Community & Business
22 May, 2026
PROBUS Club News May News
Gilgandra PROBUS Club met on Thursday, May 14, 2026
By Margaret Schier
At our May meeting, president Linda Wykes presented badges to our new members, Wendy Ettershank and Terri Weaver. There were 20 members in attendance and 12 apologies. This year marks a significant milestone for PROBUS of 50 years and has helped tens of thousands of older Australians stay engaged and connected.
The vision of the club is to be accessible for retirees and semi-retirees and to enhance their social well-being through fun, friendship and fellowship. Linda read out a questionnaire and all members answered and agreed we were achieving the aims.
During morning tea we welcomed our guest speakers, Michelle Mathieson, office manager and Ashleigh Smith, solicitor at Peacockes, Gilgandra.
Michelle then went on to tell us her role as manager of the local solicitor’s office and to introduce Ashleigh their solicitor who travels to work from her home in Coonabarabran.
Michelle said people tend to put off planning ahead and often become unwell and then not able to make decisions for themselves.
We all want to reduce stress for out loved ones and make sure our wishes are respected. We can take comfort knowing our affairs are in order.
Michelle told us of three important key points; a will, enduring power of attorney and appointment of an enduring guardian.
She explained each point in detail saying a Will should be updated as circumstances change in families. Power of Attorney allows someone to act on your behalf in paying bills, managing bank accounts and dealing with property.
An 'enduring guardian' is about personal and lifestyles decisions rather than finances.
She recommended keeping important documents together in a safe place in our homes.
Aged care planning is important. Funeral wishes can be recorded to ease the burden on family members also.
Ashleigh then spoke to us in great detail about all of the above and answered questions from our members.
It was a very helpful time, and we thank both women from giving up their time to come to PROBUS.
