The Probian - June 2024

TO

EVERY MEMBER OF ALL AFFILIATED PROBUS CLUBS WITHIN VICTORIA

Ghost tour or tea: Your choice!

Did you know that you can take a ghost tour, experience the paranormal or just enjoy a Devonshire Tea followed by a guided tour at historic Black Rock House? The choice is yours! Of course, with their guide Fred, the members of Notting Hill Probus including Lynne Hosking, Kay Delaney, Caroline Cockburn, Gil Williams, Annette Gould, Bev Leishman, Trish Gaudion, Rose Sparkman, Dot Tocknell, Jenny Borrett and Bryan Bardwell opted for the latter.

■ See story page 3

PROBUS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA INC

Reg No: A0009835HABN: 51 370 595 374

The activities of PAV effectively commenced on 21st November 1984 when representatives of two Probus Clubs, Dromana Men’s and the Frankston, sponsored a “handshake” meeting of 11 Probus Clubs residing in the Southern suburbs of Melbourne, with the objective of forming an association.

Delegates attending that November meeting agreed to form an Association, which became known as the Victorian Association of Probus Clubs South-East Region.

In 1986 the association became incorporated and added Inc. to its name.

The South- East Region was ultimately removed from the name in 1995 and became simply the Probus Association Of Victoria Inc.(PAV).

The activities now extend to all Victorian Probus Clubs currently affiliated with PAV.

Touch of fun in the meetings

HELLO everyone, and welcome to Winter! It is hard to believe that we are half-way through the year already, but here we are. The AGMs are done and dusted, new committees have been formed and new executives are finding their way around the running of their Probus Clubs. Many of you will have been in these roles before, but if you are new to your committee, I’d like to thank you for taking on an important role for your Probus Club. Know that you are helping your club to thrive. Unfortunately, we have lost a few Probus Clubs this year, as they have been

PAV Committee ‘23/’24

PRESIDENT

Thérèse (Tess) Robinson

Email: president@probusvic.com.au

VICE PRESIDENT

Cheryl Hunt

Email: cormac.hunt@outlook.com

SECRETARY

Fran McLean

Email: secretary@probusvic.com.au

TREASURER

Graeme Stevens

Email: stevens.graeme@westnet.com.au

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Anne Oughtibridge OAM

Email: oughti16@gmail.com

Anne Vick

Email: ayeee@gigpond.com

Rennus Crossley

Email: rennuscrossley@hotmail.com

WEBMASTER

Ernie Brigham

Email: esbrigham@bigpond.com webadmin@probusvic.com.au

Send contributed editorial material and Club Notes to Star News Group. PO Box 9, Pakenham 3810 or Email: probian@starnewsgroup.com.au

unable to form committees. As your new committee goes forward, I hope you will add a bit of fun to committee meetings, so that they are not all about work. I’m sure most of you will take a break for morning tea. If you don’t and you just want to get the meeting out of the way so you can get on with your day, instead, think about making morning tea an item at your meeting; take it in turns to bring a cake or biscuits to have with your coffee; take some time to have a social chat with some lighthearted banter. Forget the committee duties for 15 minutes, while you enjoy your cuppa and piece of cake. At PAV, we are committed to helping wherever we can, whether it be passing on information or putting you in touch with other Probus Clubs for you to organise a joint venture. As most of you know, PAV held an Information Day in Mornington in May. It was the first

such event held by PAV in several years and judging by the results of the survey taken on the day, it was a great success. We did have a few problems with the venue and will choose more carefully next time. However, the day went as planned and much information was imparted to members of the Probus Clubs who attended. Our keynote speaker was Michael Ransom, PSPL Chair. Other speakers were Graeme Stevens, who held the Treasurers’ Break-Out Group, the Secretaries’ Break Out Group was held by me, and the star of the show was Ernie Brigham, who talked on various subjects and held the BreakOut Group for Membership, Newsletters and websites. Trade Travel gave a talk about upcoming trips and members were introduced to PSPL’s new travel partner, Collette Travel. Members were able to pick up brochures during morning tea.

Probians come together

AS you know, the PAV committee comprises members from various Probus Clubs. Ringwood Clocktower has given us two committee members, Secretary Fran McLean and me. In May this year, Ringwood Clocktower celebrated its 17th Anniversary and, as with every other year, celebrations were held. I hear you say, “what about during Covid?” Well, even during Covid, although celebrations were held online using Zoom.

Our anniversary this year was celebrated at the Chirnside Park Country Club, and a great time was had by all. A birthday sub-committee was established earlier in the year, headed by President Tess but with the sub-committee taking on most of the work. With such creative input from Past Presidents Ginny Pask and Bev Smithson, and members Gladice Walton and Beth Oswald, how could we go wrong?

Probus Association of Victoria Inc.

40th Anniversary Luncheon Friday 30th August 2024 11.30 a.m. for 12 noon.

Queenscliff Bowling, Tennis & Croquet Club 118 Hesse St, Queenscliff VIC 3225

The ‘Beatles’ were a great start to the fun had by the Ringwood Clocktower Probus Club.

I was determined to keep the business end of the day to a minimum, so that the fun could begin. Meeting essentials out of the way, Ginny introduced our first entertainers? Yes, we will call them entertainers because they started the party off with gusto and had everyone laughing and clapping.

Club members, Past President Chris Rowell, Vice President Neil Young and members David Davies, and Dave Cooper entered the room dressed as the Beatles. With Past President Col Pask controlling the music, a few bars of Here Comes the Sun accompanied the ‘Beatles’ to the stage where, joined by PP Ginny Pask, appropriately dressed for the ’60s, they began miming to ‘When I saw her standing there’, you remember the song? ‘She was just 17, you know what I mean...’

The ‘Beatles’ were a great start to the fun and a good introduction to our entertainer, Steph Renouf, who continued the Beatles theme, before branching out to music from all eras.

We enjoyed a delicious three-course meal and the fun continued until 2.30, when VP Neil Young made sure we were all out the door.

Well done Ringwood Clocktower Probus Club.

During the open forum in the afternoon, members were able to ask questions and presenters shared their years of knowledge of running Probus Clubs. It was a great opportunity for people to meet committee members of other clubs and to chat about their experiences. Our next Information Day, which will be designed for executive committee members once they are a few months into the role, will hopefully be held in September. An area will be selected to attract members from clubs who otherwise have not been afforded the opportunity of attending an Information Day. Details will be made available soon.

Stay warm and healthy during this cold start to Winter.

Therèse (Tess) Robinson

President Probus Association of Victoria Inc.

Why join our committee?

PUT your hand up.

Don’t think you’re not up to the task! It has been some years since you were in the workplace and maybe you weren’t in a position where you sat around the boardroom table? For whatever reason, never fear. Being on a committee isn’t like being at work. Granted, there is work to be done, but at the end of the day, the work you do on a committee leads to friendship, fellowship and FUN. As part of our commitment to growth and excellence, PAV is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join our committee. We can only progress with an influx of new additions to the committee and in this vein, I would like to ask that members of affiliated Probus Clubs give some consideration to nominating to join our committee. We are looking for two more members, to start as soon as possible.

Why join our committee?

An opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Collaborate with like-minded individuals.

Shape the future of PAV.

We meet monthly at the Mulgrave Country Club, with Delegates’ Meetings also being held there quarterly. There is a small allowance for petrol to help get you there. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact me on the number below, as we would like to welcome you to our team. Thank you for considering this invitation.

Therèse (Tess) Robinson

Ph: 0423 194 725

The President

Thérèse (Tess) Robinson

Ghost tour or tea: Your choice!

CONTINUED from front cover

Did you know that you can take a ghost tour, experience the paranormal or just enjoy a devonshire tea followed by a guided tour at historic Black Rock House. The choice is yours. Of course, the members of Notting Hill Probus opted for the latter. The volunteers in the kitchen and the knowledgeable guides, resplendent in top hats and tails, made our visit memorable.

Black Rock House was built in 1856 by Charles Ebden, the first Auditor-General in Victoria. It was named after Black Rock in Ireland from where his wife originated. It was planned to be a showpiece built from local sandstone to replicate a castle. However, the workmen quickly abandoned the project when gold fever struck. A plain timber home “adjoined by castellated walls” was the result.

Professor Peter MacCallum purchased

the property in 1931 to restore it as his home. However, after successive owners and extensive renovations based on research into the original building and furnishings, Black Rock House is now owned by Bayside City Council and run by a dedicated band of volunteers. We were very pleasantly surprised at the beautifully restored interior and furnishings after being told that it was in such a derelict condition at one stage it was listed for demolition.

Fact: Black Rock House is second only to the Old Melbourne Goal for being haunted. A cellar under the house was used to hold prisoners overnight on the long journey to Melbourne from the Peninsula. The best kept secret is a tunnel which no one has been able to find.

Not sure any of us will come back for a ghost tour, but who knows!

We had considered lunch at the

Off on a coastal

adventure of fellowship

ON 14 April, 2024, 23 members of our Ocean Grove Combined Probus Club travelled to Port Campbell for four days.

We all enjoyed viewing the shipwrecked coast. Lock Ard Gorge, 12 Apostles, the Grotto, London Bridge and the Bay of Martyrs were highlights. There are many lookouts where you can pause, gaze and reflect.

We followed the gourmet trail stopping for lunches and afternoon tea at Dairylicious Fudge Farm, GORGE

Chocolates, Apostle Whey Cheese, Schultz organic cheeses and alpaca farm.

Our dinners were at 12 Rocks cafe, Port Campbell hotel and we also had a yummy barbecue in our camp kitchen at the caravan park. On the fourth day we returned home via the Colac Tearooms in the gardens.

Port Campbell and surrounds is truly a beautiful part of Victoria.

days

nearby Rickettes Point Cafe but after the abundance of scones, jam and cream and the bottomless cups of tea and coffee, no one wanted any more food.

It was certainly a very enjoyable outing and a great surprise too because no one in our group had ever previously known of the Black Rock property or its history.

Casey Combined’s birthday and changeover

PROBUS Club of Casey Combined celebrated its 25th birthday and the changeover to the 2024 team on 12 March.

Past president Bert Ainge hosted the general meeting and thanked all his team for their work over the year.

The annual general meeting saw the election of John Kluyt as the incoming president when Bert presented him with his Chain of Office and Badge.

A barbecue lunch was organised to celebrate the occasion at the Old Cheese Factory on Homestead Road, in Berwick, with club member Lesley Seeley arranging the luncheon. Lesley has been a member of the club since its inauguration and for the past 18 years has excellently filled the role of Outings Officer.

She has organised many trips, both within Australia and overseas.

One of the memorable occasions has been the recent trip to the Mt Gambier area, which was very much enjoyed by all.

The honour of cutting the birthday cake went to Bert, Lesley, and two inaugural members, Norma Musgrove and Gloria Blythe.

Bert made a presentation to Lesley with his enormous thanks for support during his term of office and for her long term as Outings Officer.

Past president Bert Ainge and outings officer Leslie Seeley. Pictures: Supplied

The new committee.

Ocean Grove Combined Probus Club enjoyed four

in Port Campbell.

Sure favourite for Probians

FORTY-NINE members from Croydon Park Probus Club’s Caravan and Cabin group visited Lakes Entrance in April staying at the Koonwarra Holiday Park.

Happy hour is always a favourite, with wine and nibbles every evening; and despite the chilly weather in the evenings, we still rugged up to enjoy this time before heading out for dinner.

Wonderful seafood is always a must in this part of the world, and so fish was a definite highlight with some members bringing some home.

A visit to Wyanga winery for tastings and

a luncheon was a very special event , with excellent food and wine tastings.

The interior had a quirky theme of unusual paintings, see the door photo, which gave some of us ideas of what to do with a blank door at home

Our club is extremely active and our thanks go to our Caravan/Cabin Convenors, Gayle and Bernie Wendt and Bernadette and Wayne Hulbert for once again making our trip such an enjoyable one

Caravan and cabin trips are always a very popular activity and well attended.

Wyanga winery’s quirky theme of unusual paintings.

Croydon Park Probus Club’s Caravan and Cabin group visited Lakes Entrance.

An unforgettable adventure

IN March, members from Croydon Park, Ringwood Clocktower, Maroondah, Ringwood East Ladies, Montrose, Kerrimuir joined together on a five-day trip to Bright, staying in the Bright Chalet, which has been in the O’Sullivan family since the 1980s and they certainly gave us first-class service, their food and staff was excellent.

One night we were given an impromptu brass band concert by the owner Michael and his staff, accompanied by his 16-month old granddaughter.

The following week they entered a competition in Adelaide coming in second for their performance.

It was quite hot as autumn was not quite in its full beauty, but despite the this , we had a great time visiting various places of interest.

Viewing the bronze sculptures in Tavare Park, seeing Bonegilla migrant camp, where one of our group found a photograph of herself and family, which she had never seen before, plus other items from when she came to Australia as a four-year-old with her parents. She even found the cabin which she shared with other migrants. Such a nostalgic experience for her.

Visits to the Red Stag Deer and Emu farm, Milawa Cheeses and adjoining Wood Park wines, the organic Pumpkin Seed farm and shopping in Beechworth and Bright made this such an unforgettable tour.

Probians, Beechworth and Bright made this such an unforgettable tour.

Five day trip to Bright.

Richmond FC seeks fans’ support

RICHMOND calls on fans to build a new legacy at Punt Road Oval.

Richmond Football Club, one of the AFL’s proudest and oldest teams with an iconic Punt Road Oval home, is calling on its fans for the final part of the build for its future.

The Club’s base is in Richmond heartland, just a small stroll from the MCG- and its redevelopment will deliver world-class facilities that ensure the Club remains in its heartland for generations.

Richmond’s ‘Brick by Brick’ campaign will ensure that every salvageable brick from the existing Jack Dyer Stand is cleaned and placed into the foundations of the new development.

Passionate Richmond fans can play their part by sponsoring a brick and entrenching their legacy into the Club’s future.

Richmond President John O’Rourke said the tax-deductible gifts towards the redevelopment would “literally clean and repurpose bricks in the new Jack Dyer Stand”.

“The redevelopment of Punt Road Oval

is critical,” he added.

“The fact is our existing facilities are no longer fit for purpose. The existing stand has been deemed unsafe for use, and our smaller training surface does not give us the best opportunity to prepare our players for the rigours of elite-level football.

“We need dedicated facilities for our women’s program, community programs, and improved spectator capacity, amenities, and parking.

“The redevelopment of Punt Road Oval will address all this, with the new Jack Dyer Stand as its centrepiece.”

O’Rourke said the Club had secured most of the funding for the redevelopment but needed the power of Tiger Army for the final push.

“It is time to build our future together,” he said.

“This will be the most historic infrastructure upgrade in the history of our Club. It will honour the legacy of the past and set us up for success in the future. Now is the time for the roar of the Tiger Army to be heard.”

7Day Outback S.A. –Lake Eyre Thu24thAug’23 $3500

14Day Queensland Adventure Sun10thSep’23 $8850

4Day King Island Tour Mon18thSep‘23 $2685

7Day Outback Darling River Tue19thSep‘23 $3865

9Day East Coast Eyre Peninsula Wed20thSep’23 $3350

4Day Canberra Floriade Mon25thSep’23 $1570

7Day Victor Harbor/Kangaroo Isl. Sun8thOct‘23 $2985

9Day Flinders Ranges Mon9thOct‘23 $3670

3Day Griffith Spring Festival Tue10thOct‘23 $988

2Day Silo Art Trail Thu19thOct’23 $610

5Day Gippsland & Wilsons Prom, Mon23rdOct‘23 $2240

8Day Coffs Harbour/ Grafton Fri27thOct‘23 $3100

9Day Tasmania Spring Tour Sun5thNov‘23 $3960

5Day Batemans Bay Mon6thNov‘23 $1995

10Day Vibrant Singapore Fri17thNOV‘23 $5700

10Day Norfolk Island Discovery Sun3rdDec‘23 $4970

8Day Tamworth Country Music Festival Mon22ndJan‘24 $2700

17Day New Zealand Signature Tour Sun4thFeb‘24 $7925

8Day Blue Mountains & Sydney Thu14thMar’24 $1335

16Day Cultural Treasures of Japan Sat30thMar’24 $10145

6Day Hahndorf & Adelaide Wed10thApr’24 $2315

Members from Croydon Park, Ringwood Clocktower, Maroondah, Ringwood East Ladies, Montrose and Kerrimuir.

Members enjoyed the visit to Mackeys Lookout.

Wonderful Wangaratta wows

RECENTLY, 21 Belgrave Probus members set off for a five-day adventure centred around the beautiful city of Wangaratta.

After settling into the Painters Island Caravan Park we met at the Pinsent Hotel for our first ‘holiday’ meal together.

Monday saw us start the first of four day trips out and about from ‘Wang’. After meeting in Chiltern for coffee and a snack we set off on a walk around the main street. Beautiful old buildings included the Bogetti’s variety store.

Then it was off to Rutherglen for lunch and another street walk taking in the beautiful old hotels and shops. After lunch we visited a few of the many wineries, enjoying muscat tastings and gin tasting.

For dinner we wandered across the footbridge to dine at the Wangaratta RSL.

Tuesday saw us meet for morning tea at the historic Milawa Cheese Factory. This houses an amazing cheese factory and bread kitchen. We then visited the famous Brown Brothers Winery – and yes, more wine tasting. On we went to Whitfield to dine at the Mountain View Hotel (3AW Pub of the Year in 2023) for lunch. From here some drove on to Paradise Falls, a beautiful waterfall near Whitfield. Sadly not a drop of water coming over the falls. As we had such a big lunch at the Mountain View Hotel, snacks were enough for our dinner this night.

On Wednesday morning we drove to Benalla and met at the Art Gallery cafe. The Art Gallery is in the stunning botanical gardens. After our coffees we walked around Benalla to see the famous street mural art, amazing. From Benalla we then set off on the silo trail travelling through Goorambat, Devenish, St James, and Tungamah. On the journey back to Wangaratta we made one final stop at the Winton Wetlands cafe for afternoon tea. Dinner tonight was again across the footbridge to the Precinct Bar and

Restaurant.

Our last day together was Thursday and we set off to Eldorado, and we were not at all sure there was a cafe for our very necessary morning tea. We first stopped at the Dredge. It was dredging for alluvial gold and tin until 1954. It was one of the largest dredges in the Southern Hemisphere – a floating monster.

After driving through town, and we did find a coffee shop, we followed a well-used

There are 10 story boards along the way highlighting interesting points. Woolshed Falls was at the end of this scenic drive and contained plenty of water.

Once in Beechworth we walked around the gorgeous old shops, stopping for coffee and lunch. The Beechworth Bakery was a must visit. Returning to Wangaratta

we enjoyed pizza night back at the caravan park.

Friday morning saw us all head back home to the Dandenong Ranges. Besides the glorious views, old towns, galleries, etc., all of us were so impressed with the level of hospitality and friendliness at every single place we visited, from the local cafe to the wineries and tourist stops.

Thank you, Wangaratta and surrounds.

dirt road through the Woolshed Valley and on to the Beechworth Chiltern Road to Beechworth.

Milawa Cheese Factory.

Plenty of fellowship had in Benalla.Benalla mural.

Silos along the travels.

Members enjoed Milawa Cheese Factory and Bakery.

Wonderful murals in Benalla.

Members who travelled to Wangaratta.

Visiting Paradise Falls.

All aboard at Walhalla Station

SPEND an unforgettable time with friends at Walhalla Goldfields Railway and ride on our Night Trains, every Saturday night throughout August!

This is a totally unique experience that is not to be missed.

All aboard for this very special journey down Stringer’s Creek Gorge as part of the Walhalla Winter Night Trains and experience the beauty of this railway like never before.

Trains commence the journey at Walhalla Station 6pm and 8pm every night throughout August.

When you arrive and check in with our friendly Station Master you will be provided with a hot water bottle and a cosy blanket to help take the chill off the cool winter night.

Departing the historic Walhalla Station on your one-hour journey you will travel through the station yards with the sheer, stunning cliff face on one side and the winding Stringers Creek on the other side.

Winding through the gorge past Happy Creek Station on your way towards Thomson Station you cross seven bridges which are a testament to the engineering skills of those early track engineers. Upon reaching the eighth and most spectacular Thomson River bridge you get the most stunning view as the lights from the train shine upon the Thomson River.

Along the way you’ll look on in awe as the lights from the train cut through the imposing darkness of a Walhalla winter night. Enjoy the spectacular sight and sounds of the bush at night as you travel through the stunning Stringers Gorge on this unique experience which is considered one of the country’s most picturesque rail journeys. Witness the waterfalls running at full force through the gorge beside the trains line. You never know what wildlife you will spot along the way.

On arrival at Thomson Station, you will be greeted with a complimentary hot

chocolate and marshmallows and warm yourself around the fire.

The Goods Shed Cafe will be open for delicious meals, drinks and yummy snacks each night.

Bookings are essential as these events sell out and can be made online at:

www.walhallarail.com.au/events-page or enquiries on 0491 741 822

Enjoy a night out at Walhalla Goldfields Railway! Or, for your next day out join us on our regular services with trains departing Walhalla on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday weekly.

DAYTIME MUSIC THEATRE

July - December 2024

NORMIE ROWE AM LIVE!

Starring Normie Rowe and The Playboys

Friday 19 July 2024, 10.30 am

Take a trip down memory lane with Normie Rowe AM, Australia’s most successful pop idol of the mid-60s. He produced a string of hits including Que Sera Sera, Shakin All Over, It Ain’t Necessarily So, It’s Not Easy and Ooh La La.

TOP OF THE WORLD!

EASY LISTENING HITS OF THE 70S

Starring Melissa Langton and Mark Jones

Friday 23 August 2024, 10.30 am

A celebration of the smooth, smooth sounds of the 70s! What better way to celebrate the sweeter side of 70s pop than by spending a fun filled hour with Melissa Langton and Mark Jones - the Captain and Tennille of Australian Cabaret!

DIONNE WARWICK AND THE SONGS OF BURT BACHARACH

Starring Alinta Chidzey

Friday 15 November 2024, 10.30 am

Dionne Warwick was the queen of 60s pop. Legendary hitmakers Burt Bacharach and Hal David were writing exclusively for her during the 60s so she had an extraordinary run of hits. Spectacularly brought to the stage by Alinta Chidzey - one of Australia’s most versatile leading ladies in musical theatre.

REJOICE AND BE MERRY IT’S CHRISTMAS 2024

Featuring Roy Best, Michelle Fitzmaurice and Chris McKenna

Friday 6 December 2024, 10.30 am

Delight in all your Christmas favourites. With a wonderful mix of classic Christmas carols and contemporary Christmas songs to get everyone in the true Christmas spirit.

Starring Bobby Fox

Featuring popular Christmas tunes like O Holy Night, White Christmas, The Holy City and indeed Rejoice and Be Merry Special Guests: Melbourne Youth Chorale MR ENTERTAINMENT

Friday 20 September 2024, 10.30 am

Back by popular demand Bobby is returning with his new show. This all singing all dancing Irishman delights with the very best of Jersey Boys, Saturday Night Fever, Riverdance, Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, George Michael and many more.

Walhalla Goldfields Railway - a totally unique experience that is not to be missed.

Parliament House tour a delight

A Melbourne Bearbrass Probus party of 21 learnt some amazing history during their guided tour of Victoria’s Parliament House.

We marveled at the gold-rush wealth and ancient British traditions dating to the Magna Carta. Our official guide Vicky also kept us amused with endless quirky facts.

And we consummated the morning with a superb lunch in the refreshment room, which Vicky told us was financed with a 50,000 pounds gift from the federal government for letting it use the building after Federation.

Vicky told us how work started on the Assembly and Council chambers in 1856 and they opened for the first Parliamentary session a mere 11 months later. These days it would take 11 months just to get the first of a hundred permits.

The chamber walls and ceiling shimmered with 23.5 carat gold leaf decoration - some of it double layered because it can only be repaired by adding more leaf.

The Council Chamber’s ceiling is decorated with 12 angels holding symbolic objects. One winged goddess was meant to be holding a broken chain, symbolising liberty, but when workmen from Canberra were tidying up the building before handing it back to Victoria in 1927, they helpfully mended the chain but destroyed the symbolism.

Another bad mistake was a typo chiseled into the marble of Queen Victoria’s status in the Queen’s Hall, with the name of the sculptor Marshall Wood mis-spelt as “Mashall“.

We never got to the bluestone dungeon

where Parliament can lock up anyone giving them grave contempt - a newspaper editor apparently its lone prisoner. Vicky said the current use of “Room 79“ is as a changeroom.

She gave us a censored version of how the Parliament’s second mace went missing one night in 1891. There is still a $50,000 reward for finding it.

Whether we looked up at the ceiling’s gold or down at the beautiful blue-grey Minton floor tiles, there were always items to savour.

Our trip typified the best that Probus clubs can offer their members.

The Melbourne Bearbrass Probus party of 21 had a guided tour of Victoria’s Parliament House.

Rose Mercer, Julie Thompson and John Bone.

Parliament House.

Margaret McCartney and Colleen Hanan.

Nina Gualano, Pam Gray, Ray Duncan and Gaylene Duncan.

Appreciation was evident

THE Maroondah Probus Club enjoyed its 29th Caravans and Cabins event in March, with 53 members, at Inverloch.

Among those who attended was John Willder (with his daughter) – John began the Cabins and Caravans event in 2008 – and the club was delighted to present him with a Certificate of Appreciation.

As Saint Patrick’s Day occurred on the first day, many members wore green clothes to celebrate the day.

As usual, there were many great meals enjoyed at two local hotels on the first and last nights. On the other nights we explored local restaurants or enjoyed a barbecue at the caravan park.

There were so many activities in which to participate - bocce, golf, bowls, minigolf, and of course walks along the foreshore track (followed by coffee and cake).

Another activity involved an excursion to the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi.

These events are so much fun, and we really get to mix, and get to know people in the club – they are highly recommended.

And of course – we really appreciate the work the two convenors do to organise these events - thank you to Helen and Graeme.

John Willder who organised the first cabins and caravans event.

The current organisers - Helen Walker and Graeme williams.

St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The Dukes of Ute band.

The club’s walking group.

Bocce players with umpire David Young - Judy Thynne, Joy Powney and Alan Thynne

On the road to nowhere

Michael Halley

THE autumn excursion of the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea was scheduled to take in the excitement of the Opal Mining town of White Cliffs, NSW. The town itself is often stated as being nowhere. It is actually somewhere - but a fair distance from anywhere.

To soften the culture shock and relate the famous tyranny of distance, the first day’s travel was the 500 kilometers to Mildura to the overnight accommodation at the Inlander Resort. On the way we passed the world’s smallest mountain Mt Wycheproof. Next day in search of nowhere the tourist party ventured into Mungo National Park which although a shorter travel distance took up the whole day.

The Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area covers 2,400 square kilometres and takes in all 19 lakes of the Willandra Lakes system. It includes much of Mungo National Park and a larger area of leasehold grazing country.

Scientists have discovered artefacts dating back over 50,000 years across the expanses of the last ice age. This makes Mungo one of the oldest places outside of Africa to have been occupied by modern humans since ancient times. In 1974, after some heavy rain, geologist Jim Bowler spotted something he hadn’t seen before - the gleam of a white object poking out of the soil. When he looked closer he realised it was a human cranium. Further investigation revealed the almost complete skeleton of an adult male. Best advice today by the scientists is that the skeletal remains 40,000 years old.

Our members were given an extensive cultural backgrounding by the folks who conduct the Aboriginal Discovery Tours. Part of the day was outdoor hiking to visit cultural and geological significant parts of the park. Each will have taken their own counsel on the information gleaned and as the sun was dropping low they returned to the resort for a meal and sleep.

Hale and hearty and well breakfasted we headed again into NSW and on our way to nowhere. To make the destination a fuel-stop at Wilcannia on the Darling River gave an insight into the Australia that was, and is unlikely again. The town was the third largest inland port in the country during the river boat era of the mid-19th century. Today it is sparsely populated with the percentage of Aboriginals around three quarters. Some

small industries and community activities keep the town afloat. Included are a friendly supermarket and a professional pharmacist. Finally we arrived at White Cliffs and were allocated accommodation and soon tucked into our selected meals.

Next morning a visit to the Red Earth Opal Gallery and Cafe was an eye opener. It is run by owner Graeme and family. The area was widespread and of first-class standard, with a large amount of opals and other gifts for sale.

Following shopping and coffee break Graeme took us on a tour of his large underground mine. His experience of three decades was evident. His enthusiasm searching for opal shone through and his passion for finding opal pineapple clusters in particular was a highlight.

After that extensive underground visit, another guide, Rob, boarded our coach as we travelled around the district of White Cliffs pointing out a variety of places of significance.

Rob gave us an insight as to how many residents have burrowed into the white

cliffs and made their home. Inside the temperature remains a constant low 20 degrees all year round as opposed to double that outside. [In 1939 51.5C was recorded].

It was interesting to learn that White Cliffs NSW is the site of Australia’s first Solar Power Station, built in 1981, upgraded in 1996, but closed in 2005. Day five we loaded up and took one of the several roads to lead from nowhere to somewhere. We took the one back to Wilcannia and onto Ivanhoe for luncheon. Our presence caused several tradies that had stopped for luncheon to give it a miss and move on. Many of us were assisted by a young Aboriginal girl with the coffee machine (she was actual a customer but wanted to help).

Mid-afternoon we arrived at Hay where our accommodation waited, but had to wait until folks had a wander around the town centre. Some 80 kilometres back we passed by a small town made famous by Banjo Patterson in his poem Hay and Hell and Booligal. Banjo predicted us in the lines: - You never see a stranger’s face;

They hardly ever care to call; After breakfast and all but one passenger taking all their possessions we went down town for group photographs and then to visit Bishops Lodge. This building was constructed in 1889 as the residence of the bishop of the Riverina. In 1985 the Hay Council purchased the property and it is now an interesting tourist attraction, as is the attached Rose Garden which has 500 varieties.

We rolled along through the southern Riverina and made it across the Murry River to Echuca for luncheon at the Workers Club. From there it was an express trip home to Whittlesea and each to his own. Our arrival at White Cliffs meant close to doubling the population. Major tourist companies expect bigger contingents so will not have the town as a destination. It is groups like Probus that can organise smaller numbers and perhaps make a visit to nowhere. Even encourage grey nomad members to make a side trip. We may be able to claim a Probus-led recovery for nowhere to somewhere.

The famous opal pineapple cluster.Underground with members.

Group photo outside Bishops Lodge, Hay, NSW.

Engaging speakers and tour

THE guest speakers at the Charlton Probus Club for April and May were very interesting. In April, Brian Heenan OAM spoke about the journey as to how he and wife Rae received their OAMs on 26 January 2023. In August, Brian received an email, which he thought was a scam, to say they had been nominated. In September an email was received to say they were being considered for a medal OAM and had to reply if they were willing to accept. They considered declining but decided it was not fair to the nominator who had put in so much time. In January, they got another email to say their nomination had been approved. As this was highly confidential, they couldn’t even tell their family until the evening prior. Rae and Brian were very impressed with their visit to Government House and the proceedings. Congratulations to a welldeserved couple.

In May, a local elderly male spoke of his experience of drink-driving. After three standard drinks, consumed over a 90-minute period, he confidently blew into the breathalyser on his way home. The result was .052. He was given a fine of $150, lost his licence for three months but did not lose any demerit points. The gentleman resumed his love of bike riding! He then explained the consequences of drink-driving. He was required to pay for and complete an Alcohol Awareness Course in Bendigo over two mornings. He had to pay to have an Alcohol Interlock Device fitted for six months and had to travel to Bendigo monthly and pay to have the device read. When he turned on the ignition he had to blow into the device, which had to register

zero. Once driving, every so often the device would beep and he would have to stop and blow into the it. Sometimes this would happen after only a few kilometres, other times it would be after quite a few kilometres. After six months he had to register zero for the next three years. He estimated the total cost for this experience would have been between $2000 and $3000.

On a beautiful autumn day, 26 members were joined by nine Probians from Donald and six from Wycheproof for a local outing. First stop was at the Yeungroon Windfarm with Peter Watts giving us a brief history

and explanation of the workings. We were fortunate that maintenance was being done and we were able to see workers as tiny specks high up on the blade.

We then travelled a short distance to the Yeungroon Hall. Carolyn Olive gave a brief history of Yeungroon and we were able to look inside the hall, built in 1892, and then browsed the Storyboards of Yeungroon’s past and admired the War Memorial, which was unveiled in 2022.

Another short drive to the Charlton Feedlot. Terri Wolfe was our excellent guide. The Feedlot was established in 1971. It currently has 40 employees.

Charlton Feedlot - Currently there are 19,000 cattle, with 22,000 the maximum; 98 per cent of the yards are shaded.

There are four single person units on site for accommodation. Currently there are 19,000 cattle, with 22,000 the maximum. Ninety-eight per cent of the yards are shaded. There is a hospital on site (for the animals). The cattle are sent to processing plants at Wagga Wagga and Naracoorte. The meat is sold at Coles, Woolworths and Aldi under various brands. We then drove to Wedderburn for lunch, which was most enjoyable. Time for a quick walk down the street before getting back on the bus for the 25 minute journey back to Charlton. Thank you to Outings Co-ordinator Sandra for a great day out in our local area.

Exhibition organised by

Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris,

du Bois c.1900. Musée Carnavalet. CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet

Histoire de Paris.

The probus group at Yeungroon.

Country Victoria and NSW trip

TWENTY members from Dromana Valley Probus Club recently undertook a very enjoyable trip to Wentworth/Broken Hill/ Mildura with David from Southern Star Tours, ably assisted by the hostess Brenda in April

Highlights of the trip were varied and many and we travelled through some wonderful scenery in country Victoria and south west New South Wales. To add to our pleasure the weather was very kind to us, with glorious sunshine for most of the trip, and very little rain.

Day one was mainly spent on the road, heading to Wentworth, but on the way, we stopped in Red Cliffs and viewed Big Lizzie, a huge tractor invented by blacksmith Frank Bottrill and the largest of its type in the world at that time. It was a great asset for soldier settlers in the 1920s.

After our overnight stay in Wentworth, we headed to Broken Hill, arriving mid-morning and visited local historical buildings of interest including the Court House and Trades Hall. Lunch today was at the quaint Bell’s Milk Bar. We were then joined by a local guide who gave us a tour of Broken Hill and a detailed history of the area. This was followed by a drive up to the Line of Lode, a seven=-kilometre strip, which dominates the town. We visited the Miners’ Memorial and viewed the expanse of Broken Hill from this great vantage point. From here we visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service at the airport and viewed a short film outlining some of the services provided by this great organisation, followed by an informative talk by a very articulate young man who was a very dedicated member of the team there.

A busy day three started with a visit to the Silver City Mint and Art Centre. The centre houses jewellery made from Broken Hill silver and paintings by well known artists, however the dramatic “Big Picture” painted by Peter Anderson was the star of the show. It is the world’s largest acrylic painting on canvas and totally immerses visitors into the fascinating local landscape. We then made a short trip to the famous Pro Hart Gallery where we viewed not only many of his paintings, but also his vintage car collection.

Then it was on the road again for a short drive to Silverton, which had many and varied items to view, an eclectic mix, it could be said. There was also the Mad Max Museum and several artists’ studios to visit, and lunch at the Silverton Pub. This ghost town was also used in the filming of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and A Town Like Alice.

On our return trip to Broken Hill, we detoured to visit the Broken Hill Living Desert State Park, which includes a Sculpture Park located on an escarpment in the 2,400 reserve, offering 12 sandstone sculptures to enjoy, as well as beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. This

was a unique setting.

Dinner this evening was at the Palace Hotel in Broken Hill, yet another connection with the film industry as this was used as the location for the pub scenes in Priscilla Queen of the Desert and still looks like a film set! We were entertained for the evening with a karaoke session and very welcoming locals.

Day four, we travelled via Wentworth, where we visited the local jail and Pioneer Museum then arrived at our accommodation for the next three nights in Mildura.

Day five was a highlight of the trip, visiting Mungo National Park, which looked like a moonscape. We were accompanied by a very knowledgeable guide (Irish), who informed us that contrary to what we assumed that Mungo would be an indigenous name, it was in fact named by two Scotsmen after St Mungus, the patron saint of Glasgow, Scotland. The landscape in this park is unique, with white sands and sand dunes, and the area abounds with ancient cultural and archaeological treasures, and where Mungo Man and Mungo Woman were discovered. It was well worth the visit even though it was a two-hour drive from Mildura.

Day six was quite leisurely, with a visit to Orange World and an Olive Farm, where we were given tours and explanations of growing and processing produce from these establishments. We then lunched at the famous Working Men’s Club before taking a relaxing two-hour trip down the scenic and high flowing Murray River on the Paddle Boat Rothbury, on a beautiful autumn day. A perfect end to our adventures.

Day seven saw us on the road again and the return journey back to Dromana, tired but happy tourists, all very grateful to David and Brenda from Southern Star Tours and our own intrepid convenor Barbara, who between them gave us a memorable week’s touring.

The Dromana Valley group.

Mungo National Park.

Big Lizzie in Mildura.

One of the many sculptures in the Broken Hill Living Desert State Park.

Members enjoyed the trip to Silverton.

One of the Silverton Art pieces.

Warrnambool here we come

WITH car packed and a keen sense of anticipation, we headed for Warrnambool on Thursday, 14 March, arriving midafternoon to be gradually joined by others in the Glen Waverley Combined Probus Club’s Caravan and Cabin Group who set up vans, moved into cabins and comfortable motel style accommodation in various sections of the grounds at the Big 4 Tasman Holiday Park.

Once the 41 members had settled in, we gathered for our first happy hour –something our club certainly knows how to do, then off to dinner at the local bowls club.

Day two was a day where we were able to explore Warrnambool at our own pace and enjoy the varied options available. Many of us headed straight to the beach where we found a great cafe and excellent walking tracks. The sun was out, the sea was sparkling. It was just the perfect start to the day.

Others found the local golf course, others went exploring, others drove to national parks and waterfalls, and most of us found the antique market at the old Fletcher Jones Factory which was a treasure trove of fascinating stuff. Some of us even managed to find a local winery. It was lovely to be able to spend the day relaxing after the drive the day before.

Guess what? Another happy hour to round off a great day.

Day three was a fairly organised day. The morning saw us on a walk around this interesting and historical city, with a multitude of beautiful buildings to admire, and in the afternoon we visited

Warrnambool’s best known attraction, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum.

We learned all about the sad story of the wreck of the Loch Ard which foundered on the coast only one day short of its final destination – Melbourne. We learned about the only two survivors of the shipwreck, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, and we viewed the magnificent ceramic peacock which was on its way to an exhibition in Melbourne, and miraculously remained intact despite its ordeal.

We were then treated to a talk followed by a meet and greet of a Maremma dog, part of the program of looking after the little penguins on close by Middle Island. A

chance to be photographed with this lovely dog was not one to be missed.

Dinner this evening was at the RSL, then back to Flagstaff Hill for their sound and light show which gave us an insight into the Indigenous history of the area, the fortunately long defunct whaling industry, the shipwreck coast and, of course, the wreck of the Loch Ard. This evening was complete with a water screen, seats which moved at appropriate moments in the show, a large moving screen and clever laser projections.

Day four saw us headed to the pretty town of Port Fairy where we were divided into two groups who were treated to an

extremely enjoyable tour of the town by an entertaining local volunteer who managed to bring his stories to life with anecdotes, humour and interesting facts. Lunch was enjoyed at a local restaurant where they miraculously catered for us all with excellent food and in a fairly short space of time.

The day also happened to be Saint Patrick’s Day, so naturally happy hour this evening had a strong Irish theme.

Many thanks to Mary Fisher who came prepared with many Irish decorations, and before long, we had the venue looking very Irish indeed.

With Irish Pub radio playing in the background, we lingered over this fun event before heading off to cook our dinner and begin packing for our departure the next day.

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First group of walkers in front of the Port Fairy Museum.

Sandy Hamilton, Janet Conrad, Mary Fisher and Gillian Paterson dressed up for St Patrick’s Day Happy Hour.

Limestone Coast and beyond

NINETEEN passengers joined Chris Grafen on the Highland Explorer for our long-awaited six-day trip to Mount Gambier, Robe and Port Fairy. Heading over the Westgate Bridge, we went on backroads via Mount Egerton, Yendon and Buninyong enjoying a morning stop at Ballan. Lunch was on the shores of Lake Bolac and then we drove through Dunkeld to Hamilton where we enjoyed a walk in the Botanical Gardens before arriving in Dartmoor to view Kevin Gilder’s brilliant chainsaw carvings transformed from the town’s Avenue of Honour. On arriving in Mt Gambier, we viewed the Umpherston Sinkhole and the Cave Gardens in the centre of town.

Day two was fine and sunny and we enjoyed the stunning lookouts above the famous Blue Lake and nearby Valley Lake before visiting the fascinating Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre. We travelled to Penola for our picnic lunch. It was here that Mary McKillop, Australia’s first saint, founded the Sisters of St Joseph in the 1860s. We visited the Mary McKillop Interpretive Centre, Petticoat Lane, Mary’s schoolhouse and the John Riddoch Interpretive Centre before continuing our journey to the beautiful and historic seaside port of Robe, where we would be staying for the next three nights.

Sunny day three started with a guided tour of Robe’s scenic and historic buildings and sites. Following the tour we visited Transmutation, a fascinating recycling business, and were amazed at the variety of items the owner Brad Scott had created out of the plastic tags from loaves of bread. After lunch in Robe we explored the picturesque and rugged coastal area to the south east of Robe and in Beachport several of our group walked to the end of the second longest jetty in South Australia. We then drove to the nearby Woakwine Cutting, built to drain the surrounding swampy land into Lake George thus creating usable farming land for the area. For dinner in Robe we enjoyed a meal at the local Italian restaurant.

On day four we visited two small businesses run by a husband and wife team. The husband makes jewellery from Robe Sea Glass and his wife has a very lucrative chocolate-making business next door. Both very interesting and innovative businesses.We then explored the area north-west of Robe travelling around Guichen Bay and ending up in the fishing town of Kingston SE. Here we viewed the famous Cape Jaffa Lighthouse and the huge Crayfish before enjoying our lunch from the local bakery. After lunch we drove to Norfolk Rise Winery for a tasting of a number of local wines. Dinner was a very tasty meal at the local Chinese restaurant in Robe.

Departing Robe on day five we headed

into the Canunda National Park and viewed the spectacular clifftop coastal scenery, albeit in rather foggy conditions and then after morning tea at Millicent we drove back into Victoria and headed to the historic Warrock Homestead (circa 1843), birthplace of the Kelpie sheep dog and spent a few hours enjoying our picnic lunch and exploring the many of the buildings on the property. The homestead was furnished with items relating to the era and it was fascinating to see how people lived back

in the early days. We even enjoyed one of Chris’s sing-a-longs in the huge wool shed with Click Go the Shears being a very appropriate number to sing! Leaving the homestead we drove via Casterton and back roads to the pretty and historic seaside town of Port Fairy where we stayed at the Central Motel. Our final dinner was at the famous Star of the West Hotel.

Before leaving Port Fairy we had time to walk along the Moyne River and over to the small Griffith Island. Leaving Port Fairy

we travelled through Koroit, Terang and lunched in Camperdown and the travelled via the north shore of Victoria’s largest lake, Lake Corangamite, arriving in Mount Waverley around 5.30pm after a very relaxing and interesting trip in near perfect weather conditions. Many thanks once again to Chris Grafen for his informative commentary and well planned trip and to Alan Cawsey for organising and leading the group.

- Liz Cawsey

Click go the shears.

Warrock Homestead.

An enjoyable day for members at the Blue Lake.

Moyne River Port Fairy.

Members enjoyed dinner at Port Fairy.

Club hits milestone

WE have just celebrated our 20th anniversary with the event being well attended with about 60 past and present members attending.

Among the guests was the wife of the very first club president Trish Rickard. Trish’s late husband, Mike was the first president and a driving force in the early establishment of the club.

Probians go behind the bars

THE Rye Ladies Probus group toured the Pentridge Prison on Wednesday, 29 May and it went very well.

It was a most informative day with a very well informed guide.

The group witnessed the H Division (HELL) Division and with the provided headphones were able to get a clear account of prisoners life in their cells as they approached the individual cells the stories were told.

It was a place of torture and breaking of the inmates, solitary confinement and close to starvation.

Pentridge closed its gates/ operations in 1997.

It was great to see all the other foundation members there to help us celebrate this momentous occasion.

A beautiful birthday cake was presented to the club and one of our foundation members, Margaret Richards, cut the cake with a hearty rendition of Happy Birthday Leopold Gateway Probus Club rang out throughout the depths of the Leopold Sportsmans Club.

In January 2004 a notice was published in the Bellarine Echo inviting interested Leopold residents to a public meeting to discuss the formation of a second Probus

There was also Lloyd and Val Jenkins, Lloyd was the first secretary of the club and with Mike, the late Bill Blakley as treasurer and the first committee, also helped get the club going. Leila Stecker, representing the Rotary Club of Drysdale, also attended. The Rotary Club of Drysdale instigated the move and sponsored the new Probus Club for Leopold, in 2004.

Club in Leopold. The existing Leopold Combined Probus Club had reached its membership capacity and were receiving inquiries from members of the community to join.

The meeting was hosted by the Rotary Club of Drysdale, with Mr Ken Hosking, Rotary Club of Drysdale as chairman for the meeting. About 44 people attended the meeting and a decision was made to proceed with the formation of a second Probus Club in Leopold.

Following the strong public reaction at the public meeting, the foundation/ steering meeting was held at the Leopold Sportsman Club on 23 February, 2004.

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Foundation members: Val Jenkins, Lloyd Jenkins (first secretary), Trish Rickard (wife of first president) then foundation members: Judith Thompson, Keith Pettigrew, Judy Pettigrew,Simon Schooneman, Jenny Broad, Shirley Grace, Margaret Richards, Win Lilburne, Bert Philips and Maz Philips.

New board and croquet fun

THERE was a good attendance at the Bunyip/Garfield Probus Club’s AGM. The president thanked all the committee for their service last year and wished the incoming committee all the best for the coming year. Four new members were inducted into the club before the AGM was held. With all positions filled we then enjoyed a special morning tea before going to the Kooweerup Hotel for lunch.

Members had an outing to the Drouin Croquet Club to test their skills at playing the game and saw how many of them remembered the rules from last year’s visit.Their members were great and guided us in teams of four around the course teaching us the rules. The big thing was learning how to use the mallet to hit the ball through the wicket. There was lots of laughter across the green at times until the bell rang for lunch break.

The club provided members with a barbecue lunch of sausages/hamburgers and a great range of salads.

After a while they played some more croquet before finishing the day with afternoon tea which was also

provided by their club. Our president thanked the Croquet Club on behalf of the members and all for

their generosity for spending the afternoon sharing their passion of the game of croquet.

Bunyip-Garfield Probus enjoy Albury and surrounds

THE Caravan and Camping group from Bunyip-Garfield Probus Club headed to Albury for a week away. After settling in, we gathered together for Happy Hour and also to get our itinerary for the week. That night we had dinner at the Boomerang Hotel.

Monday we traveled to Holbrook to find out why they called it The Submarine Town. At the Holbrook Museum a guide spoke about the life in a Submarine and how the HMAS Otway’s finial resting place came to be in Holbrook and also why they changed the name of the town known as Germanton to Holbrook. In World War I, there was a submarine under the leadership of Lt Norman Holbrook that torpedoed and sank the Turkish battleship “Mesudiye “ and then it was world news of the daring underwater raid that had taken place. To honour Lt Holbrook the town changed its name to Holbrook. The museum also has a display of photos, submarine memorabilia along with submarine escape suits and a replica of a submarine where you could experience how small the area is. There was a periscope you could look through. We all decided it certainly wasn’t the life for us.

After lunch we went to The National Museum of Australian Pottery. It has a collection of 2000 pieces of domestic Australian Pottery that goes back to the convict Jonath,on Leak whose few surviving pieces are the earliest marked pottery that was produced in Australia. We wandered around looking at the collection which is all in glass cases to

protect the pieces on show. Among the extensive range of pottery wares are such things as simple preserving jars, jugs and decorated water filters. After an interesting day we headed back to the Caravan Park for Happy Hour and later board games.

Tuesday started with Devonshire morning tea in the Camp Kitchen then after we had a free day to explore some of the beautiful areas that surround Albury. That night we all dressed up for a masquerade party to celebrate our 21st Caravan and Camping trip away. It was so great that everyone wore a mask of some description as well as clothes to match in some cases. Well done to all who made the effort for our special celebration.

After dinner they cut a cake that was decorated like a caravan before the Talent Quest started with a few brave members giving their all for fun. It was a great night.

Wednesday we started the day with an egg and bacon breakfast after which we

had a free day to do some more exploring of the area returning for Happy Hour and barbecue then a quiz night.

Thursday Morgan’s Lookout was our destination to see a massive granite outcrop that the Bushranger Mad Dan Morgan used to his advantage to evade capture by the police.

On arrival we had morning tea then some challenged themselves to climbing to the top of the Lookout where they had a spectacular 360 degrees view of the surrounding area.

The rest of the day was free to check out some of the small country towns that have so many hidden gems. Dinner that night was at the Springdale Heights Tavern followed by a comedy film “ How to Murder Your Wife “ with Jack Lemmon back.

Friday.The owners of the Caravan Park made available their property, which is situated on the banks of Lake Hume for

our Games and Activities day. On the way some went to the Hume Weir and walked over the spillway before heading on to our destination.

We had morning tea on arrival then we played games while others just enjoyed the sun and the beautiful surroundings until they called us for a barbecue lunch. After we continued playing games for a while then headed back to the Park for (yes, another) Happy Hour.

It was a quiet night with some playing cards and board games in the Camp Kitchen.

Saturday. On our last morning we had a yummy pancake breakfast then they handed out the special camp awards and we thanked the volunteers who had helped in any way over the week. A card that everyone had signed was presented to the organisers of our 21st trip away thanking them for all the work they have done to make it a great week.

The rest of the day was free. Some went to the Albury Farmers Market while others did more exploring of the area then we gathered for our last Happy Hour before going out to the Thurgoona Country Club for dinner.

Sunday. Packed up and headed home( for a rest ).

We would like to thank Craig and Kerrie at the Big 4 Albury Tourist Park Lavington NSW for all the extra work they did to make it a great week for us. So if you are looking for a great place to holiday, our club would recommend it.

The Bunyip-Garfield Probus Club’s Caravan and Camping group enjoyed a trip to Albury.

The Bunyip Garfield Probus Club enjoyed a day at the Drouin Croquet Club.

Take a ferry to the fairway

THERE are so many amazing golf courses on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula that all golf enthusiasts should have on their bucket list - and you don’t even need to drive. Take a state-of-the-art fast ferry direct from Melbourne to the first tee box, in half the time it takes to drive.

Port Phillip Ferries has an exciting range of 2- and 3-day golf packages that take care of everything. These packages include the short ferry journey across Port Phillip Bay, shuttle transfers for the whole time you’re there, all golf reservations, accommodation at the newly refurbished Portarlington Grand Hotel and a few extra’s thrown in for good health.

The Portarlington Grand Hotel is absolutely stunning, its recent renovation has transformed it into the Jewel of the Bellarine. Now featuring 18 boutique rooms, several dining areas, and an openair Atrium Bar, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the golf course.

As all golfers who have been to this region would confirm, the Bellarine Peninsula is fast becoming the new destination for amazing golf in Victoria. With courses such as Lonsdale Links, 13th Beach, Curlewis, and Portarlington GC passionate golfers are spoilt for choice when it comes to quality golf course design and experience.

If you and your golf buddies are eager to discover this stunning golfing destination and try out new courses, a very reasonably priced golf package is a fantastic option. Taking the ferry over is by far the quickest and most convenient way to reach your destination, and staying in

Ferry and golf packages on

the delightful coastal town of Portarlington adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your trip.

After golf you may even be able to squeeze in a little wine tasting down the road at Terindah Estate or Jack Rabbit Winery and as a guest of the Grand Hotel

you will have access to a complimentary bus service from Monday – Friday that can take you and your group to various wineries in the region for an afternoon tasting.

Port Phillip Ferries Bellarine Golf Packages have all the ingredients you need for a fun golf trip with a group. Amazing

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Cruise across the bay from Melbourne to Portarlington in comfort and style taking in the scenic vistas. The Portarlington Golf Club will take care of the rest with courtesy bus transfers and a leisurely two-course lunch at the Portarlington Golf

• Return ferry tickets • Return shuttle bus

• Two-course meal at the Portarlington Golf

golf courses, a great hub for your post golf wind down, wineries down the road and an amazing bakery in the main street for your morning breakfast treats.

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the Bellarine Peninsula.

Peninsula brings the smiles

PAKENHAM Central Probus has been exploring and enjoying the Mornington Peninsula recently.

The Club visited Cruden Farm in Langwarrin, the property of the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, in April and Beleura House in Mornington in May.

Beleura House is a mansion built in Melbourne’s golden era with generations of distinguished Australians calling it home for more than 160 years.

Club members enjoyed guided tours of both properties conducted by volunteers.

The club meets on the second Thursday every month, from 10am.

For more information, contact secretary Jenny Dubois on 0419 421 950.

Plenty of colour on show for Mother’s Day

THERE is nothing dull about being a part of the Probus Club of Pakenham Central.

The club held a Mother’s Day celebration on Thursday, 9 May, at the Pakenham Golf Club, where members donned their colourful outfit for the ’Let’s Be Bright’ theme and enjoyed entertainment from The Hoffmans Duo.

Lynne and Jackie.

Flora.

Garry and Val.

Heather, Ruth and Sandra.

John and Sandra.

Jenny, Ian, Gwen, Val, Garry, Rosalie, John and Sandra. Pictures: Supplied

Being led up the garden path at Beleura.

Checking out the many garden rooms at Beleura.

Members gathering on the lemon-scented gum driveway.

Members enjoyed a morning tea at Beleura.

Looking back through art

EXCLUSIVE to Bendigo Art Gallery, Paris: Impressions of Life 1880–1925 takes visitors on a journey through the lively and picturesque streets of historic Paris. The busy banks of the Seine, bustling marketplaces, grand boulevards, idyllic public gardens, and the heady atmosphere of bohemian Montmartre are brought to life in more than 170 works of art and artisan objects.

From the renowned collection of the Musee Carnavalet, the iconic museum of the history of Paris, this exhibition reflects on an effervescent period of transformation that continues to capture the global imagination.

As the 19th century drew to a close, Paris courted the attention of the world, projecting a confident vision of a flourishing modern city. Amid great political and social change, the new century brought economic prosperity and an air of optimism. The Eiffel Tower, the centrepiece of the Universal Exhibition of 1889, rose high above the skyline in a feat of engineering that became a symbol of the spirit of progress and industrial innovation on which Paris prided itself.

The river Seine, the city’s backbone, remained an important hub of industry and trade, and a focal point of city planning through the addition of grand bridges that further connected distinct neighbourhoods on the Left and Right banks. Mass urban development projects realised orderly city blocks and expansive boulevards like the Champs-Élysees. Carefully landscaped public gardens were established for leisure and health.

Across seven themed pathways Paris: Impressions of Life 1880–1925 presents artisan street signs, historic couture, decorative arts, and everyday ephemera alongside paintings by artists including Jean Beraud, the pre-eminent painter of Parisian life in the Belle Époque, Maurice Utrillo and Paul Signac, pioneer of the artistic technique of pointillism, as well as

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vibrant graphic prints by Henri de ToulouseLautrec and his contemporaries. Together they offer diverse insights into the events, locations, and everyday encounters that have come to define this dynamic period in one of the most famed and alluring cities of the world.

· Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 - 1925

· Dates: 16 March – 14 July 2024

· Exhibition organised by theMusee Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris, Paris Musees.

· Tickets: www.bendigoartgallery.com.au

· Visit10am – 5pm daily, including public holidays

· 42 View Street Bendigo Victoria

Bendigo Art Gallery.

Paris IOL Seine Photo Leon Schoots.

BAG Foyer Photo Leon Schoots.

Autumn in Loddon Valley

THE Probus Club of Ballarat South had 52 members at their Autumn Caravan and Cabins trip this year. We travelled to the Loddon Valley and stayed at the Boort Lakes Holiday Park and were well looked after by our hosts. They lit a campfire every night, and we were able to have happy hour around the fire – great fun, fellowship and friendship together! The Loddon Valley promised us a blend of adventure, cultural experiences, and natural splendour, and it certainly delivered!

On our first morning we went to the Spannerman Sculpture Park at Barraport, and saw the incredible sculptures, entirely made by the late John Piccoli in his wheelchair. Then it was on to the Lake Boga Pub for a delicious lunch, before continuing on to the Catalina Museum. Here we learnt so much about the Catalina flying boats and their part in World War IIso interesting!

On day two, there was golf at Boort for the keen golfers and walkers, and they loved it.

The rest of us went to Saluta Oliva and met the passionate owners Peter and Marlies. We sampled their beautiful table olives and oil afterwards and purchased

our favourites! We went to the Yung Balug Aboriginal Artefacts Museum in the afternoon, where Paul showed us his fascinating private collection of artefacts and historical photos. His wife Cathy took us on a tour of their native garden and afterwards we were treated to their homemade wattle-seed scones and a cuppa. Paul even took us to the shores of the Lake and showed us ancient indigenous scar trees and middens. After dinner that night

Same local family, new exciting horizons

JOANNE and Ray, the Mother and Son duo, fresh off their third place win at the Victorian Tourism awards, have been working hard over the past couple of months writing itineraries; getting bookings in place; and ensuring their Extended Touring Booklet is ready for people to browse over Christmas – this on top of all the touring they’ve been doing to round out the year as well.

The locally based operators have been providing quality tours for over 15 years now, with their Extended Coach Tourswhich are geared towards the over 50s lifestyle market, boasting an all-inclusive, intimate group touring style - becoming only more and more popular, especially with the locals.

“We have a genuine love for touring, and so do our travellers,” says Ray, who runs many of the Outback tours on offer, “our small group guarantee means that they [travellers] experience these amazing places that Australia has on offer, whilst sharing these moments and memories with a group of fellow like-minded people”.

Tour Local is boasting over 30-plus Tours for the 2024 season, all the way from the glistening waters of the Eastern Coast, to the red dirt of the Outback, and the breathtaking sunsets of the Western Australian horizons.

Joanne and Ray from

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we had a cards night – euchre and canasta - thoroughly enjoyed by all present!

On day three, we drove to Inglewood and toured the Eucy Oil distillery museum, very interesting! Then we adjourned to the Inglewood and district Historical society at the Court House, where local students put on a short play, more interesting information.

Some of us had lunch in Inglewood and explored the colonial-era heritage

streetscapes and the town’s collectable precinct. Others went on to Wedderburn to discover the Coachhouse Gallery and Museum and find the mural art buildings in the town. We all reunited for dinner at the Railway Hotel in Boort and were treated to delicious meals and friendly local people. Thanks must go to our organisers Malcolm, Yvonne, Ian and Robyn – such a big job to organise 52 members for a fiveday camp….fabulous trip!

Something for all

Autumn weather welcomed the Ringwood Clocktower members to Rutherglen Caravan Park for their bi annual outing of the Caravan and Cabin group.

Members were able to be involved in a number of activities, which included a trip to the Ned Kelly museum in Beechworth, a game of barefoot bowls and walks followed by a well-earned coffee or two.

Highlights were a Hard Quiz Championship and a visit to a local winery. The winery members enjoyed a tasting table and the chance to taste the famous “Rutherglen Reds”. Each day concluded with a Happy Hour around the campfire

Tour Local.

PERFECT

Autumn weather welcomed the Ringwood Clocktower members to Rutherglen Caravan Park.

Happy hour at Boort Lakes Holiday Park.

Yung Balug Aboriginal artefacts museum.Cards night at the Park.

Learning about olive growing at Saluta Oliva.

Catalina flying boat museum at Lake Boga.

Great value in Encore shows

DANDENONG’S iconic Drum Theatre will host an entertaining range of shows as part of its Season Two Encore program.

This August kicks off with a flourish, with five new performances for daytime audiences. With cheaper ticket prices, free morning tea and a parking voucher, Encore shows are great value.

Indulge in Victorian State Ballet’s classical ballet production of Beauty and the Beast. Described as “fresh and engaging” this production features beautiful set design and costumes, as well as superb choreography and skilled dancers. Rich with vibrant colour, grace and intrigue, this is classical ballet at its finest.

Celebrate the Dandenong Children’s Festival over the September school holidays with the whole family at a performance by The Quizzical Mr Jeff. Blending circus and magic skills, Mr Jeff transports the audience to a state of wonder and play and is guaranteed to create unforgettable memories for the whole family. He’s been called “dazzling, charming and astonishing”, but whatever you call him, Mr Jeff is sure to entertain.

Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, All Shook Up is a jukebox musical presented by Escapees Theatre Company. Be transported to a world where music ignites passion, love defies boundaries and communities come together in harmony. With its toe-tapping tunes and heartwarming themes, this musical captures the essence of youthful rebellion, the power of love and the joy of self-discovery.

Enjoy a tribute to Doris Day as

acclaimed Melbourne jazz vocalist Tamara Kuldin performs Dear Doris. Featuring an eight-piece ensemble of Australia’s finest and most celebrated jazz musicians, this sentimental journey of song celebrates the sweetheart of the silver screen.

Finish off the year with a performance of festive songs and laughs to get you into the true spirit of Christmas. This Promac Productions show is led by star tenor Roy Best and award-winning singer Michelle Fitzmaurice with compere Chris McKenna, it will be packed with a wonderful mix of classic Christmas carols blended with some contemporary Christmas songs. Drum Theatre offers a great season of entertainment for everyone. Consider purchasing a Drum Membership to take advantage of some great offers.

Drum Theatre is located at the Corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Visit drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au to explore the Encore program today.

ENCORE PROGRAM

Indulge in a morning of affordable matinee entertainment.

And The Beast

Victorian State Ballet’s Beauty and The Beast performing at the Drum Theatre in August. The Quizzical Mr Jeff Performing at the Drum Theatre in September.

Annemieke Meim exhibition enjoyed

THE Trafalgar and District Probus Club’s tour coordinator Gabby Blandford recently took members to the Annemieke Meim exhibition at the Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale, called “A Life’s Work - A Retrospective“. The exhibition displayed many of the amazing works of this Australian artist, ranging from three dimensional sculptures, drawings and relief textiles.The photos shown do not do justice to the artistry of the works, which were mind-blowing. A great trip and worth the drive to Sale.

There is a trip planned in the future to the Leonardo Da Vinci 500 years of Genius Exhibition in Melbourne. This should also be a great day out for our members.

Members awarded for their years of service

BENDIGO Probus Group members received their award/certificates for the years that they have been in the club at a recent meeting. They ranged from 10 years to 35 years.

The club is only a small group, but members enjoy each other’s company, sharing coffee and chat, guest speakers, walking group, lunches, outings, and a generally fun time.

Bendigo Probus Group invites anyone interested in doing these activities with us, and a phone call to 0418 510 605 will get you a friendly voice, only too willing to tell you more.

Wagga-bound for big break

SOME 24 members of the Echuca-Moama Twin Rivers Probus Club ventured to Wagga for their five-day break in April.

With a leisurely drive from Echuca, Wagga was a great location to stay and learn what Wagga has to offer. We had the most glorious autumn weather although the evenings turned a little cold but that was ideal for our barbecues at the caravan park or eating out at one of the local clubs.

We began our tour of Wagga by visiting the RAAF Heritage Centre Tour.

The Aviation Heritage Centre provides a focus on the Air Force’s involvement in the Riverina and access to the history and memorabilia of military aviation and training.

RAAF Base Wagga is the only place to see regional-specific Air Force memorabilia, including photographs and documents, which show the activities of the region during World War II and after.

Later in the day, we visited the Riverina Museum located in the Botanical Gardens Precinct following by the National Glass Gallery in the Civic Centre. Both venues proved to be extremely interesting.

Our tour continued the next day with a short drive to Junee to visit the Licorice & Chocolate Factory. Our guide explained how both licorice and chocolate were made and handed out samples to eat before members headed to the gift shop is buy their favourite goodies.

On our return drive to Wagga we called into the Monte Cristo Homestead which is known as “Australia’s most haunted house” and is a treasure-trove of intriguing antiques. Built in 1884, the Victorian mansion was once the centre of upperclass life in Junee.

The following day we visited Coolamon, which was a surprising little township with their Fire Museum on display. Retired firefighter and cabinet maker Chris Berry has spent the last three decades collecting firefighting memorabilia and displaying it in the Coolamon Fire Museum. Equally impressive is Chris’s

own knowledge of each item in this formidable collection.

Nearby is Coolamon’s Up-To-Date Store, this was once the bustling centre of village life. Thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers the heritage-listed store has been transformed to become a place where history meets the modern world. The “Lamson Cash Machine” which was the

cash register of the day was a “flash back in time” for some of the members. For others, Mavis Furner’s extensive crochet collection was captivating.

Our final activity was a two-hour bus tour of the many sights in Wagga including the Charles Sturt University, racecourse, Clay Bird Shooting club and more importantly a complete overview of Wagga and its

surrounding farmland.

Our club is very grateful to Margaret and Buddy Kennedy for organising such a full itinerary of Wagga and surrounding towns. These Probus trips are such an enjoyable way to have a mini break with others, experience a well organised itinerary of a new location and to connect with other members of our club.

Members who received certificates of continued service at the Bendigo Probus Club.

Trafalgar and District Probus Club enjoyed visiting the Annemieke Meim exhibition at the Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale.

Cheese Factory at Coolamon.

Echuca-Moama Twin Rivers Club members outside the RAAF War Memorial in Wagga.

Monte Cristo Homestead at Wagga.

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Osaka Castle is

pretty as a picture surrounded by autumn leaves.

‘Living my life, my way’

RETIRED firefighter and former professional cyclist Roger Neate is a big personality with deep reserves of courage.

He was on the frontline, battling fires during Ash Wednesday in the 1980s and rescued countless people from burning buildings during his 20 years as a firefighter. “You don’t have time to feel scared,” he says bluntly. “You’re just focused on working together as a team.”

The 79-year-old relocated from Melbourne to Wangaratta with his wife Karen many years ago. The couple are determined to continue living their best possible lives in their own home thanks to the government-funded home care package Roger receives through Uniting AgeWell.

“I’m living my life, my way,” says the mad-keen Essendon supporter, who used to ride for the Preston Cycling Club. He loves watching sport, goes for walks and volunteers at the op shop at the Wangaratta Uniting Church.

“I had a massive stroke a few years ago,” explains Roger. “I was determined not to let it define me and I resolved to work around what I could do and receive assistance for the things I need help with.”

Working as a team with Uniting AgeWell’s local staff, he’s done just that. Roger receives home and garden assistance and has tailored his home care supports to suit his needs. Roger recognised the need for some adjustments to be made around his home in order to maintain his independence. Modifications

were required in the bathroom, he now has an electric chair and enjoys a new computer tablet to keep in touch with family and friends. His ongoing rehabilitation and therapy are also included within his Home Care Package.

Karen says she too has peace of mind.

“As Roger’s main carer, I do all the driving, shopping and cooking and I worry what will

happen to him if anything happens to me. So Uniting AgeWell worked with me on a contingency plan for Roger that will allow him to continue living at home if I’m not around any more.”

People over the age of 65 may qualify for an aged care package. To find out more see Uniting AgeWell’s range of services at unitingagewell.org

Event marked

A

After the meeting members adjourned to the Blue Bell Hotel and enjoyed lunch and reminiscing about the club adventures over all that time.

Three decades of friendship and fellowship

THE Probus Club of White Hills recently celebrated 30 wonderful years of friendship, fellowship and fun with a party for 80 members and guests at the Huntly Memorial Hall.

The venue was suitably decked out in Probus blue and yellow and it was wonderful to have three of the inaugural members in attendance: Merle Lea (the Charter President from 1994) Janice Pearce and Frank Holland who were all presented with 30 year certificates. There were apologies from several 30-year members who were unable to attend. Merle was invited to cut the very large birthday cake with the newly inducted president Elaine Smart.

Members and guests enjoyed a musical afternoon beginning with the beautiful voice of Jules Grace who included some community singing to old favourite tunes. The ‘Uniting Ukes’ ukulele band also entertained with a selection of well known music, finishing with the Probus song. MC Andrew Howlett made sure the afternoon moved along smoothly and was happy to announce the winners of many lucky door prizes, which were sourced from local business houses by Marilyn Bayliss.

After a sumptuous lunch supplied by Goldfields Catering; lots of chatter and reminiscing (aided by a Powerpoint display courtesy of John Ham), the festivities concluded with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

Prior to the birthday celebrations, the annual general meeting was held at the same venue with nominations and elections of new office bearers conducted by Dr Michael Pearson, representing the Rotary Club of Bendigo.

Newly appointed executives are as follows: president Elaine Smart; vicepresident Glenys Billings; secretary Cheryl Price; treasurer Evelyn Robertson; assistant treasurer Ian Robertson; immediate past president Ross Wood; committee members John Ham, Wendy

Betts and Geoffrey Maxwell. Most of the other positions of responsibility were also filled.

White Hills Probians have also been out and about; having recently been on

a day trip to the town of Wedderburn; to the regular Morning Melodies at local venues; the Paris - Impressions of Life1800 to 1925 at Bendigo Art Gallery and Hillyhoppers have recently returned from an

amazing trip to Port Fairy. Coming up: More Morning Matinees, Mystery Movies, a visit to the Great Stupa. There’s never a dull moment in White Hills.

THE Golden City Probus Club of Ballarat celebrated their 31st anniversary at their May general meeting.

lovely cake was supplied by member Wayne Woodhouse’s wife, and it was cut by Foundation members, Val Fitzpatrick, Jenny Catford and Judy Alexander.

Foundation members, Val Fitzpatrick, Jenny Catford and Judy Alexander cut the cake.

Roger and Karen Neate.

Newly inducted president Elaine Smart with Dr Michael Pearson, representing Rotary Club of Bendigo.

Newly inducted member Dorothy Comer with Elaine Smart.

Wendy Betts received her 10 year certificate from Elaine Smart. Wendy has been a very active member and has been responsible for the many trips and tours enjoyed by members for several years.

Newly inducted member Dorothy Comer with Elaine Smart.

President Cathryn Clinton with her committee for the coming year.

40th birthday!

ON 9 April 2024, Chelsea Probus Club Inc celebrated its 40th Birthday.

Members enjoyed a free very special catered morning tea and birthday cake, and the following week had a bus trip to the coast for lunch. Many photos and the history of the club were on display as well as a visual. Although numbers have fallen generally following Covid, Chelsea Probus continues to thrive with a speaker each month, coffee/chat mornings, bi-monthly

year badges

PRESIDENT Mary Holloway was delighted to present Helen Watts and Les Sumner their 20 year badges. Congratulations to them both on their 20-year membership with Cobden Probus Club.

lunches, a walking group and also receive a grant from Kingston Council to enable members to enjoy day trips. We also welcomed the Kingston Mayor, Cr Jenna Davey-Burns, who joined us for our meeting in May being unable to be at the birthday celebrations.

Chelsea Probus Club would also like to congratulate The Probian celebrating its 40th birthday this year.

Lest we forget

THE Cobden Probus Club were part of the Anzac Day Ceremony.

A large crowd of veterans, school representatives and town community groups paid tribute by laying wreaths at the Annual Anzac Day service held in Cobden.

To pause and acknowledge all the servicemen and servicewomen who gave everything for the freedom

of our country. The club’s vice-president Margaret Matthews was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of Cobden Probus.

The Ode. They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them — nor the years Condem At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Lest we forget.

Vice President Margaret Matthews, Cobden Probus Club.

Nature and camaraderie

ON Monday, 29 April, 26 enthusiastic members of the Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central Caravan and Camping group took a five-day trip to Halls Gap in the Grampians, staying at the NRMA Holiday Park.

On arrival at around about 2pm, greetings and conversations were centred on the various routes taken, the state of Victorian roads and the traffic. Luckily not too many wrong turns and everyone arrived safely to Halls Gap. The rest of the afternoon gave time to settle in and enjoy the surrounds, which for some included a walk to the town centre for ice-creams.

Bev decided she would be the group leader back and insisted on taking the scenic way. It was not long before they had to turn back and take the route they came – along the road! They did manage to get back in time to meet with everyone for the 5pm “Happy Hour” in the Common Room. This became a daily occurrence, which everyone looked forward to. That night, the majority came back for dinner together, some barbecuing, some having casseroles etc. brought from home and a few going out for dinner.

Day Two, Tuesday, had us all heading off for a 10.30 start visit to the Halls Gap Zoo, which claims to be Victoria’s largest regional zoo featuring over 160 species of native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds. Walking the various paths with ostriches, guinea fowls and deer was interesting to say the least. The deer were particularly friendly and keen to munch on anything, including Anne’s pamphlet and Geoff’s hankie (taken from his pocket!). On view were meerkats, gigantic giraffe, rhinoceros, cheetah, alligator, red panda, lemurs, colourful macaws and plethora of wallaby, kangaroo and bird species and too many to mention all.

The afternoon was free, and groups took walks or cars to various point of interest and lookouts in and around Halls Gap. Some walked to Venus Baths, a nature area with a freshwater lake and rock pools with slides. All then back together again for Happy Hour and dinner. After dinner, Gill showed a small group how to play Mahjong. Another enjoyable day!

On Wednesday, a beautiful sunny morning, the group met in Halls Gap for coffee at 10am before a visit to the Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre. Arrival at the visitor centre gift shop gave us the opportunity for some retail therapy with a wide selection of unique local indigenous products and Australian-made souvenirs. We could also source the latest information on maps for hiking/walking trails and maps of the Grampians area. Unfortunately the award-winning Cultural

Centre itself was closed for renovations but we did have time to take a walk through the native gardens that link the Information Centre to the Cultural Centre.

Then it was a short drive to Lake Bellfield and for some, a windy walk along the 800-metre dam wall while the others seated themselves at the lake to take in the stunning views. The lake’s creation inundated an area of 445 hectares and submerged 13 homes including the historic Myrtlebank Guest House and now provides water for approx. 9000 farms and 34 townships across the Wimmera and Mallee districts. It’s a popular destination for fishing, swimming and paddle boating. A group of Year 8 students form Melbourne Grammar were paddle boating on the lake and it was great to see them enjoying themselves. After the lake, a 700-metre shady forest walk from the Silverband Falls Carpark took us to the base of the falls. Wanting to take photographs meant that we had to stand close to the falls without getting wet or slipping on the rocks at the base of the falls. Don did manage to get a little wet.

Back to base camp and then Happy Hour and 6pm dinner at the Halls Gap

Hotel. Another successful day.

Thursday morning we all headed to the Grampians Adventure Golf. The weather was beautiful, as was the morning tea we all indulged in before our games of golf. The 18 hole ‘Adventure’ course spanning two acres of stunning gardens, did indeed prove to be challenging with waterfalls, jump shots and ponds. However, it can safely be said that we all had fun. Followed by most staying behind for lunch. The winners of the golf were equal first Kerry and August Deveth with a score of 73. The only hole in one was won by Don Grimmer. They all received a light globe which looked like a golf ball sitting on a tee. The rest of us received a lollypop. Thanks to Adriana and Bev for the prizes. After the golf we all stayed back for lunch at the Cafe Bar and had time to look through the Moco Gallery, which showcased local artist, artisans, beautiful gift wares, local products and bespoke jewellery.

In the afternoon, members went their own way, some taking a drive up the mountain and visited some of the very spectacular views visible from various look outs. Another group of nine took up Bev’s suggestion to take a walk to the Climatis

waterfall, noted as a family friendly walk lasting 15 minutes. This description proved to be deceiving as there were rocks and boulders they needed to clamber over just to sight the falls. Bev, the instigator of the walk simply said “I’m not going there!”. When they reached the spot where the waterfall was meant to be there was no water. Perhaps a better description would have been “Climatis Naked Falls”. It was still fun for those who went and all had a good laugh. Happy Hour at 5pm again, followed by dinner and for some games.

Friday morning saw us packing and saying our goodbyes and wishing safe travels home. Most went the direct way but after a wrong turn, Bev and Adriana inevitably took the tourist road. It was wonderful to see the camaraderie and friendship among the group and the good times had by all.

These five days away could not have taken place without the great effort and work done by Adriana and Bev in planning the trip and the activities during the week. A huge ‘thank you’ to both of you. The Caravan and Camping group can’t wait for our next adventure.

Silverband Falls: Don Grimmer, Adriana Nyhof, Alberta Keogh, Carol Grimmer, Cheryl Sandles, Bev Coomber, Kerry Deveth, Gill Connelly and August Deveth.

Members ready to set foot. Inside the Halls Gap Zoo.

All together at the 5 p.m. ‘Happy Hour’.

Walk along the dam wall Lake Bellfield: Adriana Nyhof, Gill Connelly and Don Grimmer.All done at Adventure at Golf: Adriana Nyhof, Gill Connelly, Barbara Cox, Anne Gill and Heather Phillips.

Probians tour famous silos

THIRTY-SIX Leongatha and Foster Probians recently travelled to Horsham, Mildura and Swan Hill to see not only the famous silos but to learn of the unique history of that area.

One of the first stops was at the Gum San Museum at Ararat. Ararat was founded on gold and the Chinese followed in large numbers. Many were indentured labourers and when the alluvial gold petered out were forced to return to China. At Horsham, the painting of an indigenous ranger on the silos was truly breathtaking, the colours and detail of the work done by rangers was there for all to see.

To Mildura and then the nearby village of Murtoa, where we visited the Stick Shed.

1941 was a bumper season for wheat, the War limited export opportunities and further storage was required, thus the Stick Shed. Built from 560 unmilled poles from Bairnsdale, the shed is 270 metres long, 60 metres wide and 19 metres along its ridge and all built with axes, hammers and shovels! It is the Cathedral of the Wimmera.

After visiting more magnificently painted silos and a picnic lunch at Lake Lascelles, it was on to Mildura. A long way from Melbourne and the major cities, Mildura has its own unique history and produce. The story of the Chaffey brothers and irrigation, the beautiful wide streets of a planned city, the gaol at Wentworth,

the confluence of the Murray and Darling Rivers, the citrus orchards and the production of wine, there was much to see.

The Murray River and its importance became the focus of our next two days. A paddle steamer cruise, the Loch System and the Flying Boat Museum at Swan Hill as well as the wharves. They were all reminders of how important the River had been in the export of wool and the products of the region.

And so after our experiences, excellent accommodation and food, it was back to South Gippsland. where we don’t have those magnificent silos or the mighty Murray River but we do have lots of green grass.

Club members enjoyed a train tour of the Orange Farm in Mildura.

A visit to the famous silos in the area.

The members enjoyed visiting the Stick shed at Murtoa.

Health message backed up at Whittlesea

Michael Halley Publicity Officer

THINK global, act local.

Since the early 1990s, global business interest in developing countries has skyrocketed as many formerly closed economies began opening up to firms from Western economies. During this period of growth, a key mantra was introduced - that executives should “think globally and act locally.”

Think globally in order to stay competitive and take advantage of new markets and opportunities, but act locally in order to connect with customers, adapt to local cultures and regulations, is the tenet of the philosophy.

Whittlesea Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates is leading the way as it has taken on a global treatment for low back pain and has an exponent of the technology acting locally. Maighan Cann has been educated by the developers at the University of Southern Denmark, and their counterparts at Macquarie University, and is the operative extending treatment to local residents.

Maighan graduated from La Trobe University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy Practice. She has been with the Whittlesea Physiotherapy team since the beginning of 2023, after initially gaining experience working acutely in private practice as well as post-operative

rehabilitation.

GLA:D®BACK is a treatment option for patients with persistent or recurrent low back pain that affects everyday life.

The program follows the Danish National Board of Health’s clinical guideline recommendations for the treatment of patients with back pain and is based on principles of self-management.

GLA:D®BACK consists of:

· Education of chiropractors and physiotherapists in running GLA:D® BACK courses for patients.

· Treatment program consisting of education and a structured exercise program.

· Registration of patient data in the GLA:D®registry

The purpose of GLA:D®BACK is to help patients manage their back pain better themselves through a well-described and

structured course of treatment.

Maighan explained how she conducts the program and assists with understanding the medical definitions and debunking some entrenched folklore.

Leaving aside the more excruciating detail of the program, Maighan conducted a comprehensive interactive discussion with the audience and addressed “urban myths” and members’ specific concerns.

We came away with a number of thought-provoking messages. It is good to be able to feel pain as it is a natural warning reaction. Back pain is nature’s “smoke alarm”. Whereas smoke sets the alarm racing there is often nothing more than smoke but the warning of fire is real.

An example was given where a surfer lost her arm in a shark attack. Post operatively the patient recounted that her only concern was to find safety and was

oblivious to the lost limb.

Movements in all directions are good for your back as that is its main function. If suffering from back pain, restricting movement over a prolonged period of time may be disadvantageous as reducing the movement variety disagrees with nature.

The final messages were:

· Continue with daily activities despite pain.

· Get educated to better understand pain.

· Be part of an exercise program.

· Manual treatments are recommended in the acute phase only if benefits are found by patients.

· Imaging is not often necessary.

· Opioid and other medications should only be taken after careful consideration and for short term management.

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Only a few lifestyle choices have as large an impact on your health as physical activity.

Sue Giri on behalf of members thanked Maighan and her assistant Ella Green who had both been under observation by the practice manager Michael Heyfron.

Before Maighan gave her address members had a special morning tea with cake to celebrate the club’s 23rd birthday, having being formed on 6 May, 2001.

Volunteers key to association

THERE is some contention as to the text of the Gettysburg Address so the Whittlesea Court House Association (WCHA) probably did not infringe copyright when it declared a motto “‘Of the Community, For the Community and By the Community”.

President Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address used similar wording, but even he may have quoted others.

At the April meeting of the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea, there was no doubt about the authenticity of the address delivered by Nesta Russell representing WCHA. The association’s Visitor Information Centre resides in the historic building (circa 1864) which was formerly the Whittlesea Court of Petty Sessions.

It is a volunteer service, dedicated to providing tourist information for visitors to the township and district of Whittlesea. Open seven days a week from 9am–5pm (except New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day) it helps support many attractions and features which the region has to offer.

Ms Russell explained the service delivery and how unfamiliar with our town and district many visitors are. It became slightly obvious that even town residents have some learning to do. However a number of members were “full bottle” on the courthouse history.

Marketeers seek to have a unique product and guard its specialities and attributes jealously. WCHA has uniqueness as it is the custodian of the mysterious

local landmark Bears Castle. Built in the 1840s, Bears Castle is closed to the public except by arrangement with Whittlesea Courthouse Visitor Information Centre.

Information about WCHA and other local undertakings are published in the Whittlesea Historical Society’s Town Crier produced monthly except in January.

Close to 4000 copies are distributed each month and contain local community news and events, giving non-profit organisations valuable media coverage

at no cost. It also provides an outlet for businesses to pay for advertising and promotion.

John Bear with his wife Ann (nee Hutchins), sons John and Thomas and daughter Ellen Ann, arrived at Williamstown in the ship ‘Brothers’, on 20 October, 1841. Soon after his arrival Bear purchased from the Crown for one pound per acre, the freehold of Section 20, Parish of Yan Yean, and comprising 935 acres to the east of the Plenty River.

The life of John Bear, his family and associates is comprehensively documented at Chapter 3 of the book Up the Creek by Bruce Draper [ISBN 978-0-64836360-6]. From the first purchase he spread across Victoria and had control of over 70,000 acres of land. Bears Lagoon 209 kilometres from Melbourne, takes its name from the said gentleman. This indicates his reach. Arguably he was Victoria’s earliest land baron.

In 1853, the government bought most of Bear’s land to establish the Yan Yean Reservoir. On it was the aforementioned Bears Castle which was left in situ and has since been placed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

It was a small two-storey structure built with the method known to John Bear as cob.

The technique is a walling method using clay, straw and gravel. Over time the building fell into disrepair so an effort was made to combat the ravages of “living on a windswept hill”. Apparently the contractor took the easiest action and simply rendered the outside. But the original construction method and layout are discernible.

The WCHA invites you to contact the office about arranging a tour which includes a morning or afternoon tea. Contact (03) 9716 1866 or contact - Whittlesea Courthouse Visitor Information Centre (whittleseainfocentre.net.au)

Abraham Lincoln would accept that Whittlesea Courthouse Association was developed of the people, by the people, for the people. It is only the people that will ensure the association survives. Volunteering underpins the various community support that is delivered so if you can assist please do so.

Sue Giri thanking the team from Whittlesea Physiotherapy - Ella Green, Maighan Cann, Sue Giri and Michael Heyfron.

Sue Wright, the tour guide at Bears Castle, and Nesta Russell presenter.

Michael Halley

Looking back on train crash

Michael B Halley, Publicity Officer

WHEN Violet became Violent .....

On a very hot Friday, 7 February, 1969, at 7.02am, the Southern Aurora, the overnight express passenger train between Sydney and Melbourne collided head-on with an Albury-bound goods train, 174 kilometres north of Melbourne.

So the peaceful town and district of Violet Town became the centre of one of the most violent train crashes in Australia. As the years rolled by the memory of what had been described as “the fateful day” had almost faded from memory. A group of locals headed by Bruce Cumming set about organising a 509th anniversary memorial

In November 2023, Bruce, the driving force behind the Southern Aurora Memorial group (SAM) came down to present at the November meeting of the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea.

He invited members to visit SAM and this was arranged by our short tours manager Alessandra Testa. On 3 May, 2024 a coach load of members visited Bruce and retired railwayman Charlie Mead to see first-hand the Southern Aurora Memorial Garden.

The commemoration garden has an overall theme of Helping Hands. It is a way of signifying how people stepped forward to help each other, whether women or men, staff or passengers, whether voluntary or paid, or whether local or from far away. Everyone did what they could!

Following a 50th anniversary opening of the memorial gardens, the expansion and development has been exponential. People who were on the train, or had family involvement have made contact and visited, to view the historical records that are displayed.

A lady whose mother and sister were killed makes regular contact with Bruce. She, then five years old, was trapped under the wreckage for more than five hours and recalled the name Cumming and “Bill”.

[Bruce’s father]. Based on those scant memories, she tracked Bruce and has gained valuable insight and become a friend.

The gardens are designed as a mediation place with history lessons displayed and highlighting the human side of a tragic event. People from all over have visited and few leave without gaining some personal or historical information.

After taking in the tranquillity of the garden and discussing issues with Bruce and Charlie, the visitors lunched at the local hotel that had opened especially for us. Charlie Mead gave graphic details of his involvement at the crash site. His Way and Works gang arrived from Benalla around

Wild wonders on show

MEMBERS of Pakenham Probus recently visited Locky’s Legacy Wildlife Animal Shelter in Pakenham.

Owner Lyndel Chalmers maintains the property as a shelter and a conservation area, with wildlife on the property including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidna and lyrebirds.

The Probians enjoyed their morning there, with those interested encouraged to hold a wombat and seeing a ‘pinky’ (baby) wombat following an informative talk from Don Smith.

Don was also accompanied by a small duck, who spent all her time either on his shoulder or following him around, to the amusement of the visitors.

The Probus Club of Pakenham meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Cardinia Club in Racecourse Road.

To find out more about the group or to make an enquiry about becoming a member, contact secretary Pat Sherwell on secretary.pakprobusinc@gmail.com or 0459 977 400.

8am and worked for 12 hours on that and next 15 days.

After the repast, we visited the level crossing where the crash occurred, which is just on 600 metres from the station towards Melbourne.

After goodbyes were exchanged with Bruce, the coach took to the Hume Freeway and home. The time in transit gave each an opportunity to reflect upon information gleaned.

Before Maighan Cann from Whittlesea Physiotherapy gave her address at the May meeting of the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea, members had a special morning tea with cake to celebrate the

club’s 23rd birthday having being formed on 6 May 2001.

Life member Mary Wood is the resident cakeologist and did not disappoint with a large decorated cake. Foundation member Roma Harris was handed the knife and cut the cake to signify another passing year.

A serving of cake was taken in preference to the normal biscuit when members partook in morning tea.

Several new members have joined our ranks in the past year, but there was still some serves of cake left at closing time. The club welcomes any inquiry and a first attendance as a visitor often opens the door to a long association.

Propagation practice

LAST month, members of the Pakenham Probus Club’s garden group travelled to Sassafras to join in a plant propagation class with members of the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society.

The group received a guided tour of a small part of the society’s gardens, and then went indoors for their two-hour propagation class.

The session concluded with the society’s volunteers and the Probus members planting up cuttings, which had been taken up to six months previously.

The garden group is just one of several interest groups within the Probus Club.

Other activities include craft, tenpin bowling, walking, cinema, morning melodies, coffee and chat, dine out and cinema.

The club meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Cardinia Club in Racecourse Road.

For more information or to make enquiries about becoming a member, please contact the club secretary Pat Sherwell at secretary.pakprobusinc@ gmail.com or 0459 977 400.

The Pakenham Probus Club enjoyed the day out in Sassafras. Picture: Supplied

Pakenham Probus members enjoyed a cuddle with a wombat. Picture: Supplied

Roma Harris cutting the cake. The club’s 23rd birthday cake.

Southern Aurora Memorial with members.

Kangaroo tour a hole-in-one

Written and photographed by

Pamela Duthie

AFTER an early start on 18 March, a small group car pooled and drove down the Great Ocean Road from Belmont. It’s a scenic but easy drive with time to chatter.

I never realised how scenic the golf course was until being driven around in a covered 12-seater Transporter on a 30-degree day!

We wound our way around the course, over hill and dale, from natural treed areas to more treed areas narrowly missing golf balls as punters hit off. There was a lovely cool breeze as we were driven around, stopping to view small groups of eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies snuggled into the soil surrounded by bush and gum trees.

The kangaroos and wallabies that frequent the golf course are free to come and go as they please and aren’t fed by humans and have been a great tourist attraction for many, many years.

In the early years one could walk, at your own risk, to view the large groups of kangaroos. Now, everyone has to book (and pay) and be driven around – in safety and reasonable comfort.

The driver provided a very informative

talk for the duration of the 20-minute tour.

Following the tour, the group met inside the Anglesea Golf Clubhouse for a drink

Fellowship day at Queen’s Park, Geelong

Written and photographed by Pamela Duthie

DESPITE the weather forecast being very dodgy once we all pulled into Queens Park Car Park about 11am on Wednesday 17 April, the weather was quite passable, for autumn.

There was no wind but we did have a few light showers which was fine inside the three-sided shelter beside the playground.

Members brought their own lunches and cuppas, not one choosing to use the free barbecues. Most ended up sitting on the seats around the shelter and near the tables. One member discovered the Queens Park Golf Club sold coffee. There was plenty of time to chat and enjoy each other’s company. Helen Barry passed

around a small jar containing a number of household matches and all guessed how many they thought the jar held. Pam Heaton was the closest guess.

After lunch the group divided into two groups and challenged each other to which group could keep the large colourful blowup ball up in the air. Surprisingly no group registered a decent time to record with the ball not touching the floor. Yet, still everyone joined in together for some more ball fun. At least once, the ball had to be retrieved with a walking stick and very long arm from the rafters above. Thanks Helen for loads of fun.

As the weather was quite pleasant it was time to take a walk around the large children’s playground to find four objects which they thought might be of general interest. The winner was a very difficult decision but Marilyn Kent narrowly beat Wendy Cowan. In the excitement no photo of this historic event was ever taken.

of the

members who

like a very bad day, weatherwise.

and Kevin

overlooking the course below before partaking in a tasty meal served by the new owners of Two Steps Bistro.

Green thumbs unite

IN April, members of the Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central’s Garden Group travelled to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens to see the seasonal display of begonias.

Located opposite Lake Wendouree, the gardens have two collections of begonias, 240 tuberous and 300 nontuberous, both are registered with the Plants Trust Australia.

The gardens has been growing tuberous begonias since the late 1800s, with 140 of its tuberous begonias imported from the United Kingdom nursery Blackmore and Langdons. Many of those are now considered rare.

After wandering the garden path we entered the Robert Clark Conservatory to see the beautiful begonias and marvel at their size, colour and variety. We later explored the new fernery and then walked down to the dahlia display.

Even though it was a bit overcast, with occasional drizzle everyone enjoyed the different areas of the gardens before we headed down to the Ballarat Yacht Club for a relaxing lunch.

Jill Bond, Carmel Terrington and Jean Morgan enjoy the gardens.

Deidre Fraser, Jill Bond, Carmel Terrington, Bev Coomber and Adriana Nyhof enjoy the Ballarat Botanical Gardens begonias.

Some

brave

ventured out on what looked

Lesley

Poulter, Judy Williamson, Joan Cashin, Pam Heaton, Wendy Cowan, Helen Barry, Marilyn Kent, Ron Cashin and Graham Heenan.

A lovely

relaxing day.

PS. We stopped to let the golfers hit off but it sounds more dramatic told this way.

Eastern Grey kangaroos rest from the heat in the natural scrub dotted around the popular golf course.

Cards mark two decades

IN 2004, Jill Croom started our card group with five members - three of the original group were able to join the 20-year milestone celebration on Monday, 8 April. Thirty-two members and 25 guests were welcomed by president Phillip Shelton and all enjoyed the day of fun and friendship at The Highways Hotel, Springvale.

The day started with a two-course lunch and lots of chatter before moving into the card room where 16 played crazy whist, with Eleanor Allan the winner, and 41 players completed five games of 500 with Val Boell winning all five games. Johan te Grotenhuis scored the most jokers with 11.

While the scores were being tallied, everyone enjoyed a cuppa and a slice or two of three birthday cakes, plus petite fours supplied by the hotel.

The winners were presented with prizes by president Phillip, plus six lucky door prizes were drawn. Jill Croom thanked all the helpers over the 20 years and also on the day, ensuring such a success.

Special thanks to Brian Brown, Alan Taylor, Johan te Grotenhuis and David Cotton. Jill Croom also acknowledged previous and current card coordinator’s Janet Jackson, Freda Butler and Pam Cotton for ensuring the Card Group continued to grow. Pam then thanked Jill for her continued involvement over 20 years in running interclub Card tournaments, a

Bowls

card cruise, Christmas in July and Cup Eve events.

The Card Group meets for lunch on

bonanza a boon

THE record 11th year of the Combined Probus Club of Syndal bowls tournament was held at the Mt Waverley Bowls Club on Friday 15 March, 2024.

Once again, we were able to use the great facilities available within the club. Fully functioning kitchen for our helpers to prepare a wonderful Devonshire tea to start the day’s events and prepare the sandwich lunch. A massive club room and

bar to house our 32 members, and bowling greens situated in a quiet and picturesque garden setting.

Our thanks to Barrie Epstein and his helpful crew who once again made the day’s function such a friendly and fun day.

Special thanks to our club members Geoff and Maree Brown for their organisation of the day’s events.

the first Monday monthly at the Mountain View Hotel, followed by 500 and crazy whist meets in a member’s home on the

1st Friday monthly. Fun, friendship and fellowship is enjoyed by all who attend.

Gisborne celebrates 30th anniversary

A very special meeting of the Probus Club of Gisborne was held on 4 April 2024 as we were celebrating our 30th year. Our club started on 22 March 1994 and our first president was Ron Smith. Ron’s wife attended our celebration and with our life members Trish Kay and Wray Taylor cut the anniversary cake (as seen in the photo, left to right Trish Kay, Ruth Smith and Wray Taylor), which we all had

the pleasure enjoying at our special morning tea after the meeting. Barry Wills from Gisborne Rotary and Janet Pearce, the deputy Mayor of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, were able to join us in our celebration. The club received a 30th anniversary congratulatory certificate from Probus South Pacific Ltd, which was signed by the chairman, Michael Ransom and chief executive officer, Slivana Martignago.

Winning team members: Barbara Hodges, Wilf Selig (president ), Barry Cumming and Janelle Biggs.

Pam Cotton, Jill Croom, Freda Butler and Janet Jackson.

Beluga Bay: Hawaiian delight

WHAT a fabulous night! The decorations, music and bright dress code really made our night at Beluga Bay, Burwood East …. A great success! Our host, Samantha, couldn’t have been more accommodating when the Combined Probus Club of Notting Hill celebrated a night of Hawaiian fun. The decorations provided by Beluga Bay really set the scene as did the leis we provided. And, judging by the colourful outfits, our members were determined to have a great time.

A delicious seafood menu of choice followed by dessert of ice-cream, or doughnuts was a great hit. Lucky trivia prizes and chocolates were also part of the night. Do you remember what colour the spots were on the Itsy-Bitsy Teeny-Weeny Bikini? or, the National flower of Hawaii?

Samantha diplomatically chose the best-dressed winners. Peter Gaudion and Rosie Clough won the best-dressed male and female respectively. A little hula demonstration followed. Lynne Brydon evoked many laughs with her “naughty” apron.

Beluga Bay really was a lovely setting and we will return on another balmy night later in the year. It was great to see so many smiles on people’s faces and the animated chatter.

No one was in a hurry to leave.

Thank you, Samantha, for making our night so memorable!

Wayne Gould, Annette Gould, Peter Gaudion, Pamela Williams, Trish Gaudion, Linda Wilson and Gil Williams.

Lyn Hosking, Jillian David and Shirley Gill.

Annette Gould and Gil Williams.

Lynne Brydon and Peter Gaudion.

Peter Gaudion and Rosie Clough.

Gil Williams, Maureen Coleman and June Wares.

Rick Rayward, Bob Gill (hidden), Bruce Cockburn, Margaret Isaac, Carolyn Cockburn, Annette Gould, Lyn Hosking, Jillian David, Lynne Brydon and Shirley Gill.

Annette Gould, Rosie Clough, Kerryl Daniels and Maddie Durie.

Out from the Shadows

ON 9 April, twenty-three members of the Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central relived the songs made famous by Cliff Richards and the Shadows at the “Beyond the Shadows” Morning Melodies at the Potato Shed, Peninsula Drive, Drysdale.

A lot of foot tapping, clapping hands and swaying from side to side took place during the performance by Danny Zambelis and his band consisting of Daryl Yelland, Dave Hayward, Charles Smith, Vito Montalto and Phil Kirby. They played timeless classics such as Apache, The Young Ones, Summer Holiday, Atlantis, Living Doll, Wonderful Land, Devil Woman, Geronimo, FBI, Ton-Tiki and more.

After the performance some of us enjoyed lunch together at the Drysdale Hotel.

A big ‘thank you’ to Maureen Smith and Carmel Terrington for organising the outing.

Belmont explores maritime heritage

IN May, 10 members of the Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central travelled down to Queenscliff Maritime Museum to discover the treasures of its rich maritime heritage.

The museum tells of the shipwrecks, lifeboat, fishermen, lighthouses, shipping and boating and maritime heritage around the Rip, the entrance of Port Phillip from Bass Strait.

The museum was established to preserve and display the last lifeboat, the Queenscliffe, which served for 50 years until she was retired from service in 1976. In addition to the lifeboat displays, there is the Fishermen’s Waiting Shed with ship paintings, a Fisherman’s family cottage, the famous Queenscliffe Couta Boat plus many rare artefacts and objects relevant to the maritime history of Queenscliff, Southern port Phillip and Bass Strait.

Did you know the waters of Port Phillip Bay have claimed many vessels other than those found near Port Phillip Heads?

According to Heritage Victoria, there are about 130 of them, with a further 50 at the narrow Port Phillip Heads between Point Lonsdale and port Nepean.

I think everyone found it to be a very informative morning, which was followed by a leisurely lunch at the Queenscliff Bowling/Tennis and Croquet Club.

- Maureen Smith, Out and About

The Club’s April general meeting had an ‘Anzac’ theme.

A time to reflect

THE Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central’s April General Meeting had an ‘Anzac’ theme and members brought along some family war-time memorabilia and treasures which were put on display for all to see.

Items included photos, medals, books, army coat, postcards, service records and various other items of interest.

At the commencement of the meeting we all stood in silence for a rendition of the Ode and watched a Youtube Anzac video.

In line with this theme, our guest speaker from the Lorne Historical Society gave an excellent presentation on the building of the Great Ocean Road by returned servicemen after WWI.

All in all, it was a time of reflection on the sacrifices of those Australian soldiers who fought in both world wars.

Happy sweet 16

ON Wednesday 8 May, the Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central celebrated its 16th anniversary. As Joy Lloyd, one of our esteemed members, celebrated her 90th birthday in May she, together with president Robert Bowker cut the birthday cake. Joy also received our “Golden Gems” Certificate and a birthday card. Simon De Souza led as all in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and we all enjoyed the luscious jam and cream filled sponge cake for morning tea. Congratulations to Joy on reaching her 90th birthday.

Joy Lloyd and President Robert Bowker cutting the 16th Birthday Anniversary cake. Simon De Souza in the background. Joy also received the club’s “Golden Gems” Certificate from President Robert Bowker.

Cheryl Sandles and Janet Cattlin.

Sandra Blood, Adriana Nyhof, Robert Bowker, Bev Coomber, Janet Cattlin (hidden), Graeme Wood, Cheryl Sandles and Ray Sandles.

Some of the Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central members sitting in the first five rows.

Lunch at the Drysdale Hotel: Left side of table - Adriana Nyhof, Ron Bond, Jill Bond, Jean Morgan, Vanessa O’Toole, Bernie O’Toole, Bev Coomber and Beryl Ayres. Right side - August Deveth, Carmel Terrington, Bruce Hoskin, Dianne Hoskin, Lucy Booker, Heather Rooke and Kerry Deveth.

ALFREDTON LUCAS , ALTONA, ALTONA NORTH , ANDERSONS INLET, ARARAT , ASHBURTON, AUBURN, AVONDALE HEIGHTS, BACCHUS MARSH LADIES, BAIRNSDALE, BALLARAT BEGONIA CITY, BALLARAT CENTRAL, BALLARAT GARDENS, BALLARAT GOLDEN CITY, BALLARAT GOLDFIELDS, BALLARAT LADIES, BALLARAT NEW GENERATION, BALLARAT SOUTH , BALLARAT WEST , BALNARRING COMBINED, BANYULE, BARROOK - KOONDROOK, BARWON VALLEY BELMONT, BAYSIDE , BEAUFORT, BEAUMARIS, BELGRAVE, BELMONT CENTRAL PROBUS CLUB COMBINED, BELMONT COMBINED, BENALLA ROSE CITY PROBUS CLUB COMBINED, BENDIGO, BENDIGO LADIES, BENTLEIGH, BENTLEIGH EAST PROBUS CLUB, BERWICK CENTRAL, BERWICK COMBINED, BITTERN, BLACKBURN BELLBIRD, BLACKBURN SOUTH LADIES, BOORT & DISTRICT, BRIGHTON CENTRAL COMBINED, BRIGHTON MIDDLE, BROADFORD, BURWOOD EAST COMBINED, CAMPERDOWN, CARRUM DOWNS , CASEY COMBINED, CASTLE DONNINGTON, CASTLEMAINE, CEREBUS , CHARLTON, CHELSEA, CHELTENHAM LADIES , CHISHOLM COMBINED, CLIFTON SPRINGS DRYSDALE, COAL CREEK KORUMBURRA, COBDEN, COLAC , COLAC OTWAY, CORINELLA, COWES, CRAIGIEBURN, CROYDON PARK, DANDENONG LADIES, DAYLESFORD, DEEPDENE COMBINED, DEER PARK, DINGLEY CENTRAL, DONALD, DONVALE CENTRAL, DONVALE HILL, DONVALE TUNSTALL, DOREEN, DROMANA VALLEY, DROUIN, DROUIN HILLS, DRYSDALE LADIES, DUNOLLY & DISTRICT, EAGLEHAWK, EAST MALVERN, ECHUCA MOAMA & DISTRICTS, ECHUCA MOAMA TWIN RIVERS, EDITHVALE, ELTHAM COMBINED, EMERALD - LADIES PROBUS CLUB, ENDEAVOUR HILLS, ESSENDON CENTRAL, FAWKNER/MERLYNSTON, FOOTSCRAY, FOSTER & DISTRICT, GEELONG CENTRAL, GEELONG EAST, GISBORNE, GLADSTONE PARK, GLEN EIRA, GLEN WAVERLEY COMBINED, GLEN WAVERLEY LADIES, GLENFERRIE, GLENROY COMBINED , GLENROY LADIES, GOLDEN SQUARE, GREENHILLS, GREENSBOROUGH, GREENWOOD, GREYTHORN, GROVEDALE EAST LADIES, GROVEDALE MEN, HAMILTON COMBINED, HAMILTON LADIES, HAMILTON MEN, HAMLYN HEIGHTS, HASTINGS, HAWTHORN GLEN, HEATHMONT LADIES, HOPETOUN COMBINED, HOPPERS CROSSING LADIES, HOPPERS CROSSING MEN, HORSHAM COMBINED, HORSHAM EAST LADIES, INALA, INVERLOCH, JACKSONS CREEK, KANGAROO FLAT, KANIVA, KEILOR , KEILOR EAST COMBINED, KERANG, KEYSBOROUGH , KILMORE DISTRICTS, KINGSBURY, KINGSTON HEATH LADIES, KNOX COMBINED, KNOXFIELD LADIES, KORUMBURRA, KYABRAM, KYNETON , LAKE COLAC LADIES, LAKES ENTRANCE CUNNINGHAM, LANGWARRIN , LANGWARRIN LADIES, LATROBE LADIES TRARALGON, LEONGATHA, LEOPOLD, LEOPOLD GATEWAY, LILYDALE LADIES, LOWER TEMPLESTOWE COMBINED, MAFFRA, MAFFRA LADIES, MALING COMBINED, MANNINGHAM COMBINED, MAROONDAH, MARYBOROUGH, MARYBOROUGH LADIES, MARYVALE, MELBOURNE BEARBRASS, MELBOURNE NORTH, MELTON, MELTON LADIES, MELTON VALLEY LADIES, MERNDA, MIDDLE BRIGHTON, MINYIP, MITCHAM NUNAWADING, MITCHELL RIVER (BAIRNSDALE), MONASH, MONASH CENTRAL COMBINED, MONT ALBERT NORTH, MONTMORENCY PETRIE PARK, MONTROSE & DISTRICT, MOONEE VALLEY LADIES, MOORLEIGH COMBINED, MOOROOLBARK COMBINED, MOOROOPNA, MOUNT MARTHA LADIES, MOUNT WAVERLEY MENS, MURTOA, NARRE WARREN, NEWBOROUGH, NEWCOMB, NHILL, NILLUMBIK COMBINED, NOBLE PARK, NORTH BALWYN HEIGHTS, NOTTING HILL COMBINED, NUMURKAH LADIES, OAKLEIGH LADIES, OCEAN GROVE COMBINED, OCEAN GROVE ON BARWON, OCEAN GROVE SURFSIDE, ORBOST, OSBORNE LADIES, PAKENHAM, PAKENHAM CENTRAL, PAKENHAM EAST, PARKTONE, PASCOE VALE, PATTERSON LAKES, PAYNESVILLE, PINEWOOD, PLENTY, PORT MELBOURNE, PORTLAND HARBOUR PROBUS CLUB, PORTLAND LADIES, PRESTON, QUEENSCLIFF COMBINED, RESERVOIR, RICKETTS POINT, RINGWOOD CLOCKTOWER, RINGWOOD EAST LADIES, RINGWOOD LAKE, ROBERT RENSHAW, ROCHESTER, ROSANNA LADIES, ROWVILLE LYSTERFIELD - PROBUS CLU, RUPANYUP, RYE LADIES, SAFETY BEACH, SAINT ARNAUD, SAINT ARNAUD KARA KARA, SAINT LEONARDS, SAN REMO, SANCTUARY LAKES POINT COOK, SANDBELT LADIES, SANDOWN, SANDY BAY, SEAFORD, SEAHOLME, SEYMOUR, SOMERS LADIES, SOMERVILLE, SOUTH MORANG, SOUTHERN PENINSULA, SPRING GULLY, ST KILDA, STAWELL GOLD REEF LADIES, STRATHFIELDSAYE , STRATHMORE , STUDFIELD WANTIRNA , SUNBURY COMBINED, SUNBURY MENS, SURREY HILLS MENS, SWAN HILL, SYNDAL, TAYLORS LAKES, TEMPLESTOWE CENTRAL, TIMBOON & DISTRICT, TOORAK MEN, TOORAK MEN (Note - An RSL), TORQUAY LADIES, TORQUAY ZEALLY BAY COMBINED, TRAFALGAR & DISTRICT, TRARALGON, TRARALGON COMBINED, TUNSTALL, UPPER YARRA, VERMONT SOUTH LADIES, WANDIN, WANGARATTA WEST COMBINED, WANTIRNA HEIGHTS, WANTIRNA SOUTH, WARRAGUL BAW BAW, WARRAGUL RANGES, WARRAGUL TARAGO, WARRINGAL HEIDELBERG, WATSONIA, WAURN PONDS, WAVERLEY GARDENS, WHEELERS HILL, WHEELERS HILL COMBINED, WHITE HILLS, WHITEHORSE COMBINED, WHITTLESEA, WILLIAMSTOWN, WILLIAMSTOWN POINT GELLIBRAND, WINCHELSEA, WONTHAGGI & DISTRICT, WOODLANDS, SUNBURY LADIES, WOORAYL, WYCHEPROOF, WYNDHAM COMBINED, WYNDHAM LADIES, YEA

Wonders of Norfolk Island

WHAT a fabulous week 14 members of the Combined Probus Club of Notting Hill and two visitors enjoyed on Norfolk Island. From the perfect weather, the camaraderie, the delicious food, and the magnificent scenic views it was nothing short of idyllic. Having our own bus was great too with the bus drivers doubling as guides. Their knowledge and pride of Norfolk Island, including their heritage, was not lost on our party as we soaked up the information often delivered with a sprinkle of comedy.

Measuring only eight kilometres by five kilometres you were never far from the most beautiful coastal scenery, the sub-tropical forests or, in total contrast, the most horrific reminders of the sub-human treatment of convicts in this penal colony.

Approximately 2500 people live on Norfolk island of which 25 per cent are descendants from the Pitcairn Islanders including some involved in the infamous mutiny on The Bounty. The residents adhere to democratic principles, support the Crown, and swear allegiance to the Union Jack even though Norfolk Island is an Australian Territory. Esteemed writers Colleen McCullough and Ruth Park, as well as singer Helen Reddy, lived and died on the island.

None of us ever tired of the stunning blue of the South Pacific Ocean from the many vantage points, including Mt Pitt. It was here we had our group photo taken trying to capture the ruggedness of Phillip and Nepean islands in the background. Not sure it worked!

Norfolk Island could be described by some as utopia. From an early age their culture is built on trust and respect: doors and windows never locked, car keys left in the ignition, no rubbish in the street. Community spirit abounds and family is sacrosanct. In fact, secondary students participate in the nightly re-enactment of life in a convict settlement at the innovative ‘Light and Sound’ show. And we didn’t even have to leave the bus.

How about this - funerals cost zilch. Everyone pitches in to dig the graves and

to the Commandant’s Store where supplies were

then fill them in. If you live to be 100 you are given 100 Norfolk Pines, but you are not expected to plant them. The community comes together and plants them for you.

And, where can you drive that cows have right of way? Farmers can register up to 12 cows to wander the island for feed. We likened it to ‘your local taxes at work’ as the cows kept the roadsides neat and tidy. It was more a necessity than a tourist attraction when we visited as the Island was in drought. Cattle had to find food wherever they could.

Overlooking the golf course towards Nepean and Philip Islands.

Cows have right of way. Here they are walking past the Military barracks which once housed 200 soldiers.

Entrance

kept.

Besides the copious number of the majestic Norfolk Pine, an array of magnificent flowers decorates Norfolk Island. Hibiscus in many colours and shapes, yellow and white frangipani and orchids can be found in many gardens including the Queen Victoria Garden. It was in the rotunda of this garden where we read of Queen Victoria granting 20 hectares of land to the head of each Pitcairn Islander family when they came to Norfolk Island in 1856.

Homemade banana cake always accompanied lunches and morning or afternoon teas. The reason being that bananas were in season. Because of the isolation, Norfolk Islanders must be as selfsufficient as possible. Meals consist mainly

of fish which abound in the local waters, (no trawling allowed) or beef, with whatever vegetables and fruit are in season. Mini guavas were growing almost wild, so there was plenty of guava jam or jelly to be had

There were some great outings on our itinerary. A clifftop breakfast on Mt Bates was welcomed after a stunning bushwalk (either 1.5kms or 3.5kms for the more adventurous) and a glass-bottom boat ride over the reef. This was followed by a ‘light lunch’ of quiche and pasta salad at Emily Bay prepared by the ‘captains’ wife. Yes, we had banana cake.

But what about the evening entertainment? As well as sampling a variety of fabulous restaurants, there were

some ‘extravaganzas.

After a delicious buffet of battered Trumpeter fish and other local dishes at the Island Fish Fry, a group of young Tahitian dancers performed spectacularly. They were followed by a singer/guitarist who had us all up dancing.

The Commandant’s Dinner was a hilariously interactive dinner show. The banter between the Redcoat (Army) and the representatives of the Crown (Navy) illustrated their roles and relationships during the years of the penal colony. Not sure who had the upper hand.

Another night we were invited to a progressive dinner - remember them? Three courses of delicious food served

respectively in three family homes. A chocolate dessert was served at the home of the ‘Tahitian Princess’ (aka Alison). Alison had us in fits of laughter as she reeled off the original Pitcairn family names in hierarchical order pointing out some hilarious and ‘derogative’ characteristics of each.

Personally, I don’t count sheep anymore to help me sleep. I just recount the original Pitcairn family names from the mutiny on The Bounty: Christian, Quintal, McCoy, Buffet, Evans, Bailey and Nobbs etc.

I recommend Norfolk Island be included on everyone’s bucket list. Travel was organised with Probus partner ‘All About Travel’ Tweed Heads.

Looking over the cemetery with many convict graves although mostly they were buried where they fell. More recent burials are here too such as Colleen McCullough’s grave.

Turtle seen from the glass-bottom boat experience.

Members enjoyed a delicious meal at Hilli restaurant.

The combined Probus Club of Notting Hill\’s group photo at Emily Bay with Nepean and Philip Islands in the background.

Gordon McMillan and Peter Gaudion could only wish they were playing golf here.

Members had a picnic at Emily Bay after their boat ride.

Val and Ken Jackson, Peter Gaudion, and Gordon and Anne McMillan returning from the lowest point of the Botanical Gardens.

Hilarious fun at the Commandants Dinner. Pamela Williams and Margaret Blair joined the actors for a photo.