A Joyful Australia Day Celebration by the Bay
In the blink of an eye, 2026 is with us all, and to keep the traditional side of what Australians do best, thirty-four Carseldine Probus Members gathered on Tuesday, the 20th of January, at Crockatt Park, Woody Point, to celebrate Australia Day.
Overlooking Bramble Bay while enjoying one another’s company on a beautiful summer morning was just perfect. With the cordon bleu expertise of Michael, Trevor, Kerry, and Anita assisting with the eggs, and Margaret helping Michael with the tomatoes, the end result was an enjoyable breakfast.
To top things off, Di spoilt everyone with her homemade traditional Australian damper, and not forgetting the sweets that Penny provided, being her homemade brownies. Trevor, who is a member of the Sandgate Men’s Club, had Australian wood carvings proudly on display, which was an added feature.
Of course, the major event of any Australia Day celebration could not be left out, and that was the thong-throwing competition, with President Ron, ably assisted by Beverley, making it a fun event. A large contingent of willing and able ladies participated in this event, with the clear winner again being Alwyne. The men then stepped up to see who could throw the thong the furthest, with the eventual winner being one of the new members, Norm.
So, another wonderful Australia Day was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended, and to conclude, thanks go to Beverley and anyone else who may have been missed.
Young Endeavour Sail Training by James Henderson 3rd -12th January 2026
Just after Christmas, our Japan born grandson James (16) sailed from Hobart to Hobart on a 10 day out to sea sail training adventure with STS Young Endeavour...a square-rigged two masted 10 sails Brigantine rigged tall ship purpose built for sail training.... total sail area is 5500 sq ft. Main mast is 32 metres. Operated and maintained by the Royal Australian Navy.
James was part of 24 other "Youthies" (as they were named) who formed the crew to be trained in sailing skills. Selection for the popular program was through a ballot system, and all had to be proficient around the water. James as Goalie for his High School Water Polo Team in Japan easily passed the requirements. 12 Naval Officers manned the vessel including the Ship's Cook who was popular with the new recruits!...best meals ever said some!
Our son Richard (his father) went to Hobart to see him depart and returned to greet him on arrival back at Hobart docks. The Governor of Tasmania was in attendance as this was the final voyage out of Hobart before retirement, with the ship being replaced with a bigger version later in 2026. STS Young Endeavour was a bi-centennial gift from the British Government in 1988.
On departure all communication at sea was ceased e.g. Mobile Phones had to be handed in. The Daily Captains log kept the families up to date on position each night but no messages from home.
Night one, the ship sailed to Sandy Bay where a required climb up the masts at night for all 24 "Youthies” aged 16-23 set the scene for the days that followed...the ship then turned south.
They were broken up into 3 shifts x 8 (Red, Blue and White) and after that the ship headed through the D’Entrecasteaux Channel to Adventure Bay on Bruny Island and settled into parts of Storm Bay including Port Arthur. All nights were spent on board at sea. They were broken up into 3 shifts of 8 and learnt all the skills of sailing and teamwork 24/7 on a tall ship.
A surprise ending to the voyage was the Command Day... 2 days out in Storm Bay where all Naval Executive Officers were stood down and replaced by the "newly trained crew" who took control of the ship for the last night at sea (under the ever watchful eyes of the Naval Officers) A "Youthie" Captain was elected by the young people. James was elected as Navigator to bring the ship into the Derwent at IronPot Lighthouse from south across Storm Bay in 30kt winds ....he was also responsible for setting the correct sails ...one sail was out of commission so that added to his challenge ...he was commended on his navigating skills by the Naval Captain who kept an eye on him.
ABC Hobart covered the arrival back in Hobart and the very short news clip above gives a tribute to the "Youthies"..... our grandson James receiving his certificate is seen in the final few moments of the news clip.. For his efforts, James was lucky enough to receive the official Naval Charts of Storm Bay he was required to use.. the Naval Captain praised James for his navigation skills and said he would do well in the Navy!
His Dad, Richard, did one of the early voyages on the same ship at age 21.. Mackay to Cairns then Townsville where he caught up with me...I was working for MIM at Copper Refineries Ltd in 1990 at that time and living in Townsville.
James is now back at high School in Japan no doubt recalling his experiences....
A new larger 3 masted Young Endeavour is being built....and a larger crew of 15 and of trainees 42 will be offered...14 Sails Barquentine rig ...no doubt will be welcomed into Hobart in due course.
A wonderful character building and team work experience for all 24...average age this voyage was 17.5...none had previous sailing experience!
I was most impressed with the scope of training and naval discipline expected and accepted by all the Young People who volunteered to take this on... and for some, were well out of their comfort zone at the start , but by the end of the voyage all were united and praised the concept and shared experience they had together....living and working as a team.
An experience of a lifetime for all the Young People involved and for all Proud Parents and Grandparents.
Highly recommended for young people who are prepared to take this on...
Regards
Bill Henderson
Ninety Year Olds Have Birthdays
Ninety year olds have birthdays
Our last monthly meeting saw 2 fellow Probians celebrating their 90th birthdays.
Peter Jennings will celebrate his 90th birthday on the 18th of December and Elizabeth Jones celebrated her birthday on the 27th of November 🎂 🥳 🎉
Congratulations to Peter and Elizabeth, may you both continue to enjoy good health and many more birthday parties/ celebrations to come 😀
John O’Brien
The Brisbane Lord Mayors Christmas Concert
I had the pleasure along with Margaret Savoia, Anna McIntyre, Anita Martin my wife Anna O'Brien of attending the 25th Anniversary of the Lord Mayor's Christmas Party which is held every year at the Brisbane City Hall.
What a wonderful event this is to interact with fellow seniors and there were plenty, I'd say close to 1,000 people in attendance.
The talented artists performed a wonderful selection of Christmas songs and carols with a fabulous band backed up by outstanding Choreography; this was truly value for money 💰 🤑
The Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner ensures that everyone that has the opportunity to attend this annual Christmas event are welcome and looked after with a generous afternoon or morning tea provided.
We look forward to seeing more members from Carseldine Probus Club attending this special event in 2026,definitely worth the time and money spent, $7.50.
I wish all fellow Probians at Carseldine Probus Club a very Happy Christmas and an even better time in 2026. See you all in the New Year.
Written by John O'Brien.
Christmas Party
It is hard to believe that it is just over 1 month to go before Christmas is once again on our doorstep 🎄
So what better way to start and ensure that 57 fellow Probians get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy a wonderful afternoon together at the Aspley Hornets Football Club.
There was plenty of Christmas cheer on hand with Santa Claus 🎅 making his presence felt ensuring that everyone was on their best behaviour.
There were plenty of turkey and ham to enjoy to go around.
A special mention goes to the staff at the Aspley Hornets Football Club for ensuring that everyone was catered for 😋
A special mention goes to Beverley Culverhouse, Lyn Somerville and to Santa's helpers Anna McIntyre and Marilyn Smith and of course Kerry Warry for his wonderful role as Santa Claus 🧑🎄
A special mention goes to Rob Rosenlund who was an original member of the Wickety Wak group who once again provided a wonderful range of Christmas music throughout the afternoon.
Finally, to all fellow Probians thank you for attending today's Christmas Lunch.
May you all enjoy good health and most of all have a wonderful Christmas and an even better year in 2026.🎄
John O'Brien
Mob: 0427 689 478
Tasmanian Holiday
29 happy Probian travellers from the Carseldine Probus Club have just returned back from our 11 day holiday adventure in Tasmania.
What a great time we had where we enjoyed visiting all the major towns and their tourist attractions, such as Port Arthur Penal Settlement and Bruny Island.
We considered the sad convict history of Tasmania and cruised up the Gordon River into the wilderness areas.
We saw wildlife: no not the Thylacines, but little fairy penguins, echidnas, platypus, sea horses, Tasmanian Devils etc.
There were some belly laughs at Strahan when we took part in an interactive long running play 'The Ship that Never Was' about convicts who lived on Sarah Island.
We went to a Irish Murphy's in Hobart where we enjoyed authentic Irish cuisine and great hospitality.
The weather in Tasmania, was it windy, rainy, snowy and chilly down there? You bet it was! There was plenty of pullovers, jackets, gloves and beanies worn just about every day.
This was a holiday of a lifetime that consolidated friendships along with loads of fun with fellow Probus members
John O’Brien September 2025