General News
17 July, 2025
PROBUS Club - July Meeting
President Pat Thompson welcomed members to our July meeting at Gilgandra Services Club on Thursday, July 10, with a large list of apologies also.
By Margaret Schier, publicity officer
Life member Shirley Mudford celebrated her 97th birthday that day and was presented with flowers. Later at lunch members sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Shirley while she blew out her birthday candles and thanks Denise for making the nice cake.
Pat presented Aileen Gardoll with her membership badge during the meeting. Best wishes to Yvonne Logan who has been on the sick list.
Denise told us that due to an accident at the Dubbo Regional Theatre, the Little Patti Concert had been postponed and hopefully will be re-scheduled soon. The Beach Boys concert will go ahead as planned in August. She also told us of her planned trip to Moreton Bay Island later in the year if others are interested in going.
July Guest Speaker, Lyn Tate
Following morning tea, a very proud Lyn Tate was our guest speaker who told us of her three children’s achievements. All three attended both Gilgandra primary and high schools, plus their involvement with various sporting activities at weekend which has benefited them in adulthood. Jason worked for a time in spare parts at Neils then trained as an electrician with Morris and Weir. Following their retirement, Jason commenced his own successful business and is also involved in the community as president of the Gilgandra Jockey Club and the local fire brigade.
Nathan enjoyed maths/science and accelerated one year finishing his HSC early at Gilgandra High School. He was recruited to the Defence Force Academy at the age of 17 and progressed to aeronautical engineering. He went on exchange to the USA where he completed his master’s in science engineering. In 2020, Nathan joined NASA in Houston and is a flight controller at the Johnson Space Centre.
Krystle attended Charles Sturt University at Bathurst in human movement becoming a fitness instructor. During her holidays she worked on cruise liners sometimes to Alaska in the gymnasiums. She then attended the ACT Academy of Sport and worked with various sports people including Olympians. She is currently the physical performance manager for the ACT Cricket team. Lyn is also a very proud grandmother and looking forward to her trip soon to see her family in the US - thank you Lyn.
Member trips on the Ghan
Very recently two members, Marg Zell and Shirley Marks with their husbands have returned from trips on the Ghan railway. Shirley and Jeff flew to Sydney then Darwin and travelled south to Adelaide. Within the week Marg and Max flew to Adelaide and travelled north to Darwin. The ‘girls’ told us of their separate experiences. Marg suggested the North/South route was possibly more interesting and takes an extra overnight of travel. This enables passengers to stop at four towns instead of two, the extras being Malar and Coober Pedy.
Stops at both Katherine and Alice Springs allowed for various tour options. They both told us of the food and hospitality on board the Ghan and recommended the trip to everyone. Interesting too how many young people worked on the train and how popular it is. Thanks Marg and Shirley for sharing your stories too.
