Keep active through Probus

PROBUS Clubs, which have a strong presence in Bass Coast and South Gippsland Shires, offer a great social environment for active retirees to make friends, learn new skills, hear from interesting guest speakers and enjoy tours and other activities.

Alan Hoy, vice president of Leongatha Probus Club, has been a member since 2009 and finds the activities and social connection with men and women great for keeping the mind active, with members coming from different walks of life.

Chatting to the Sentinel-Times, he mentioned he’s looking forward to a French Island ferry trip and tour this month, with a Mount Gambier trip coming up later in the year. 

Being a regionally based club, Alan said some trips have an agricultural angle and there is always something to learn, examples being past adventures to a robotic dairy in Drouin, vegetable wholesaler ‘Flavorite’ in Warragul, and Schreurs market gardeners in Middle Tarwin.

Talks are sometimes given by members with a range of guest speakers also invited.

Museums Victoria palaeontologist Tom Rich will talk to members in November about the Flat Rocks fossil dig in Inverloch, which has boosted knowledge of dinosaurs and the mammals that lived alongside them.

Members also hear from people who have had interesting careers.

With Probus Month coming up in October, Alan would love to see people learning more about their local club and hopefully joining.

Leongatha Probus Club, which meets at 10am on the third Monday of each month at the town’s Dakers Centre, is running a High Tea as part of Probus Month, with Alan pointing out it’s an ideal chance to see what Probus is about.

Otherwise, pop into one of the monthly gatherings at the Dakers Centre or look up your local club.

As well as Leongatha, there are Probus Clubs in Korumburra, Foster, Inverloch, Wonthaggi, San Remo, Cowes, and Bass (Corinella & District Probus Club), helping ensure there is a nearby option, with several towns having two Probus Clubs each.