Melbourne Bearbrass Probus is an active, engaging, member-driven group who come together to undertake a wide variety of enriching and enjoyable social activities and outings, which enhance their experiences and interests, whilst enjoying the fellowship of an expanding, diverse, network of friends.
Welcome to the Homepage of the Melbourne Bearbrass Probus Club.
We are well and truly in the grip of Winter. While it might be tempting to bunker down with the heater and Netflix, our Bearbrass members continue to be very active, with a wide variety of activities on the calendar. Our Sunday roast is a great way to spend a Winter’s day, in a cosy local hotel enjoying a meal, a drink or two and great company. Some members are busy playing games, such as cards, Mahjong, table tennis and ten pin bowling, while others are looking forward to some cultural events such as a tour of the Ballet Centre, Morning Melodies at the Arts centre and a visit to the NGV to see the Impressionist exhibition.
This is just a small sample of the events scheduled for the remainder of the year, so if this sounds appealing to you, call our Membership Officer, Bill on 0409 436 177. Guests are welcome to come and try any event or attend a general meeting, without any obligation to join.
As always, we appreciate the financial support of the City of Melbourne.
Supported by Sally, the CEO of Working Heritage Victoria, tour guide Andy led a party of Bearbrass members and others around the impressive, if somewhat concealed, property of Jack’s Magazine by the river in Maribyrnong.
Specifically designed to safely hold huge volumes of gunpowder imported into the colony of Victoria, this little known part of Melbourne’s history was completed in 1878. It later provided storage for dangerous explosives used in the ammunition factories that formed part of Melbourne’s industrial military precinct, known as the ‘Arsenal of Australia’.
Incorporating a large site on the banks of the Maribyrnong River and surrounded by an imposing bluestone perimeter wall, huge blast mounds surround two magazines, connecting tunnels, a canal and a variety of ex-storage and administrative buildings. The protective mounds offer tremendous views of Melbourne’s skyline.
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve secured Katia Loisel, human connection and behaviour specialist, as speaker for our July 8 monthly meeting at the Dock’s Community Hub. Her topic is “Fearless confidence unleashed: what would you do if you weren’t scared?”
Katia was one of our most popular speakers on Zoom when Bearbrass was in lockdown in 2020, and now she’s back and even more fired up to improve our lives and relationships.
She was once so petrified of rejection and not being good enough, that she hid to avoid being noticed. Now an international speaker, trainer, consultant and expert on non-verbal communications, Katia says, “How would you live and love differently? How would your life change? How would YOU change? Our fears drive our thoughts and behaviour, affecting our ability to focus, communicate, take risks and make good decisions. But what if you could turn fear and self-doubt into your advantage?”
Drawing on latest behavioural, neuroscience and psychology research, Katia will tell us how to break free from the ‘fear-and-imposter syndrome’, amplify confidence and communicate with empathy and impact.
Diarise it and make sure you turn up. Guests welcome!
PS Here’s a link to Katia in action three years ago on other topics, what a livewire!
We met at Southern Cross Station for a five minute train ride to South Kensington.
It was a beautiful morning for walking with the sun shining and no wind. We walked west to the Maribyrnong River and stayed on the Flemington Racecourse side for the whole walk.
We saw the infamous Flemington Racecourse flood wall close-up! Interestingly, an independent report has found that the Flemington Racecourse flood wall did contribute to higher levels of flooding in 2022, most likely flooding additional homes.
We then followed the footpath along Fisher Parade for about 700 metres as the fences go right down to the river and some have their own private jetties.
Next it was back to the Maribyrnong River Trail, passing the golf course and hardly saw a golfer! We passed a few more houses down to the river before crossing over Maribyrnong Road and up to the Boathouse for coffee on the deck overlooking the river. Finally, the R57 tram took us back to Elizabeth St
The picture is of new member Marilyn A overlooking the river (it was Marilyn’s first walk with the group).
Bearbrass gained more State-wide publicity with a Probian Victoria news story and three pics of our recent visit to Melbourne’s Police Museum and lunch in a converted cell corridor. It was a great day’s outing and turned out to be good PR for our club as well.
This month’s general meeting featured our club stalwart and ex-President and Secretary Sue H. She described in colourful detail her two weeks solo walking the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. She illustrated with copious pictures and tips she learnt about the walkers’ way of life. She’s even planning to do a more extreme and prolonged walk to Santiago de Compostela next year via the northern route from France. Perhaps it has even inspired some members to contemplate a similar late life adventure.
Below: After the talk Sue (centre) got together with Heather (right) and prospective member Clare (left). Then we adjourned to our familiar Tap 831 for lunch.
Over coffee, at the NGV Café, six lovers of design and fashion reflected on the stunning garments designed by Martin Grant. Much to our surprise we previously had known little about his work; probably because as a young designer he left Australia in the late 1970’s for Paris. However, it was more likely the price tags. What impressed us most was that his garments could be worn today. Whilst they are timeless and have endured the test of time the same cannot be said for us. We did reminisce on how we all could have once worn them.
Design sketches, information about each garment (type of fabrics, beading etc), photography, press clippings and runway footage provided background information as to how these works of ART were created.
A beautiful and stunning exhibition that is well worth seeing.
Next: Excursion: FRENCH IMPRESSIONISM @ 11 am 14th July NGV International
On a chilly day recently, five members braved the cold for a fun-filled session of tenpin bowling. Laughter and friendly competition kept spirits high despite the wintry weather. Afterwards, the group headed to San Churro to warm up and unwind, enjoying delicious hot chocolates and freshly made toasties — the perfect way to end a great outing.
June 16 marked our first Crafty Group gathering at our new venue, the Wharf Hotel. Although the room we had booked was being used by hotel management, we were directed to two long tables upstairs on the ground floor. Six of us arrived early to enjoy a meal and agreed the lighting would do just fine—at least, until one of our members arrived and immediately commented on how dark it was! In good spirits, she added that she wouldn't grumble if everyone else was happy—only to be told she was still wearing her sunglasses!
After a chuckle and a group consensus, we relocated to a brighter spot and settled into our crafting. A special highlight of the day was celebrating the achievement of our newest member, who was inspired during a recent Queenscliff getaway to pick up knitting needles again after many years. She was handed a ball of wool and a pair of needles at our next gathering, and since then, has already completed four scarves, which will be donated to Cottage by the Sea. You can admire her beautiful work in one of the photos!
Pentridge was established in 1851 with 16 prisoners who were walked in shackles from Melbourne Gaol to Coburg. Its closure in 1997 marked the end of an era incompletely saved by its late heritage listing. The brutal stories of ‘Bluestone College’ from its building with basalt rock dug manually from Merri Creek to form Coburg Lake can still bring tears to the eyes of the most stoic.
The tour of the former prison evoked sad memories and emotional responses from Bearbrass members as they visited the notorious H Block, listened to the audio records and walked through the cells of such notable criminals as Kevin Joiner – shot dead while attempting to escape over the walls in 1952, and William John O’Meally – with 42 convictions before 1952 when he killed an unarmed constable patrolling around the Crystal Palace Theatre in Caulfield.
More graphically, members were reminded of Jean Lee - the last woman hanged in Australia in 1951, and Ronald Ryan - who shot and killed a warder as he escaped. Recaptured in Sydney 19 days later, he became the last person legally executed in Australia.
'Enjoyed' is hardly a word to describe the Pentridge visit with our amazing guide, Luigi. He brought back memories that re-ignited the history of the Victorian Prison system, its brutality and its legacy as we ponder its place in our lives today.
Our latest Wine Group tasting sampled six wines from WA’s iconic south-west, namely the sea-kissed Margaret River region with its billion-year gravelly soil giving a Bordeaux hint to the wines.
We started with a Leeuwin Estate chardonnay followed by Forester, Vasse Felix and Voyager reds. The commentary was largely film clips with a quick travelogue about this beautiful and diverse promontory, followed by youtubes about each winery and seriously expert discussion by WA and overseas wine buffs. We also had an extempore report by Mel G on the club wine tour he led to the Rutherglen region.
The discussions were followed by instant arrival of copious Indonesian take-away, rapidly using up our supply of paper plates while we sampled favourite wines brought in by our dozen attendees.
This month the Art Appreciation group saw the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the National Gallery Victoria.
Yayoi Kusama is one of the world’s most celebrated living artists. Her polka-dotted pumpkin and flower sculptures are recognised globally, and her infinity mirror rooms are pivotal to the twenty-first century’s turn towards art as an immersive experience.
The group tried to view approximately 200 works of painting, sculpture, collage, fashion, film and installations. Alas the exhibition needs at least two visits to do it justice!
Twenty of us had a great morning at the refurbished Police Museum in Spencer St. After nearly an hour there, many were pledging to come back for a fuller visit and bring their grandkids for the interactive detective games.
The museum traverses Victorian police history since colonial days, with plenty more about police horses and their training and the K9 dog squads. None of us knew that to train police horses to push gently into unruly crowds, the horses are given a human-sized rubber ball to nudge from one end of the police stables to the other.
Naturally the museum includes the many dramas and tragedies of police work, with special emphasis on the bombing of the Russell Street headquarters in 1986, our first real introduction to the modern world of terror attacks.
We were joined in our tour by two burly police in their iconic semi-riot gear, typifying the friendly atmosphere at this gem of Melbourne experience (and free, what’s more).
Afterwards half our party trudged off to lunch at the Royal Melbourne Hotel in Bourke St., securing a quiet table in what used to be the bluestone prison there. How appropriate!
An enthusiastic group of 8 Movie Lovers met at the Platform 28 Pub in Docklands to discuss their choices for Oscar awards based on the nominated films they had seen.
Everyone supported their choice with strong opinions, but no blood was shed over disagreements!
The nominated films are diverse and given some of the winners over the years, are somewhat contentious. While there was not a standout candidate for the Best Film gold statuette, Conclave came close.
It was a very enjoyable night: good food and a wide choice of wines.
We were well looked after by the staff.
Thanks to everyone for having done the homework!
And the winner is…
Twenty three members and guests recently attended Tina: The Tina Turner Musical . All agreed that it was a fantastic show, while at times confronting. The show finished with a repertoire of famous Tina Turner songs ,while the audience joined along and gave a standing ovation.
A drink (or two) and an early dinner followed for some, at the Imperial Hotel, just a stone’s throw from the Princess Theatre.
Keep a look out for our next theatre event.
(Apologies to those who didn’t make it to the photo opportunity).
Nine members of our walking group recently enjoyed a crisp, clear autumn morning meandering along the banks of the Yarra River. The walk commenced in Abbotsford and followed the river as it wound through Richmond and Hawthorn. On returning to Abbotsford, everyone warmed up with good conversation and a hot cuppa at a cafe overlooking the banks of the Yarra.
The 2025 series of Sunday lunches has kicked off, with the January lunch taking place recently at The Leveson in North Melbourne. In our own light and airy private space, we enjoyed air-conditioned comfort on a very hot day as we munched a delicious meal, sipped on cold drinks and chatted with the terrific company!
Twenty five enthusiastic members met at the gates of Government House ready for a fabulous tour of the house and gardens (which cover 11 hectares). After security checks, our guide, Deborah, led us up the magnificent drive, through the stunning foyer, the ruby red billiard room, the light and airy drawing room, the brilliant conservatory, the very grand State dining room (with its table to seat 56), the even grander State Hall, the Hopetoun Blue ballroom (even bigger than that at Buckingham Palace) finishing with the verdant and productive kitchen garden.
All the while, Deborah treated us to engrossing stories of the history of the house, its many occupants and its role in the Federation of Australia. We learnt a great deal about the role of our Governor and her current programs. Our 90 minutes sped by and we left with a greater understanding of our Victorian heritage and with a true appreciation of our Governor, Margaret Gardener, and her achievements.
Following this event about half of our group took a long and leisurely stroll into the Botanical Gardens in the spring sunshine to enjoy a delicious lunch at The Terrace. We all agreed that the day was pretty special.
About 25 members had an eye-opening morning recently getting briefed on the Metro Tunnel project. We had an hour at the Swanston St PR centre surrounded by models and 180deg video displays, with a knowledgeable presenter filling us in with amazing facts.Pinnacle of the exercise was of course the four giant boring machines. Each is 120m long, equal to three big trams end-to-end, and weighing 1100 tonnes. The cutter head is 7.3m diameter. The borer creeps it way at about 10m per day, sealing the tube as it goes and pumping out the dirt to the surface after converting it to a slurry.
We learnt that for the UK-France tunnel project, the giant borers were too awkward to recover when their job was done, so they were buried deep for eternity. Below: Member Jim dons his virtual reality 4D mask.
The Melbourne ones each have a female name, Joan, Meg, Alice and Minnie after celebrated Victorian ladies. Things underground generally have female names, something to do (we were told) with St Barbara the patron saint of mining whose head was cut off by her own father (what the mining connection is, we’ve forgotten).
Afterwards, many of us trooped to coffee at Dymocks, our heads bursting with arcane knowledge about Melbourne’s underground low-jinks.
Afterwards, many of us trooped to coffee at Dymocks, our heads bursting with arcane knowledge about Melbourne’s underground low-jinks.
Seven enthusiastic Probus members attended a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground and MCG Sports Museum.
We were guided by a wonderful and enthusiastic volunteer, John, who explained much of the history of the MCG and Melbourne Cricket Club. We were treated to a view of the ground from the player’s box, where the cricketers and their families sit, and followed the pathway taken by the batsman as he walks on the “G” to begin his batting innings. Although we were not allowed to walk on the hallowed turf, we were able to walk within the boundary line and sit in the players shelter (see photo), which is used by the AFL. Our tour included the players change rooms used by both cricket and AFL players, the media room and the various dining areas within the members area. Following our guided tour, we were treated to a fantastic display of memorabilia in the Sports Museum and MCC museum. A life like hologram of Shane Warne talking about his career was a highlight.
912 Collins Street
Docklands, VIC 3008
Australia