i o n s o r n e e d t o m a k e c h a n g e s t o y o u r t r a v e l i n s u r a n c e p o l i c y , c a l l o r e m a i l u s

1 8 0 0 1 2 5 2 3 4 ( W e e k d a y s 8 a m 7 p m A E S T a n d S a t u r d a y s 8 a m 5 p m A E S T ) P r o b u s T r a v e l @ a l l i a n z a s s i s t a n c e . c o m . a u h t t p s : / / p r o b u s s o u t h p a c i f i c o r g /

* T e r m s , c o n d i t i o n s , l i m i t s a n d e x c l u s i o n s m a y a p p l y S e e P r o d u c t D i s c l o s u r e S t a t e m e n t f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n P r o b u s T r a v e l I n s u r a n c e i s a v a i l a b l e t o A u s t r a l i a n r e si d e n t s o n l y P r o b u s S o u t h P a c i f i c L i m i t e d A B N 3 8 7 2 6 4 2 3 9 7 9 A R 1 2 8 7 7 2 7 a r r a n g e s t h i s i n s u r a n c e a s a u t h o r i s e d r e p r e s e n t a t i v e f o r A W P A u s t r a l i a P t y L t d A B N 5 2 0 9 7 2 2 7 1 7 7 A F S L 2 4 5 6 3 1 t r a d i n g a s A l l i a n z G l o b a l A s s i s t a n c e ( A G A ) A G A i s s u e s a n d m a n a g e s t r a v e l i n s u r a n c e a s a g e n t f o r t h e i n s u r e r A l l i a n z A u s t r a l i a I n s u r a n c e L i m i t e d A B N 1 5 0 0 0 1 2 2 8 5 0 A F S L 2 3 4 7 0 8 T e r m s , c o n d i t i o n s , l i m i t s a n d e x c l u s i o n s a p pl y W e d o n o t p r o v i d e a n y a d v i c e o n t h i s i n s u r a n c e b a s e d o n a n y c o n s i d e r a t i o n o f y o u r o b j e c t i v e s , f i n a n c i a l s i t u a t i o n o r n e e d s B e c a u s e o f t h a t , y o u s h o u l d c o n s i d e r w h e t h e r t h e a d v i c e i s a p p r o p r i a t e f o r y o u B e f o r e m a k i n g a d e c i s i o n p l e a s e c o n s i d e r t h e P r o d u c t D i s c l o s u r e S t a t e m e n t T h e T a r g e t M a r k e t D e t e r m i n a t i o n i s a v a i l a b l e a t w w w a l l i a n z p a r t n e r s c o m a u / p o l i c i e s I f y o u p u r c h a s e a p o l i c y w e r e c e i v e a c o m m i s s i o n w h i c h i s a p e r c e n t a g e o f y o u r p r e m i u m a s k u s f o r m o r e d e t a i l s b e f o r e w e p r o v i d e y o u w i t h a n y s e r v i c e s o n t h i s p r o d u c t

W H E T H E R Y O U A R E T R A V E L L I N G D O M E S T I C A L L Y O R I N T E R N A T I O N A L L Y , W E W I L L B E H E R E

T O A S S I S T Y O U W H E N Y O U N E E D I T T H E M O S T .

Club news

Extra! Extra!

Read all about it!

The following section of Club News features Club activities and members creative writing pieces. Even during challenging times, Probians continue to embrace the true spirit of Fun, Friendship and Fellowship. To have your Club’s event, trip or member submissions potentially featured in Active Retirees magazine, please send the following to marketing@probussouthpacific.org

1. A short description of 50 to 150 words for Club News and up to 300 words for Creative Writing

2.A photo as a separate attachment (photos embedded in Word documents or PDFs are often compressed and too low-resolution for print)

3.Try to send the original, full-sized photo if possible (these are generally higher resolution than those pulled from Facebook, for example)

We look forward to receiving your submissions!

40th Anniversary celebrations The History of Buses

Recently Fremantle Probus Club celebrated its 40th Anniversary. Forty years earlier on the 5th of May 1982, 37 prospective Members and the President and two Past Presidents of the Rotary Club of Fremantle were at a meeting to gauge interest in forming a Probus Club. The outcome was the Probus Club of Fremantle and Office Bearers were elected. The Club became the second Club in Western Australia. By the day prior to the June 1982 meeting, the number of Prospective Members had swelled to 53, which was the cut-off day to be referred to as Foundation Members. At the December 1982 meeting, there were 67 members. Like all Rotary and Probus Clubs of that time, it was for men only.

The Club were very privileged to have Probus South Pacific Limited (PSPL) W.A. Director Graeme Brown come to the Anniversary Meeting. Over the years, Graeme has been a very good friend of the Club in helping to acquire members and equipment. He presented a framed PSPL 40th Anniversary Certificate to Club President Peter. Prior to the presentation, Graeme spoke about the difficulties that Probus Clubs nationwide have experienced due to floods and fires destroying meeting venues, along with COVID-19 restrictions. Also outlined was the resultant big drop in revenue for PSPL. Graeme then joined President Peter to cut the Anniversary Cake.  As a special dispensation, they allowed the Anniversary Cake made by a member to be brought for the celebrations.

They did not have a guest speaker but had four Life Members form a panel to speak about different aspects of the history in which they had participated. Their experience ensured that the members were entertained and informed.

Seventeen members and wives from Kingsley Probus Club as well as 2 guests from Joondalup Probus Club experienced a well-organised outing to Whiteman Park with a visit to the Bus Preservation Society (BPS) Workshop followed by lunch.

The day started with a ride on the bus through the park which had a lot of native flowers in bloom balanced against the mowed grass areas to the workshop. We then had a tour of the workshop with tour guide Ray (President of the BPS) providing background stories to just about every bus in the workshop, some buses have been fully restored whilst others were undergoing restoration.

One interesting story was about Trolley Bus 38 manufactured in England came to be in Australia. This tram car chassis, one of 70 built, was due for shipment to China. Before delivery could be accomplished, Japan invaded China in late 1937 so unsurprising that delivery was cancelled resulting in 18 tram cars being sold to Western Australia in 1941, entering service in 1943 after bodies had been manufactured and installed.  Observing several buses under various stages of restoration, plus a vast collection of buses stored within the workshops was impressive with many members’ memories aroused of early years riding on some of these buses to school or visiting relatives.

The tour was followed by a pre-ordered lunch at Whiteman Park Café, where the very obliging staff served excellent meals with a smile and friendly chatter. The Café provided a plate of roasted meat and vegetables – free of charge - left over after serving everyone’s meals, a very generous gesture.

Lunch was followed by ‘real’ coffee and tea included with the pre-ordered lunch. Members were left very satisfied with their meals.

30th Birthday Celebration

On Monday 10th October 2022 the Probus Club of Eaton celebrated the Club’s 30th Birthday with a very special gathering. Seventy-five people, made up of the executive committee, members and distinguished guests, including David from the South Bunbury Rotary Club - which sponsored the formation and representatives of neighbouring Probus Clubs - attended Eaton Bowling Club for the gala event of the year. This was an excellent crowd for what turned out to be a rather cold and windy day.

On arrival, everyone was invited to have a cup of tea or coffee and members were presented with a very special gift. This was a book of Club events from 2014, entitled ‘Celebrating the 100th Edition of The Probus Club of Eaton Inc Newsletter’. It was designed by the wonderful President, Dorothy, as a surprise for everyone and took the format of the Club newsletter. In other words, it was photos, snippets of information and jokes. It really was a formidable production and was later lauded by guest speakers. Each of the guests was presented with their own copy. President Dorothy opened the celebration, introduced the distinguished guests, and gave a brief history of the Club, noting how it began as a male-only Club but admitted women the very next year. Some of the original and early members were named, especially those still associated with the Club. Then it was time to introduce the guest speakers.

The Hon. Nola Marino MP, Federal Member for Forrest. Nola spoke about the worth of Probus, and how such an organisation helps to enrich lives and provide opportunities to interact with other people. Graeme Brown, WA Board

Member of Probus South Pacific travelled from Perth on the day to address the members. He described how six venues in Perth had been lit up in blue and gold to celebrate Probus Month. Mick Bennett, Shire President of the Dardanup Shire, made a presentation of a 30 Year pin and certificate to Don Wass, the Life Member and gave a humorous account of this most lively and valued man.

Dorothy thanked the Committee for their extremely hard work and then Don and three other past Presidents cut the cake. That was the signal for morning tea to begin. This was another very special and enjoyable part of the day, which was followed by the 51-prize raffle.

This was a very memorable celebration, and the members have a booklet gift to help them remember other wonderful times the Club have had together.

Extra, extra read all about Probus

Members from Albany Combined Probus Club managed to advertise their Club to the wider community by including an article in the October edition of the Southerly magazine.

All Aboard the Steam Train Express

Members and friends of the Probus Club of Tuggeranong enjoyed an amazing Trade Travel Tour to South Australia in September on a twelve-day adventure. The itinerary was all-encompassing, with varied venues, catered to the diverse interests within the group.

The members had so much fun travelling through wine country into the spectacular Flinders Ranges, enjoying the wonders of Wilpena Pound and onto the surrounding countryside of Arkaroola, having an exhilarating 4x4 off-road tour to mountain peaks and relishing views of the spectacular scenery. They relished cultural exhibits and enjoyed exquisite culinary treats on the tour of South Australia. The ‘travelling back in time’ ride on a vintage rail carriage on the Pichi Richi Railway made members all feel like kids again.

These wonderful adventures culminated in a three-day cruise on the mighty Murray on the P.S. Murray Princess, being treated like royalty, before boarding their flight back to Canberra. They will all remember this tour for many years to come.

Mahjong Fun

Members of the Gungahlin Probus Club gathered and played a game of Mahjong together. It was a fun and sociable afternoon where both experienced players and learners were welcomed.

Catch up at the Monthly Meeting

Members from Darwin Probus Club enjoyed catching up at the monthly meeting. The members enjoyed an informative talk by guest speaker, Derek Pugh OAM. Mr Pugh spoke about the completion of the overland telegraph as it joined to the subsea telegraph – finally connecting Australia telegraphically to the rest of the world- over 150 years ago. President Janet also presented the 10-year membership certificates to Lyn and Fred.

10 years of Palmerston Probus Club

During Probus Month each year, Palmerston Probus Club celebrate their Club Anniversary, this year was the special 10th Anniversary. Members of the Management Committee took the opportunity to acknowledge the Foundation Members who still attend the Club meetings. It was also an opportunity to recognise the first Life Member who was instrumental in setting up the Club. In addition, they made the initial Foundation President an Honorary Member for his continued contribution to Probus in the Top End. The Patron made all the presentations and provided an enormous Anniversary Cake. It was a great meeting enjoyed by all.

Beecroft Men’s Probus Celebrates 40 years of Community Fellowship

In 2021 Beecroft Men’s Probus celebrated 40 years of community fellowship in Beecroft and surrounding neighbourhoods. It might be said the Club is still celebrating. Attending the July meeting, Cliff Garrett, Rotary District Probus Chairman, presented a framed 40-year certificate to the President of Beecroft Probus, Rob. Cliff congratulated the Club on reaching a significant milestone as well as reminding the Club of its place in Probus history.

To celebrate its 40 years, Beecroft Probus published ‘Forty Years of Fellowship’. The book was written by Stuart, a member of the Club and a recognised educator, author, and published historian. The book covers the history of Probus from its roots in Rotary through to 2021, the Probus Club now and many of the characters who have helped make Beecroft Probus a success.

The ‘Forty Years of Fellowship’ book can be found by visiting the Club’s website at www.beecroftmensprobus.org.au

Sailing in Sydney

Members from Cronulla Probus Club enjoyed a sailing day on Sydney Harbour, with 20 members participating in two yachts. It was a great day for sailing and the members all had a great time.

A Visit to the Cemetery

On the 18th of August, 24 Newport Probus members travelled to Waverley Cemetery via three buses there and back which was quite an adventure from the Northern beaches. They were met at Waverley Cemetery by the very knowledgeable and informative guide, Gregory Ross. Greg regaled them with many stories of the permanent residents, notably the story of ‘Nosey Bob’ the NSW hangman. At the graveside of Dorothea Mackellar, members were played a recitation of her famous poem ‘Sunburnt Country’ in her own voice before she passed – quite a moving experience. Other famous grave sites visited were Henry Kendall, and Henry Lawson where Doug, the second guide, gave a very interesting talk on Henry Lawson’s life. Lastly, they visited the largest monument in the Cemetery which was to honour the Irish -Catholic and non-Catholics - who gave their lives in 1798, many of whom were transported to the established colony of NSW. Afterwards, members enjoyed a lovely lunch at the ‘Locale Café’ where a very enjoyable and informative tour was discussed.

To read about more about other members’ activities, visit the Club News Section of the Probus website. probussouthpacific.org

Celebrating 40 Years Hip Hip Hooray!

The Probus Club of Port Macquarie held a luncheon at the Port City Bowling Club to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Club’s founding. The members were privileged to have as their special guest Dr Shibu Sen Gupta who was President of the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West in 1981, the founding Club. Together with Norma, the first female President (2009), and Bryon, Life Member, the Club was truly represented by dedicated, loyal members. Other dignitaries included current and past Presidents from other Probus Clubs in the District.

To round off the festivities, Dr Sen Gupta presented the Probus Club with the Certificate of Congratulations on behalf of Probus South Pacific, followed by the cutting of the celebratory cake by Norma and Bryon.

The luncheon, beautifully catered by the Port City Bowling Club, was appreciated by the many who attended, and thanks also to the many members who contributed to the success of the function. The ideals of friendship, fun and fellowship were very much on display by the Probus Club of Port Macquarie and the guests.

The Probus Club of Round Corner celebrated their 11th Anniversary on 8th August 2022. The Founding President Barry is still a member of the Club. Over the years, Barry has been involved in many different areas of the Club and will often host the Club lunches. Because of his long service to the Club, it was proposed to the members and agreed upon, that the Club should make Barry a Life Member on the day of this wonderful celebration.

President George presented Barry with his Life Member certificate and badge – pictured.

The Club also announced the milestones reached over the last 11 years, the most recent of which was the addition of the 200th member. Shirley was surprised on the day by the announcement and was gifted a Probus pen and keyring engraved with 200 markings. Congratulations Barry and Shirley.

Fifth Birthday Celebrations

Foundation members from Gledswood Hills Probus Club celebrated the Club’s 5th birthday. Almost all who were at the original meeting were present. The members celebrated by cutting a beautifully decorated cake.

40 years and Counting Remembering Dr Clive Williams, OAM

On Thursday 1 September, Halekulani Probus Club proudly celebrated its 40th birthday! The celebration luncheon included Club history, Membership Trivia, an interview with the longest-standing member and entertainment by the South Lakes Harmony Chorus. Probus Club Halekulani’s inaugural meeting was on 4 September 1982 and was formed by the Rotary Club of Toukley. Initially, the Club was known as the Probus Club of Doyalson and was a Men’s Club. After a few years, the Club changed its name to the current one and in 2014, it became a Combined Club.  Halekulani Probus Club continues to meet regularly at the Halekulani Bowling Club. Peter, the current Secretary of the North Lakes / Toukley Rotary Club attended the event and presented President Anne with a 40 Year Certificate. The 2 longest-standing members, Baden and Jerry - both in their 90s, were delighted to cut the birthday cake.

It has been a very sad month for the Probus Club of North Sydney with the death of Clive Williams, a most valuable mentor, friend, companion, and life member of the Club. Clive joined the Club in 2005. He was Vice President and Secretary in 2007 and President in 2008. He became Secretary again from 2014 through 2016. If a sub-committee was formed to consider changes to the constitution or to organise a special event, Clive would be the first to be asked to join.

He received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2015 for service to psychology, conservation, and the environment. This recognition could have extended to his service to the Club. He was always very involved in every aspect of the Club right up to the last Club meeting. He went on almost every outing the Club had and all the Club trips away. Clive organised a trip to Longreach for the members in 2018 which was enjoyed by all who attended. He went on all the monthly walks until this year when (in lieu of the walk) he instigated and happily participated in the Gamers & Chatters sessions (possibly more chatting than gaming!)

Clive was knowledgeable, well-read and interested in everything. He often won the monthly quiz and always asked pertinent questions of the guest speakers each month, no matter the topic.

Clive will be remembered as a mentor ‘par excellence’ by the Committee members and his knowledge and assistance will be sorely missed by all members.

Recently, Probus member Ronald from the UK paid a visit to a local Probus Club in QLD. Ronald is a member of the Salisbury Probus Club in the UK. Chairman of Probus South Pacific, Judith Maestracci AM, welcomed Ronald to Australia. Ronald was also celebrating his 101st birthday.

Probus Worldwide Logan Seniors Big Day Out

Members from the Probus Association of Queensland gathered recently to run a promotional drive at the Logan Seniors Big Day Out. Each of the members had the opportunity to liaise with potential members. It was a very successful day as the interest sheet was filled with names by the end of the day.

Members have had an exciting first year at Birkdale Probus Club. They already have 122 members, who are actively involved in more than 20 events and activities.

The Club celebrated its 1st Birthday on 21st September with a wonderful fruitcake and cupcakes for each member. The cakes were made and decorated by our talented ‘Craft Group’ members.

Birkdale’s 1st Birthday Great Gatsby Party

Members from Fraser Coast Hervey Bay Combined Probus Club recently celebrated the Club’s 20th birthday with a ‘Great Gatsby’ party which was a great success. Excellent food, good company, and lively music!

The Club had great pleasure in presenting the 20-year certificates to Foundation members Pat, Margaret, Max and Gaye. All who attended dressed up for the occasion and looked fantastic. Some of the Club’s photo albums were on display. It was very much a night that all will certainly remember.

Waterloo Bay Probus Celebrates 25 years

It was the year 1997 when the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly investigated forming a Probus Club. The first meeting was in August and Jim from Rotary became President. The Probus Club of Waterloo was formed.

Over the years they have had a range of activities and speakers from all walks of life. Each year, the Club has shown respect to service personnel with an ANZAC Service led by one of the members. The Club has been involved in a range of outings from picnics to visitations to various places in and around Brisbane, had trips to regional areas, with trips away to other states like Tasmania and nearby countries such as Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. They have assisted with and hosted PAQ friendship days. All in all, it has been a busy time but very enjoyable for twentyfive years. So, on Thursday 25th of August this year, the Club celebrated 25 years.

Fun, Friendship and Food

Out

In September, members from Springwood Probus Club had four Friday Night outings starting with Gateway of India, the HQ Hotel, Woka Woka at Warrigal and Chatsworth Tavern. The meetup at Chatsworth Tavern was the most successful as the Club saw the largest number attending on a Friday Night.

Buderim Mountain Probus Club Celebrates the 40th Anniversary

Forty-six members of the Buderim Mountain Probus Club weathered a rainy day to meet for lunch at the Loose Goose in Twin Waters to celebrate the Club’s 40th anniversary. The Club’s President, Margie conducted the afternoon proceedings. They were honoured to have distinguished guests share in the celebration and provide comments and good wishes for the upcoming next 40 years. The guests included MP for Buderim, Brent Mickelberg, President of Buderim Rotary, Lynne Phillips and former President of Mooloolaba Rotary Club, Vickie Stewart who presented the Club with the 40th Anniversary Certificate.

Joined Forces

Ingham and Innisfail Probus Clubs recently joined forces for a combined trip to Southern Queensland enjoying many town attractions along the way. Members entered the spirit of events such as a Murder Mystery Night and a Mexican-themed meal. Other highlights of the trip included visits to see the Texas Longhorn cattle, a camel farm, a trip on an amphibious vehicle at the Town of 1770, Toowoomba’s beautiful flowers, Cobb and Co Museum, and fossicking for gems at Sapphire. A great opportunity for the two Clubs to unite in the Probus spirit.

Anniversary Celebrations Probus Day Celebrations

Sherwood Probus Club members welcomed Local Brisbane Councillor Nicole Johnston, Probus South Pacific Chair Judith Maestracci AM and PAQ Regional Liaison Officer Barry Read to the 22nd Birthday celebrations. Councillor Nicole Johnston presented 20-year membership certificates to Pat and Dorothy and Judith Maestracci joined President Paul in presenting Life Membership to Gerry and Dorothy in recognition of their many contributions to the Club and their serving in many committee positions over many years.  They were entertained by the Springfield Sparklers, a local ladies’ dancing group that enjoys performing at local places and encouraging people to join them. Probus member Patricia is one of the members of the group. These ladies performed in costume to Jailhouse Rock, Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini and Singin’ in the Rain. Member Marion also entertained with a poem.

On the 4th of October, members from Mudgeeraba Combined Probus Club assembled a group and enjoyed a BBQ at a nice parkland setting. Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating Probus Day.

Friendship Day

On the 21st of October, 10 Probus Clubs from the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers area participated in Friendship Day as a Probus Day celebration. The Day was organised by the Probus Club of Helensvale and participating Clubs were Ashmore Benowa, Capri Ladies, Helensvale, Miami Combined, Nerang, Paradise Point, Robina, Runaway Bay, Southport and Sorrento. Approximately 100 people were in attendance, participating in games, entertainment and an excellent lunch. A great day of fun and fellowship was enjoyed by all.

Getaway to Murray Bridge

Members from Tea Tree Gully Combined Probus Club enjoyed a little getaway to Murray Bridge. Some of the members came in vans and parked in a beautiful spot overlooking the river. The members all enjoyed lunch on the Captain Proud Riverboat Cruise. A great time was had by all.

Celebrating 26 years

Members from North Adelaide Probus Club gathered to celebrate the Club’s 26th Anniversary at The Caledonian Hotel. One free drink had been offered to all, so member Chris (pictured) tried to make the most out of it. The members also enjoyed the fabulous food and even better company. The anniversary was a success with everyone leaving in great spirits.

Yella Umbrella Walking Tour

A group of members from the North Haven Probus Club enjoyed a guided walking tour, which they thought was very informative. A great time was had by all the members.

Meetups at the monthly meeting

Members from Magill Probus Club thoroughly enjoyed catching up with friends at the July meeting. Membership officer Beth also inducted and welcomed new member, Barbara. Secretary Garry also welcomed Barbara by inviting her to a dance of ‘soft shoe shuffle’ at the ‘Music of the 60’s’ morning.

Mystery Bus Trip Celebrating 15 years and Probus Day

A bold band of Probians from Enfield Probus Club enjoyed a Mystery Bus trip on Monday 19 September. The members indulged in a delicious morning tea in front of the Mural at Freeling and lunch at the café in Angaston, all finished off with chocolate at Melba’s. The weather was great and a really good day was had.

Twenty-seven members of the Meningie Combined Probus Club and 3 visitors met to mark 15 years of the Club in Meningie and ‘Probus Day’.

As a part of the afternoon, Merrawyn - a foundation member of the Club - passed a certificate from Probus South Pacific Limited marking the 15th anniversary to Sherry, the newest member of the Committee and then to 2022 President and past Secretary Jan symbolising ‘passing the baton.’

New members Miriam and Rob were also welcomed and inducted as members of Meningie Combined Probus Club.

New Life Members

Golden Grove Probus Club recently inducted four new Life Members to the Club, joining existing Life Members Cynthia and Don. The new Life Members, Maureen, Jan, Trevor, and Gwen, together with Cynthia and Don, have shared a combined 140 years of loyal, active service, and over that time have participated in various management roles within the Club. The Life Member honour was well deserved.

An Amazing Probian

Recently, Life Membership was presented to long-standing member Isobel. Isobel was inducted into the Gambier City Ladies Probus Club in 1994 and has been on the committee since 2005. Positions held by Isobel include Vice President and President and she has also been responsible for the Club Bulletin for the past 15 years.

Throughout her years of membership, Isobel has been a loyal member promoting fun, friendship, and fellowship. Members are often found chuckling at her jokes long after they have been told during meetings.

The Club would like to congratulate Isobel not only on her achievement as a Club member but also on the celebration of her recent 98th Birthday.

Probus Day at the Expo Probus Visit to Small Boats Club

On October 14th Mount Gambier and District Probus Clubs met to celebrate Probus Day. Set in the form of a mini expo, attendees were introduced to local wildlife rescue, health programs and a range of living-at-home aids. There were also a few handouts featuring local Clubs with a wide range of activities and local politicians provided ‘show bags’ of useful goodies. Margaret Robinson intended to further encourage Probus members to be active within their Clubs. The guest speaker spoke to the theme ‘Making a Difference’ using his own life stories as the narrative. Catering by the local golf club was very well received.

On Thursday 20th October, 32 Probus members from Glenelg Bay Probus Club visited the Small Boats Club in Port Adelaide. It is way out from Port Adelaide on Garden Island, across the water from the Torrens Island power station. It has 150 members and an estimated 100 boats moored in its marina, with another hundred in various states of restoration on land. With a major slipway, the definition of ‘small’ for the boats is taken rather loosely, with their major boat 70 feet long.

Our Probians were welcomed by the members with tours of the on-land boat park, trips around the mangrove-lined waterway, eight at a time in their small boat, and a generous barbecue with the licenced bar open for the members. The focus of the Club was, of course, boats and those in the marina were at least afloat, but most of those under restoration on land were long-term projects.

A Combined Celebration

October is a special month in which the Club not only celebrated Probus Day but also celebrated 32 years of Westbourne Park Ladies Probus Club. The birthday party was well attended by the members, and they instigated a ‘90+ Club’, recognising those members who were aged 90 or over, many of whom have been Probus members for a long time. Sixteen ladies received a special certificate acknowledging their achievement and their varied contributions to the Probus Club.

A member commented that it is a Club for people who like talking about boats, a bit like a ‘men’s shed’ for boats. As such facilities go, it is low-cost, providing support for anyone who wants to have a boat. The clubhouse is comfortable and well-equipped, including a function room where they hold regular music evenings. Boat restorers are expected to have their own tools, but the major facilities of the marina, boat ramps and slipways provide great support. It was a fascinating and interesting trip, although it is not likely that it convinced anyone among the members to buy a boat.

High Tea at Wicked Cheese

Members from Moonah Ladies Probus Club enjoyed a wonderful High Tea at Wicked Cheese at Richmond. The members all thought the food was delicious and all agreed it was a wonderful way to catch up.

40 years of Hobart Mens

On October 18th Hobart Probus Club celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a luncheon at Seagrass Restaurant. A capacity crowd of members, partners and special guests enjoyed a fun occasion with entertainment being provided by the Club’s band ‘The Brandivinos’ and Activity Coordinators.

John Thorne Tasmania’s PSPL Ambassador presented a PSPL 40th Anniversary certificate to the Club, and Matt Drake, the current President of the sponsoring Club of Hobart Rotary, endorsed these remarks. Current member Denis, who presided as Rotary President at the Club’s inauguration, cut the birthday cake!

Twenty-year Probus membership pins were presented to four members who had achieved the milestone.

Each Club member received a booklet showing a Pictorial History of the last 10 years of Club activity.

Promoting Probus to the Wider Community

During the month of October, the City of Monash participated in the state-wide Victorian Seniors Month celebrations by offering a wide range of activities for Seniors living in Monash.

The culminating event was a Seniors Expo held at Central Reserve at Glen Waverley. A wide range of organisations and Clubs from within Monash participated in the Expo. They were able to showcase their contribution to providing Monash’s Seniors with the opportunity to participate in active pastimes. There was also a program of entertainment and music for the visitors.

The Probus Club of Mount Waverley took the opportunity to participate in the Expo. The Club’s objective was not to promote itself but, rather, to promote the wider view that Probus is an organisation that caters to the needs of seniors in both Monash and in other communities. One of the handouts available to visitors was a Probus brochure which included the contact details for all Probus Clubs in the City of Monash. Many people visited the Club’s stand and were interested in learning about Probus. The stock of Probus brochures depleted very quickly!

Some photos from the Expo show the Club stand, featuring blue and gold Probus colours. The stand was staffed throughout the day by members of the Club. But, during the day the Club’s stand had a visit from Michael Ransom, the Victorian and Tasmanian representative on the PSPL Board. Michael is shown in the photo with Bruce Morley, President of the Probus Club of Mount Waverley and, coincidentally, Michael’s predecessor on the PSPL Board. The Club was very proud to have had the opportunity to present Probus to the seniors of the City of Monash.

Celebrating 15 years of Fellowship, Fun and Friendship

On 19th April, South Morang Probus Club celebrated its 15th anniversary of the Club which was formed in 2007. The birthday cake was cut by President Justin with the assistance of 10 past Presidents of the Club. The Club’s Certificate of Congratulations from PSPL was presented to current President Justin and Immediate Past President Marg by Mr Eugene Ballao, President of Rotary Bundoora. The Club currently has 19 Foundation Members, 13 of these Foundation Members attended on the day. Each Foundation Member received a certificate honouring their 15-year continuous commitment to the Club.

2 BEE or not 2 be

Two bees were chatting; one said, “I want to cross-pollinate with you”. The other replied “you’ve bee-witched me.”

At the September meeting of the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea, Rob Kerr, Secretary of the Victorian Apiarists Association, Melbourne section, gave members an insightful address about beekeeping, both from a commercial and hobby perspective. The session ended with audience applause and a small token of appreciation delivered by the speaker coordinator, Teresa. They were seen to share a hive-five.

Probus Day and Seniors Week Promotion Ideas on a Budget

The Combined Probus Club of Syndal Committee decided to get behind the Probus Day Celebrations and investigate options available to get the best results for improving Club exposure and membership.

The Covid outbreaks and the Eastern States lockdowns have had a serious effect on Probus Club participation amongst retirees. The members have remained loyal and true to the cause, but participation is down.

Fortunately, the City of Monash October Seniors Festival celebrated in the meeting hall and gave the Club the best recruiting opportunities. The publicity Officer contacted Probus South Pacific Membership Service and support officer Abigail Walker who quickly arranged for 250 free personalised flyers to be ordered and delivered to the Club for circulation. This enabled the Club to run a local letterbox drop on Probus day.

Christmas in July

Members from Maroondah Probus Club celebrated Christmas in July. A great experience after all the lockdowns due to Covid! Members really enjoyed the lunch at the Pig and Whistle restaurant in the Dandenong Ranges. The weather was brisk, and the food was a delightful Christmas meal.

The budget was just over $100. With this, the Club were able to purchase posters, cork boards and laminate some of their own posters. The table was showcased at the September meeting to make members aware of the Clubs’ efforts to promote the Club and to join in the promotion. President Geoff suggested that before the end of the meeting that as many members as possible could take 2 flyers and invite a neighbour or friend to the next meeting in October, the remaining flyers to be circulated at the festival. This received a positive response, as the next meeting is a special Melbourne Cup-themed event.

It is hoped that this event will encourage more active retirees to become involved in Probus Clubs as it also gives the Club an opportunity to welcome new members to the Club.

Bring, Show, and Tell

To Celebrate Probus Day, Heathmont Ladies held a display of Group Activities and encouraged members to bring an item of craft. Reminiscent of PAV’s Art & Craft Exhibitions in the past, a wide array of items were on display. Over 4 large tables boasted needlework, paintings, ceramics, knitting, patchwork, hand-made cards, and delicate lace work. It was a colourful, creative testimony to talent enjoyed by all in September.  The committee then selected 6 items of particular interest and the owner was asked to speak about her item. Members of Boronia and East Ringwood Probus Clubs joined with the Club. They also inducted two new members, Carol and Allison. The Club continued their Probus month celebrations with the annual new members afternoon tea with the Committee in October and the Nagambie trip to complete the month. Another special feature is the Creative Writing group – newly formed which may unlock ‘unlimited possibilities.’

As the suburb of Heathmont celebrates 100 years in 2023, the Club have contributed a historical article about the Club and feels proud of the many ladies who helped forge the Club to be what it is today.

Out and about

On the 31st of August, a group of twenty-nine members of the Belmont Central Combined Probus Club travelled by ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento having morning tea of scones, jam, and cream on the way. Seven of the members took their bikes and rode to Rye and back (approximately 20kms.) Some of the ladies took the opportunity to do some window shopping, and others enjoyed a walk along the beach. A very pleasant day was had by all.

Visit to Narrapumelap

At the end of September, a group of 33 members from the Probus Club of Ballarat South visited Narrapumelap, a historic French Gothic-style homestead at Wickliffe in the Western District of Victoria. The current owner

Kevin McIntyre gave the members an extended tour of the homestead, complete with lots of its history. After the tour, the members were treated to a lovely lunch, tea, and coffee during the day. It was an interesting and fun experience for all.

Celebrating Probus Day and the Grand Final

Members from Belmont South Combined Probus Club celebrated Probus day at the general meeting by wearing their footy colours to celebrate the Grand final win by the Geelong Cats. Everyone enjoyed wearing their scarves and footy colours even though some of the member’s teams did not make the final.

Men’s Probus Club of

Surrey Hills

The Men’s Probus Club of Surrey Hills celebrated its 30th Anniversary in May with a luncheon in the Upton Room at Box Hill RSL. More than 60 members, wives, partners and friends attended.

The Club was toasted by its President Tony Schou and the anniversary celebrated with fine, informative speeches from Past Presidents Julian Nance and Bruce Wilson.

Much respected long serving member Arthur cut our anniversary cake lovingly baked by Maria.

A very enjoyable luncheon filled with our usual good-natured banter, excellent food and good cheer was topped off with an exhilarating and mirthful performance by our resident group El Divo comprising baritones extraordinaire, Ralph, Peter, Austin and John.

By Judi

Stroganoff

Chicken Stroganoff

Method Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 700g chicken thighs - boneless & skinless (chicken breast can also be used)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Stroganoff Sauce/Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter

• 1 onion sliced thinly

• 3 cloves garlic minced

• 300g button mushrooms

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped plus more as garnish

• 2 tablespoons plain flour

• ½ cup dry white wine -Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay would work

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cups chicken stock preferably homemade or low-sodium

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 3 cups wide egg noodles

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped

Notes

• If you want to make this recipe alcohol-free, you can swap out this ½ cup of wine for a ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar.

• Store any leftover chicken and stroganoff sauce in an airtight container or Ziplock bag in your re frigerator for up to 3 days. Omit the egg noodles, if possible, and instead prepare before serving. If you need to store the noodles with the sauce, refrigerate for up to two days.

1. To prepare the chicken: Mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Dry chicken thighs with a paper towel. Cut them into small pieces (1-2 inch cubes) and season with the salt mixture.

2. To cook the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the first half of the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side. Place cooked chicken in a bowl. Repeat the same process with the rest of the oil and chicken. Cover the bowl with aluminium foil and set aside. Do not wash the skillet. You should be left with some residual chicken and some brown spots.

3. To cook the vegetables: Heat vegetable oil (or butter) in the now-empty skillet. Add in onion. Cook, stirring frequently scraping the bits and pieces of chicken at the bottom of the pan, for about 5-6 minutes or until softened. Stir in the gar lic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Add in mushrooms and thyme and cook until mushrooms are softened, 4-5 minutes.

5. To make the sauce: Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for a minute.

6. Pour in the wine, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, salt and pepper. Give it a stir to combine.

7. Transfer the reserved chicken back into the pan. Stir to combine.

8. Put the lid on, bring it to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

9. Stir in the egg noodles and cook for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked, keeping a close eye on it and stirring it a few times as it cooks.

10. Meanwhile, whisk together the sour cream and lemon juice in a small bowl.

11. Off the heat, add the sour cream mixture into the chicken stroganoff and give it a big stir.

12. Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley, ladle into bowls and serve.

Lane Cove Combined Probus Club

Words Into Masterpieces

- Creative Writing by Probians

PEEL ME

by Carole Harwood, Northmead and District Probus Club

Peel me

For I am many layered

Peel back the layers one by one

And discover the complexities of me

Peel me

Discard the layers as they revel

What’s underneath the skin

Wrapped around me over the years

Layer upon layer of emotions

My highs and lows

My pride and my passion

My pain and my sorrow

My agony and ecstasy

Keep peeling me until you reach The very heart of me

And finally, know who I am

Peel me

WHAT IS PROBUS

Probus provides retirees with the opportunity to connect socially, which is so important in today’s world.

Make new friends, learn a new skill, explore new interests and hobbies - there is so much to choose from when you become a member of your local Probus Club.

Membership is open to anyone who is retired or semi-retired, so why not join the tens of thousands of Probus members across Australia and New Zealand and find your local Probus Club today.