July_August_Newsletter_2026_.docx
Warrandyte Probus Club Newsletter
July/August 2026
Monthly Meetings
4th Wednesday of every month. 10:00am Mechanics Institute Hall, Yarra Street, Warrandyte
Next Meeting Wednesday 26th August 10:00am
President’s Notes.
It’s suddenly the middle of winter! But hey, Warrandyte Probus has got those wintry blues covered.
Our activities power on: Geelong by train and then The Shrine Tour (woo-hoo!). Get your names on those lists guys.
Our lunches lurch forward in the darker months: August it’s The Living Room and September it’s D’Oro (see those activity sheets).
Our guest speaker for July was the stupendous athlete and national treasure, Rachael Lynch.
In hot pursuit is the madness of a Trivia Morning in August (that should be a real hoot!).
And did I mention our December Christmas Break-up Party on December 10th at the Warrandyte RSL (probably not!)? Slot that date in the diary - it looks like it could be some party!
I’m exhausted now… Look after yourselves guys and keep rugged up. Spring isn’t too far away!
Robert Gavin,
President Warrandyte Probus Club
Recent Activities
? Cartier Exhibition at the NGV Hazel Celotti
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!
We had a perfect “luxury” day out at the National Gallery. We immersed ourselves into the Cartier exhibition. Over 400 exquisite jewels were on display featuring commissions for royalty and Hollywood stars.
We continued our opulent day out with a delicious lunch on Southbank promenade. Taking in the skyline views, river vibe, great food and even better company.
? Eureka Tower Skydeck Visit 17th June Denise Hall
On Wednesday, 17 June, Brenda, Robert, Kathy, Trudy, Maureen, Robin, Colin and Denise, enjoyed an outing to the Eureka Skydeck.
Initially, we were taken to the Voyager Theatre. After being seated in a hanging pod and fitted with our Virtual Reality headpiece, we were taken on a ‘tour’ around the sights of Melbourne and some stunning Victoria scenery.
We then travelled up to the 88th floor for our Skydeck Edge experience. Personally, I had been unsure if I wanted to have this experience but am pleased that I did. When we entered the cube, the glass was opaque. After the glass box is ‘pushed’ out from the building, the glass changes to clear, exposing the 300 metres down to the street level, as well as expansive views around the city and surrounds - an amazing outlook!
After a coffee break on the 88th floor, some headed to lunch, others home.
Thank you to Brenda for organising.
? Golden Dragon Palace Restaurant Lower Templestowe 18th June Robert Gavin
What happens when 10 friends plonk themselves down at a round table for a lunch feed of the Chinese variety?
What happens when you down a ridiculous amount of oriental tea and haven’t rushed to the loo (yet)?
What happens when the variety and freshness of small plates of exquisite Taiwanese and Hong Kong fare keep arriving at your table?
What happens when you are constantly barked at by the trolley waiters, spruiking these dim sum delicacies?
What happens 60 minutes later when you have seemingly consumed your own body weight in dumplings?
What happens when you realise that you are in Manningham Road and not Little Bourke Street?
What happens is fun, friendship and food - there’s nothing better!
And another Hidden Gem to tick off the Warrandyte Probus list.
? Hunter and Barrel Thursday Eastland 16th July
A great time was had by all! Fabulous food and fabulous atmosphere!
? JULY GUEST SPEAKER RACHAEL LYNCH
What a motivational speaker Rachael was!
Rachael spoke to us of the highs and lows of her stellar sporting career playing elite level hockey and representing Australia in both Commonwealth and Olympic Games. She emphasised the importance to her of having a balance between her sporting career and her work as a nurse and in the healthcare field, where she currently works with Paralympic athletes for Wheelchair Rugby Australia. We were in awe of Rachael’s incredible achievements and her energy and optimism.
Thankyou so much Rachael, for inspiring all of us!
? CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT THE KNOX CLUB 26th JULY
A large group of us enjoyed a fabulous two course Christmas lunch at the Knox Club on the 26th July. This was followed by a great performance by Dennis Walter consisting of Christmas classics, timeless hits and engaging story telling.
Coming Events
GENERAL MEETING 26th August 10:00am
Dust off your thinking caps and get ready for a highly entertaining Trivia morning as our meeting highlight! Be ready to test your memory, share a few laughs, and maybe claim ultimate bragging rights!
Whether you are a history buff, a pop culture guru, or just love a good time, there will be something for everyone as we share a morning of trivia and fun.
HIDDEN GEMS LUNCHES. We will have lunches instead of dinners until November when the weather is better.
Sign-up sheets on the stage at the meeting
? Thursday 20th August Living Room 19 Anderson Street, Templestowe 12pm
? Thursday 17th September D’Oro Italian Restaurant 124 James Street, Templestowe 12pm
KARRALYKA.
22A Mines Rd, Ringwood East at 9:30 am for morning tea and seated for the show by 10:30am
Cost is $30 pre-paid 8 weeks in advance.
We have 5 tickets taken for each show so get in early if you are interested.
We must pay for the tickets 8 weeks in advance to ensure we secure the seats. We do appreciate you paying early.
Sign-up sheets on the stage at the meeting
? 15th September Broadway Bound – Promac’s 40th Anniversary with Alison Jones and Roy Best.
? 13th October You’re My World - The Cilla Black Story
? 10th November Simply Streisand with Queenie van de Zandt
OUTINGS.
? WEDNESDAY 12TH AUGUST TRAIN TRIP TO GEELONG. Meet at Southern Cross Station by 10:00am for a 10:12 departure. Lunch will be at the Waterfront Pantry. Lyn McDonald is the organiser
? WEDNESDAY 16th SEPTEMBER SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE TOUR. Payment by 1st September to secure booking. Meet at the Shrine at 10:45 for a guided tour.
PROPOSED TRIP TO CASTLEMAINE
Lyn has organised a trip to Castlemaine for four nights from Thurs Oct 15th to Monday October 19th. One room remains available. Accommodation is at The Globe Circa 1855 … a beautifully restored heritage house which can accommodate up to 16 people in 2 double bedrooms and 6 double or twin bedrooms. The cost is $630 per room or $315 if you share a room.
Plans include a return trip to Maldon on the Goldfields Steam Train. There are many restaurants, cafes, and things to see and do in and around Castlemaine.
Please speak to Lyn if you would like more details
PROPOSED TRIP TO NORFOLK ISLAND OCTOBER 2027
Liz is organising a tour to Norfolk Island. 8 days/7 nights. Dates: 5th October – 13th October 2027
? Cost: $5,598 per person (twin share) | Single supplement: +$950 (Note: Final pricing depends on flight costs, which cannot be booked until around November this year.)
? Inclusions: Return airport transfers (Warrandyte Probus Club to/from Melbourne Airport), Trade Travel Tour Host, return economy flights with Qantas (via Sydney), 8 nights quality accommodation (including 1 night pre-tour in Sydney), meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch & dinner), and all bus touring, transfers, and attractions on Norfolk Island.
Norfolk Island is a beautiful, scenic paradise with a unique culture and the friendliest locals you will ever come across.
If you are interested in taking part, please contact Liz for details of the required deposit, which is needed as soon as possible.
Please note: All activities are proposals until bookings are confirmed. They are all listed in the What’s On calendar
Interest Groups
Walking group meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in Stiggant Reserve Carpark at Stiggant Street, at 9.00am. Please feel free to join in.
Craft Group meets every 2nd Thursday. Next meeting is 18th June in the room between the library and the Op Shop at 1.00pm. Please feel free to join and bring along your current project. We have people knitting, crocheting, embroidering, mending….anything goes!!
Birthdays
Best wishes to our July and August birthdays!
JULY
? Judy Green
? Sue Genzuik
? Kaylene Turner
AUGUST Judy with one of her many birthday cakes!
? Michelle Aumann
? Lauris Corrigan
? Ann Farnell
? Robert Gavin
? Cheryl Hart
? Margo Hone
? Katinka Pal-Zinny
? Trudy Tice
Stay Connected
Keep an eye on your email for updates and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.
If you have some photos or would like to write a short report of an activity, please send these to Helen at [email protected] for inclusion in the next newsletter.
If you have ideas of what you would like included in our monthly newsletter please forward your suggestions to the committee for consideration.
Committee Members to contact if you have any queries
President: Robert Gavin [email protected] 0407 914 003
Secretary: Liz Wood [email protected] 0425 763 996
Karralyka events: Jan Spurrell [email protected] 0419 878 106
Activities: Lyn McDonald [email protected] 0418 329 133