Probus celebrates its 30th birthday

BELMONT Combined Probus Club’s oldest member said it was a privilege to cut the cake at the club’s 30th birthday celebration

Foundation member Stan Barr, 96, said he was thrilled to attend the event which saw about 60 people gather at White Eagle House in Breakwater on Tuesday this week.

Club president Sue O’Shea is encouraging more people to get involved with the club.

Probus clubs worldwide are about fun and friendship in retirement and provide their members with opportunities to stay engaged, connected and active.

The Belmont club was formed on May 13, 1995, with the support of the Belmont Rotary Club and had 135 foundation members, nine of whom are still involved.

Mrs O’Shea said COVID highlighted the impact of isolation on everyone’s mental health, especially the elderly.

“If anything, they tend to stay home and don’t go out.

“But by going to a regular monthly Probus meeting, they’ve got a chance to meet with like-minded people who are retired.”

She said the club also organised monthly lunches with guest speakers and activities such as their visit to the Otways in April.

Mrs O’Shea and her husband John have been involved in Probus for the past 11 years, and she said she had got plenty out of it.

“I’ve got new friendships and you learn a lot.

“I’ve been actively involved in the committee, I’ve organised trips and tours. The last four years, I was the guest speaker officer, so I was booking for that.

“So it’s extending me and my ideas.”

Those interested in joining the club, which meets at the Geelong RSL, can phone Sue O’Shea on 0409 945 011.