PROBUS CLUB OF DARWIN INC #355594
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Darwin North Inc
The Probus Club of Darwin Inc. is not for profit and non fundraising. It is non sectarian.
Its objects are to stimulate thought, interest and participation in activities at a time of life
when it is easy to become
PATRON
His Honour the Honourable
John Hardy OAM
Administrator
of the NT
PO Box 40452,
CASUARINA NT 0811
Web Page www.darwinprobus.org
August 2016
Bulletin
Volume 11
Issue
5
Meetings are held on
the first Wednesday
of each month except
January—10:30am
TRACY VILLAGE SOCIAL
AND SPORTS CLUB
28 Tambling Tce, Lyons
NT 0810
SISTER CLUB
Probus Club of
Toowoomba Inc
Meet
ings
NEXT MEETING
WED 3 August, 2016 10:30am
“Buley RockHole”
Photo by Leon Blignault
Digital Photography Art
If not delivered please return to: PO Box 40452, CASUARINA NT 0811
Profile
Eean Thorne
I
Dawson’s
Dribblings
was born in Toowoomba, Qld.
Educated at South Toowoomba
Boys School, Scots College, Warwick
and Toowoomba Grammar School. My
family owned and operated a large
cake and bread wholesale and retail manufacturing
business.
I had intended becoming an architect, but after my father
passed away, as an only child I moved into the family
business. I started at the bottom, starting as an
apprentice pastry cook. Upon completion I entered into
an apprenticeship as a master baker. I bought my own
bakery business and later merged this with the family
business. During this time I served the Industry as Country
Vice President of Bread Manufacturers of Queensland.
The large plant bakery was sold to a flour milling company
as was happening with this industry Australia wide.
At a crossroad in my life I secured a position as restaurant
manager for a large and growing business in Longreach.
During this time I completed an apprenticeship as a
qualified chef. Eventually I purchased my own restaurant,
served on the Executive of the Restaurant and Caterers of
Queensland. I opened another restaurant then sold and
retired in 1999. I was awarded an FMP (Foodservice
Management Professional) by The Education Foundation,
National Restaurant Association of the USA.
I have served as President and Secretary of the Probus
Club of Darwin Inc, and awarded a Life Membership in
2012. I am currently the Secretary of the Probus Club of
Charles Darwin Inc.
I was awarded an OAM in 2014 for Community Service
work in Toowoomba and Darwin. I was appointed as RDPC
(Rotary District Probus Chairman) Group 1 in 2014. In this
capacity I am charged to develop Probus in the “Top End”.
This appointment has led to the beginning of Probus
Clubs of Charles Darwin and Katherine. In 2015 I was
appointed as a director of Probus South Pacific Limited
with responsibility for SA and NT and hope that I can add
to the development of Probus, Australia wide.
W
elcome to each of you.
Hot, Hot, isn’t it nice to
have a hot shower, Southerners
would not understand but I am
sure that all in Darwin do!
Now I believe that most, if not all of our members
spent their early years without television, mobile
phones, or computers, all things which were to be of
great benefit to us all. The last two were to make life
easier and save us time. Now did they get it wrong or
did they just lie to us all? Now our phones are ruling
our lives, where once we could leave home and the
call could wait, now it has to be answered
immediately, or if not why not is the question asked
by the caller.
Now it takes longer to find information on the
computer than it did in a good filing system. TV
means that we sit and watch instead of talking and
listening. So if we analyse these things are they the
reason we have more stress in our lives. Could it be a
contributor to the boredom our grandkids suffer? I
will leave you to contemplate these matters while
the commercials are on the TV.
None of these things were seen at our combined
games competition day and we all had a great time. I
did notice one person playing with the phone and
that person did not play any of the games. (Health
reasons) There was lots of chatter and laughter with
plenty of participation in all the games, organised by
the Palmerston Club. Well done to those who did the
work, and thank you.
Charles Darwin has taken
notes for next year.
I wonder if the next generation will have a games day
all done on the mobile phone or computer. No
talking and quiet in case someone should ring the
phone. Thanks to all who made our games day such a
great and wonderful time . By the way DARWIN won
the trophy for another year.
Guest Speaker—Robert Moore
Darwin Toastmasters
There is a right way to speak and Darwin Toastmasters offers the opportunity to learn and
practice the skills and activities to become a better speaker. This presentation will
provide an overview of what you need to learn to become an effective speaker and the
program that is available in Darwin.
Robert Moore has been involved in public speaking for 8 years and is a member and
current President of Darwin Toastmasters.
Vote of thanks: Margaret Egglestone
Page 2
What’s on in August
INTEREST GROUPS
TEN PIN BOWLING
Nightcliff 10 pin bowling centre
August AT A GLANCE
Date
Meeting/Event
Aug 1 - 10:00am
Book Club
Aug 3 - 10:30am
Meeting
Aug 8—8:30am
Golf at Marrara Golf Club
Aug 9—2:30pm
Snooker and Games at
Pearl Retirement Village
Aug 10 - 10:30am
Garden Club
Aug 17- 9:30am
10 pin bowling
All Welcome
Aug 17—6:30pm
Dining Out
RURAL GARDEN CLUB
Thurs Aug 25—
Palmerston Bus tour—
bookings essential
Friday Aug 26
Mary River tour—
booked out
Tuesday Aug 30
Charles Darwin Crab Claw
trip
17 August—9:30am for 9:45am start
$8.50 per person (includes shoe and
ball hire)
Morning Tea after at “THE GROOVE”
GARDEN GROUP
Wednesday 10 August
10:30am
At Pearl Retirement Village
August 19
In the garden of Sheena & Bill Atkinson
25 Emanuel Road, Girraween
Guest Speaker: Ted Cross on Desert Roses
Probarians welcome to attend
Literature, Lunch and Laughter
Next meeting—1 August
August DINING OUT
At The Coffee Club, Waterfront Precinct
If you are interested in joining
please contact Bev Barnes
GOLF
8 August 2016
Marrara Golf Club 8:30am for
8:45 am start
Cost $12.50 for 9 holes
Motorised buggies $25—takes 2
Join the fun—it’s a team event
Remember … if you have never played a round
of golf you have never played around!
SNOOKER AND BOARD
GAMES
9 August at Pearl Retirement Village
2:30pm—4:30pm
At Rydges
15 Maluka Drive, Palmerston
WEDNESDAY
17 August, 2016
6:30pm
VALE
Kevin Fletcher
Member since 2010, Kevin
sadly passed away on 3 July
RIP
Page 3
Seniors Snippets
Interest Group Reports
Ken Cohalan
GARDEN CLUB
 PORTRAIT OF A Senior Territorian – The Minister for
Senior Territorians and the Minister for Arts and Museums
have joined together to secure the future of the Portrait
of a Senior Territorian Art Award and Exhibition Minister
Gary Higgins will be responsible.
 Aged Discrimination Commissioner – Dr Kay Patterson
has been appointed full time to the position from August
2016
 Census 2016 – 9 August. It is expected that two thirds
(15,000,000) will complete the Census online. It is said to
be fast, easy, secure, environmentally friendly and should
help reduce costs. If you prefer to do the paper form—
request in the Reply Paid envelope supplied by ABS.
 August – a very busy month – NT elections, Census,
Darwin Festival and most important Seniors Month.
 Medicare – the cheques are stopping. Make sure you have
registered your bank details. Medicare office is in the
Centrelink buildings of Darwin, Casuarina and Palmerston.
 Seniors Calendar – If you did not get a copy of the seniors
calendar of events it can be found www.seniors.nt.gov.au
 Contacts –
NT Seniors Card Office – Telephone 1800 441 489 email
[email protected] or
NT Pensioner & Carer Concession Unit Telephone 1800
777 704 email [email protected]
 Electricity Account – Jacana forgot to deduct Senior
concession off the last account they have corrected mine
but please check your account
 NT Election Forum – A.I.R. Darwin & COTA are holding a
Political debate on Senior Issues at Spillet House 5.30 –
7.00pm Wed 10th August. Minister Peter Styles and
Hon Lauren Moss will attend.
Discussion will cover:
 The number of older people leaving the NT, citing cost
of living pressures
 Changes to the NT pensioners and carers concession
scheme
 Health care for an ageing population
 Housing availability for all socioeconomic groups
You must register for the event with COTA 8941 1004 or
Ken Moffitt 0439 406 861 email [email protected]
Page 4
17 members attended the July meeting of the Probus
Garden Club held at the lovely property of Sue and Ron
Wright—many thanks to them.
The group was entertained by a very interesting
delivery of information from Andrew, a local Apiarist.
He addressed the many questions and observations
that came from the group. Andrew also had available
for sale some of his excellent honey. One observation
that he shared was that since he has been having a
teaspoon of his honey a day, he no longer suffers from
hay fever!
Many thanks to Bev for providing the scones and to
the other ladies of the group who contributed to an
excellent morning tea.
The next meeting is to be held at Pearl Retirement
Village, 10:30am on Wednesday, 10 August.
Out and about in July
Garden Club Meeting
Wine and Cheese Tasting
Pa
Unit 8, 51 Pruen Road
Berrimah NT 0828
PH: 08 8947 1227
For all the best brands, biggest choice and friendly
advice, phone or drop in to see Kevin Thomas.
"ask the outdoor specialist"
The superb photo gracing our front cover is by courtesy of :-
www.digitalphotography.art.com.au
Contact: Leon 08 8948 2379
[email protected]
Tracy Village Social and Sports Club
the home of PROBUS CLUB OF DARWIN INC
Exhibitions currently at
Eco House at Botanic Gardens
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00am—3:00pm
Page 5
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Happy Birthday - August
Yvonne Ellison
Elaine Prosser
Denis Power
Lexene Burns
Jenny Wright
Keith Wenman
Lyn Barlow
Maureen Burr
Bob Schulze
Rita Cluley
Happy Anniversary—August
David and Nancy Hussin
Earl and Wendy James
Dennis and Gwenda Smallacombe
Elaine and Trevor Hoskins
Congratulations
to Earl and Wendy on their
60th Wedding Anniversary
Channel 7
Proudly supporting Probus Clubs in NT
Probus Bizarre and Handyman
Board
Can you recommend any
good tradies to other members?
Signs of Laughter
In a Laundromat:
Automatic Washing Machines: Please remove
all your clothes when the lights go out!
In a London department store:
Bargain Basement Upstairs
Combined Probus Clubs Games Day
Great morning of fun, plenty of laughs as everyone
tried to negotiate getting a biscuit into their mouth,
thread the keys, balance the nuts, suck up the
smarties, throw the horseshoe and hit the ball into
the hoop. Certainly a great variety of skills on display.
Outside a second-hand shop:
We exchange anything - Bicycles, Washing
Machines, ETC. Why not bring your wife
along and get a wonderful bargain?
Although each Club only had small teams, they were
certainly competitive.
On a repair shop door:
We can repair anything. (Please knock hard
on the door - the bell doesn’t work!)
Contributed by Bob Schulze
Winner of the trophy for 2016—
Probus Club of DARWIN
Thanks to Palmerston for organising this year with
Charles Darwin to be the organisers for 2017
Highest individual scorer was Shirley Porte
Page 7
Meet our new Probus members
Social Committee News
Welcome to
Jan Bell
inducted at the July meeting
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Extracts from the Minutes 5 August 1992:
Held at the Darwin Bowls Club
Present: Dr Bromich, Messrs Frey, Cunningham, Leonard,
Kidd, Giese, Ferrier, Fisher, Eddy, McLaren, Cross, Franklin,
Chin, Simmons, Arthur
Apologies: Messrs Cagney, McGregor, Thompson, Penhall,
Ford
Visitors: Mr L Sanderson (SA), Mr L Shackleton (Vic), Mr Bob
Hamilton (NSW), Mr T Davies (Darwin)
Minutes: Minutes of previous meeting were confirmed on the
motion of Mr Frey, seconded Mr Ferrier
Correspondence In Darwin Ladies Probus Club—luncheon
Berry Springs, 18 Nov 1992. Probus News, 1992, winter
edition, Down to Earth Magazine—NT Chamber of Mines,
Council of the Ageing, NT women’s Resources booklet, Uniting
Church in Australia.
Correspondence Out Mr Mike Lawson PRO Australian
Defence Force
The meeting resolved that we accept the Darwin Ladies Probus
Club’s invitation to participate at the luncheon at Berry Springs
on 18 Nov and that interested members please inform the
secretary in due course. Mr McLaren spoke on the senior
citizens service to take place at the Darwin Memorial Church
on 23 August 1992, and kindly agreed to represent the
president on this occasion.
Treasurers Report: Financial statement dated 5 august 1992
was presented: 2 July 1992 Balance c/f $289.56,, less state
duty .12, add deposit $15.00, less cheque No 4953 for postage
$13.95. Closing balance $290.45
The meeting accepted the statement on the motion of Mr Kidd
and seconded by Mr McLaren.
General Business: The Secretary informed the meeting that
Mr Mike Lawson of the Defence department had telephone
him yesterday advising that Lieut colonel D Burke would be
available to deliver an address at our Sept meeting here.
End of Formal part of meeting: At 10.20am the formal part of
the meeting came to an end. Members then proceeded to St
John Ambulance headquarters, Dripstone Road, Casuarina
where we were welcomed by Mr Phil Blyth who showed and
explained the use of Ambulance equipment. Members also
inspected the workshops and communications unit suitably
explained by officers concerned. Later Mr Russ Larkin
explained and demonstrated life saving procedures and
equipment in the lecture room. At the conclusion of the
inspection, Mr Brendan Quirke on behalf of St John treated
our club members to refreshments in the staff room. Mr
President on behalf of members thanked Mr Quirke and his
fellow officers for their kind assistance and attention extended
to us and then presented him with a silver spoon as a
memento.
Meeting closed: 12:00 noon
Page 8
Probus Club of Charles Darwin Inc
have organised a bus trip to
Tuesday, 30 August
Cost $50.00 per person
Leaving The Buff Club at 8:00am with
pickups at Tracy Village carpark and
Palmerston bus station
Includes:
Bus trip, morning tea, lunch at Crab Claw
Island Resort Restaurant and afternoon tea
on the way home.
PRIVACY STATEMENT
The information collected in relation to members shall be held in
accordance with the information privacy principles contained in the
Privacy Act ( Privacy Act, Australia 1998 ). Each Probus Club shall ensure
that it complies with such information privacy principles and shall not
disclose any such information, except in accordance with the Privacy Act.
INSURANCE
All financial members of the Probus Club of Darwin Inc. are covered by
Probus Insurance. Insurance covers members, visitors and guests whilst
attending or participating in a recognised Probus activity function or
meeting (age restrictions may apply). Prior conditions may be taken into
consideration.
DISCLAIMER
This Directory of Members is for the exclusive use of members of the
Probus Club of Darwin Inc. and should not be made available to NonMembers. The information contained in this publication is "Private and
Confidential" to Members and is not to be used for any other purpose.