Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Ingham Probus Club gathered at the Forrest Beach Hotel to honour the Australia-wide celebration Photo credit: Victoria Velton
By Victoria Velton
Members gathered at the recently reopened Forrest Beach Hotel on Wednesday 28th October for a special anniversary celebration recognising five decades of Probus and the important role the club has played in bringing retired and semi-retired members of the Hinchinbrook community together.
The milestone traces back to 1976, when Australia's first Probus club was established at Hunters Hill in New South Wales. Since then, the organisation has grown into a nationwide network, with clubs providing opportunities for friendship, shared interests, activities and social connection.
The Ingham Probus President welcomed members, highlighting the significance of the occasion for the local club which is recognised as the oldest Probus club in North Queensland.
“This is a very special day. It's the 50th anniversary, but it's also our 45th,” the President said.
“As we're the oldest club in North Queensland, it's a very significant thing.”
The celebration recognised the achievements of the local club and the members who have helped it grow over the years.
Secretary Cheryl Scott spoke about the importance of maintaining friendships and making the effort to stay involved in community activities, particularly during retirement.
“I love my own company, but it doesn't do your mind and body any good. You have to get out and be around people,” she said.
“Sometimes I just think, ‘Oh no, I don't want to do that.’ But I get up because I know I have to, and when I come home, I feel good and I feel it's worth it.”
Ms Scott said the club was focused on providing members with interesting activities and opportunities to spend time together, with their regular Games Days continuing to attract interest.
“We're trying to help the club with interesting things to do,” she said.
The club currently has 60 members, with 42 attending the anniversary celebration and Lesley Scrace and Joy Butler cut the 50th celebration cake. Joy is a life member and Lesley’s father was a founding member of the Ingham Probus club.
Ingham Probus meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the Ingham RSL Club on Hawkins Street, offering members a regular opportunity to catch up, enjoy activities and stay connected.
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