Belmont Probus celebrates 30 years

Margaret Robinson OAM, Sue O'Shea, Lorraine McKenzie, Steve Hardiman and Kevin Poulter at Belmont Probus Club's 30th anniversary. (Ivan Kemp) 476987_02

Combined Probus Club of Belmont marked a significant milestone with a celebratory lunch this week.

The club commemorated its 30 year anniversary at White Eagle House in Breakwater on Tuesday (May 13), with more than 60 members and guests in attendance.

The gathering heard from life member Lorraine McKenzie, who has been at the club since its beginnings, as well as Rotary District Probus chair Margaret Robinson and Belmont Rotary Club president Steve Hardiman.

Probus Clubs are local associations formed to give retired and semi-retired people from all walks of life opportunities to make new friends and pursue new and existing interests.

President Sue O’Shea, who joined the club with her husband 11 years ago, said the anniversary celebration was “very successful”, with “a lot of talk, food and friendship”.

“If you heard the noise level today, there was plenty of talk,” Ms O’Shea said.

“It’s a social club for like-minded people, I suppose is the best way to put it. The Probus ethos is ‘fun, friendship and fellowship’.

“Probus tries to help with supporting people in their retirement that need another outlet, another group of friends to socialise with.”

The club holds a number of events each month, including a club meeting, a ‘dine out’ lunch and organised outings.

“Last month we went to the Otway Fly, next month we’re going to a barramundi farm in Werribee, and the following month we’re going to the Geelong Sports Museum at GMHBA Stadium,” Ms O’Shea said.

“There are also other interest groups; people play Mahjong, there’s a knitting group. It’s solely about friendship… you don’t have to fundraise or anything like that.”

People interested in joining can contact Sue O’Shea via email at probusclubofbelmont@outlook.com or on 0409 945 011.