Bundaberg Pensioners League members are actively serving the community while countering social isolation among seniors.
It only takes 20 seconds after you walk through the doors of the Bundaberg Pensioners League to have a friendly handshake offered and introductions made.
Twenty seconds later and you’re likely to be enjoying a cuppa with a mix of the nicest people from across the Bundaberg Region.
The Bundaberg Pensioners League is an organisation catering to older residents of the region and financially supporting worthwhile local causes.
The annual general meeting was held today and members arrived early for the customary pre-meeting refreshments.
League president Carol Masters was standing for re-election, which would be her fourth year in the leadership role.
“It’s not so much that I’m doing a great job,” she laughed.
“It’s more that no one else wants the job!”
Likewise Marlene Warmington and Evelyn Andrews were lining up for re-election in their positions as secretary and treasurer.
Carol is no stranger to community involvement, having served for around nine years with the RSL Women’s Auxiliary.
“I like to be involved in the community and to meet people,” Carol said.
“Once the Bundaberg Pensioners League was the only place in Bundaberg for pensioners and retirees to gather to enjoy a little social interaction and share common interests.
“Now there are so many other venues, retirement places, coffee shops and the like and this does impact our numbers.”
Pensioners League helps others
History also reveals that the combined strength of the local Pensioners League in the early years carried some clout when it came to pursuing outcomes or reforms for the district’s elderly.
“We still try to do a bit financially for the community as well as providing access to our venue which currently is open four mornings a week from 8.30am until 11.30am,” Carol said.
“We cover costs in providing refreshments but the real value is in providing a place where people of similar ages can meet, chat, socialise and enjoy the outings and facilities that the Bundaberg Pensioners League provides.”
Carol said through activities including raffles, money board and hoy and cent sales the League is able to raise funds and then distribute these throughout the community.
“Last year we distributed $7500 with donations of $2500 each to Meals on Wheels, PCYC and the Kepnock Scouts,” she said.
“These groups do really great things for the community. We were so happy to be able to help the scouts who lost the roof from their Den in a severe storm.”
Mayor Jack Dempsey missed attending today's annual meeting because of Council commitments but passed on his congratulations to the league.
“I'm full of admiration for the work of members and they energy they invest in helping others,” he said.
Events and outings
The League has a busy schedule of outings planned across the coming months with a three day trip to Yeppoon for a “Christmas in July” celebration.
Next month on June 5, the pensioners will be headed for a day outing to Gayndah and surrounding areas and the chance to stock up on some delicious Gayndah citrus fruit.
The Bundaberg Pensioners League is located in Post Office Lane and everyone is welcome.
For more information contact president Carol (0432 028 449) or secretary Marlene (4151 4370).
And a joke for the oldies: “I don’t have grey hair; I have ‘wisdom highlights’. I’ve realised that I’m very wise and getting wiser each year!”
