It's been 30 years of great friends, good food and lots of laughs and fun for the members of Bargara and District Mixed Probus Club.
The group got together at the Bargara Golf Club this week to celebrate the milestone with plenty of conversations taking place about how the club was first established.
Probus – derived from professional and business – is an association of retired and semi-retired people with the first club formed in Australia in 1976.
Publicity officer Pat Wakefield said the Bargara organisation was established by Bargara/Woongarra Rotary Club's John Evans in 1991.
Meetings were first held at the Bargara Hotel before moving to the Bargara Golf Club where members congregate every month to this day.
“The fellowship and friendships that you make is what it is all about,” Pat said.
“They are lasting friendships and are very important in times of difficulty.”
Pat said the Bargara and District Mixed Probus Club had grown and developed over the years and played an important role in the community, drawing members from all around the region.
“We often have trips out to the different areas like Moore Park Beach or we like to visit different cafes and restaurants for our social gatherings,” she said.
“Club members get out and not only connect with each other but also the local businesses.”
She said there was always an activity or special event for members to get involved in.
“We have a range of sub clubs which all meet once a month,” Pat said.
“These include morning teas, lunches, games days, book club, a writers group, a Sunday social meeting and more.
“There is always plenty going on.”
With 75 members currently part of the club and a further seven inducted during this week's proceedings, Pat said there was always plenty of opportunity to meet new people and create new friendships.
Founder of Bargara and District Mixed Probus Club highlights history
One of the founding members of the club, Del Cox, was present at the 30 years celebration and said she had seen many changes over three decades.
“In the beginning, clubs at the time were mostly ladies' or men's clubs,” she said.
“However, it was a decision of this club to become mixed so that couples could be part of something together.”
Del said she had held plenty of roles in the three decades that the club had been established, including President in 1996 and 1997, and had met many amazing people along the way.
“It's interesting to note that many members who were first to join up are still serving within the club today,” she said.
“Some are now life members.”
Find out more about the Bargara and District Mixed Probus Club here.
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