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 website of the Melbourne Bearbrass Probus Club, your gateway to fun, friendship, and fellowship in the heart of our vibrant city.
As President, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to our online home. Whether you are a recent retiree, new to the area, or simply looking to expand your social circle, you have found a community of like-minded people who believe that retirement is just the beginning of a rich new chapter.
Named after the historic early settlement of our city, Bearbrass Probus brings together retired and semi-retired professionals from all walks of life. We are a dynamic, mixed club dedicated to keeping our minds active, our bodies moving, and our social calendars full. We pride ourselves on offering a warm, inclusive environment where lifelong connections are easily made.
Explore our website to discover what we have to offer, including:
- Monthly Meetings: Gathering regularly to catch up and listen to fascinating guest speakers.
- Interest Groups: Diving into everything from book clubs and walking groups to dining out and film nights.
- Excursions & Outings: Exploring local arts, culture, and day trips across Victoria.
We are always delighted to welcome visitors and new members. If you are ready to bring more connection, laughter, and learning into your retirement, we would love to meet you at our next meeting.
If you’d like to attend a meeting or event to see whether Bearbrass Probus Club is right for you, we’d love to welcome you. Contact our friendly Membership Officer, Bill, for more information.
Finally, we remain extremely grateful for the ongoing financial support of the City of Melbourne
Warm regards
Colleen
On Friday, an intrepid baker's dozen of Bearbrass Probus walkers (thanks AI) strode into a beautiful Melbourne winter morning. Led by Richard Bonnett who meticulously researches each walk, we strolled the 3km from Southern Cross to East Melbourne. Passing by the familiar tourist traps of Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane we marvelled at the ancient fire shutters on the planning office, we looked up, maybe for the first time, to see the swimming pool that overhangs Flinders Lane at the Adelphi Hotel, 9 floors above the traffic. We paused at Death & Co but were afraid to enter for a drink. After being led through tiny spaces behind the Government Printing Office and under the State Government Offices we stopped at the family Violence memorial for a quiet minute. Finally, after skirting St Patrick's Cathedral, it was time for a well deserved coffee at the Victorian Artists Society.
Thanks Richard, much appreciated.
A dozen members had an enthralling tour of the State Library, enlivened by the witty commentary of our guide Catherine. In the Dome reading room for example, she explained how in Victorian times the senior librarians – known as the “Shushers” - would man the central turret and “Shoosh” anyone whose chatter disturbed readers. They even had a rear-vision mirror giving them ‘eyes in the back of their head’.
The wonderful dome, design to bring ample light to the hall, persisted in leaking and dropping wads of plaster. Readers had to bring umbrellas inside for protection. One reader was knocked out by a wad of plaster, and when revived by a Good Samaritan, punched the man’s jaw imagining the man was his assailant.
We were allowed into the non-public card index rooms with their masses of cards classified in beautiful copper-plate handwriting – an early requirement for librarians. The tour of course included Ned Kelly’s armour, one of four sets created by the Kelly Gang, and now much reproduced in tourism spots.
Catherine told us of the skills and matrimonial foibles of founder Sir Redmond Barry. He had to use government funds to buy every one of the library’s first acquisitions, as books were treasured by owners after surviving the long voyage from England and displacing more practical goods. Melbourne’s State Library was the third in the world to offer free usage, open to working people as well as the toffs.
An overcast and cool day saw 11 members and guests complete the Missed Building Walk covering some of the buildings that have been overlooked in recent months. walk that was started last month. The distance was a bit over 4 kilometres. Rain was forecast but fortunately never eventuated
Our first stop was at Russell's Old Corner Shop, which stands on the corner of King and Latrobe Streets and is widely regarded as Melbourne's oldest residence. Because it is undergoing renovation it was covered in scaffolding and hoardings but luckily the builder was on site and so explained the history and the restoration plans.
On to the Royal Mint, which was first opened in 1872 to manufacture gold coins and operated as a key institution in the development of Melbourne as a city. Members were impressed by the plaques decorating the walls.
Next was a stroll down Guildford Lane, looking at all the wonderful red brick, cobblestoned overflowing window sill gardens of the historic Dutch-style buildings, housing architects, design-firms and active artist studios alongside the ubiquitous eateries and coffee houses that are so prevalent in our town.
Finally, we went to the Queen Victoria Women's Centre, all that is left of the hospital that closed in 1987 and then walked all the way to the bottom of Bourke St to the former police station that is now a hotel to look at the bluestone cells and have much deserved coffee and cake.
Our most recent general meeting was very well attended, no doubt because of the speaker. Aiden Bloomfield, Community Engagement Officer for Crime Stoppers, provided a very engaging presentation. Crime Stoppers is a 100% anonymous reporting service that was established in 1987. It is funded through grants from the Justice Department. All calls to Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000) are reported to police. Reporters remain completely anonymous unless they choose to leave their details.
Given the number of questions that were posed, and that conversations took us over time, this topic was of great interest to our members (refer below for more information).
President Colleen regaled us with tales from the recent Grainlander Trip (refer below or more information) to the Mallee region of Victoria to explore and particularly to see some of the silo art that is expanding throughout regional Victoria, popping up in many rural outposts.
The train stretched some 500 metres and included all the sleeping, dining and lounge areas. Somewhat of a shock were the tiny sleeping arrangements, barely the size of a single bed! It was definitely not to the Ghan standard! No one slept the first night travelling to Swan Hill in rickety and noisy conditions.
Highlights included the story depicted in art of a 15-year-old lad, Ray Neville, who was called up to ride Brimfire in Melbourne Cup, winning the very first Melbourne Cup decided in a photo finish.
Another highlight was Lake Boga, where the Flying Boat Museum is located. The story of the Catalina flying boats used during WW11 was outlined and the decision to locate the maintenance centre there, as it was far enough from the coast so to avoid enemy bombing. Australia lost 16 Catalinas in the Broome and Darwin bombing.
Tony T updated us on the travels of past president Sue H (picture) who has just completed part of the Camino Trail walking some 800 km from France to Spain, including over the Pyrenees. Well done Sue!
This month the theme for our superhero wine group was McLaren Vale reds. It was a fascinating tasting. For once everyone from Superman to Green Lantern liked every wine!
Green Lantern’s (Spike) dedication to doing a personal tasting of over 50 wines on site in McLaren Vale speaks to his commitment to bring only the best to his fellow supereroes.
We tasted six wines from four boutique (read small!) wineries:
- Mary Kathleen- Cabernet Merlot from Coriole
- The Scooter- Merlot 2025, The Maitre D- Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 and the Two Left Feet- Shiraz Cabernet Merlot 2024 from Molly Dooker
- Marion Shiraz 2024 from Patritti
- Shiraz 2023 from Samuel’s Gorge.
A speedy cleanup with no accidents and we were off to the George Hotel for dinner and maybe a few more glasses of the red elixir!
Our latest meeting’s speaker Aiden Bloomfield from Crime Stoppers spelt out the workings of this phone-in centre for anonymous callers. It operates independently from the police, to ensure that callers don’t fear to report suspicious activity. In contrast, direct calls to police are made through the 000 emergency line.
Last year more than 130,000 calls came in, enabling police to arrest 1200 suspects, lay 4000 charges, and secure convictions resulting in confiscation of about $5m in cash and property, and seizure of nearly $30m illegal drugs. Reports were up 15% on 2024.
“Crime Stoppers callers might have reasons to not involve police directly,” he said. “They might feel their suspicions are trivial or silly, but their information might well complete a jigsaw of material the police are working on.”
A caller might report that they have been renovating a house and found a hidden gun. “If you take it to the local police station, don’t wave it around there,” Aiden joked.
He mentioned that shoplifting is often reported anonymously – the main issue is not a petty theft but an organised group that ‘storms’ a retailer as one member creates distractions.
Another crime wave involves both car thefts and thefts from cars – 31,500 cars were stolen in Victoria in the year to March, often defeating car security or exploiting people who don’t properly secure their car. Police are lobbying car makers to make top security built-in rather than an ‘extra’.
One inhibitor to public safety is apathy – people imagining their call won’t make any difference, or the ‘by-stander’ effect where each of 100 witnesses thinks someone else will do the reporting.
“To reduce crime, get to know your neighbours and community, and let us know about anything going on around your residence that doesn’t seem right,” Aiden said.
It was “All Aboard” for our enthusiastic band of members as we set off on our exciting Slow Rail Journey on the Grainlander.
Following the welcome dinner with one hundred fellow passengers at the Savoy Hotel in Melbourne, we crossed to Southern Cross Railway Station for a slow stroll past the 376 metre assembly of historical steam engines, diesel locomotives and carriages from the Southern Aurora and Overland trains before settling into our vintage cabins to begin a wonderful experience.
Sleep - we did not! Instead, we were lulled by movement, sound and bright red stoplights on our night-time journey through Castlemaine, Bendigo and the Mallee.
“Detraining” at Piangil, we enjoyed an array of silo art, small villages, an almond farm and the unique Lake Tyrell with its pink hues before a spectacular sound and light experience on the banks of the Murray River.
Overnight we were stationary at Swan Hill and enjoyed a peaceful, motionless sleep!
Sunday began with a paddle steamer journey on the Murray River before visiting the unique Catalina Flying Boat Museum at Lake Boga.
Locals flocked to see the spectacle of the steam train appearing to collect us and we waved farewell as we headed homeward to Melbourne.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the volunteer staff (both young and older) for the care, attention and enthusiasm they delivered to ensure that our journey was memorable, safe, comfortable and enjoyable. We would like to recommend this journey to others who seek a similar adventure.
This month’s Sunday Roast was at the North Port hotel in Port Melbourne. The biggest question of the day was about the menu and how anyone could choose Steak and Guiness Pie when the title of the event is “Sunday Roast”. If we were meant to order Steak and Guiness Pie, the event would be called “Sunday Steak and Guiness Pie” – simples!
A highlight was the Wright sisters (photo) catching up on family business, though there was a lot of discussion about who was right and who was wrong!
A great lunch – well done to Cate T for continuing to organise such a variety of interesting, good value, gourmet pubs for the monthly Sunday Roast (not Sunday Steak and Guiness Pie)!!
Despite the predictably cold and windy Ballarat weather, 14 staunch members joined the amazingly erudite and articulate Andrew, from Ballarat Heritage Tours, on a guided walking tour which gave a superb overview of Ballarat’s marvellous gold rush era buildings.
In about 90 minutes, Andrew located the city within its geographical significance on the edge of the lava plain, explained the importance of the rivers and streams to the location of the alluvial gold fields and reminded us of the rebirth of the extensive underground mining that exists today.
As he related the significance of Ballarat in comparison with neighbouring Bendigo, Clunes and surrounds, we delved into the storied past of Ballarat. Despite the cold (8 degrees - feels like zero!), Andrew kept us enthralled with his storytelling skills to bring the city made on gold to vibrant life.
Having survived the cold weather, we passed our starting point at the Burke and Wills monument to retire to Craig’s Royal Hotel for warming soup and a roast. Then it was back to the station for a comfortable return to Melbourne.
A sunny and mild day saw 17 members and guests complete the Lonsdale street walk that was started last month. The distance was a bit over 3 kilometres.
The first point of interest was at the archaeological displays on the corner of Madam Brussels Lane and Little Lonsdale. This was the site of Melbourne's 19th-century red-light district. Archaeologists have unearthed hundreds of thousands of artefacts from early cottages and hotels,
Next stop was at Wesley Place which is one of Melbourne's largest urban renewal projects. It seamlessly integrates a restored mid-19th-century, Gothic Revival church complex with a modern 35-storey commercial tower and expansive green spaces, preserving a vital piece of the city's ecclesiastical and social history. It has an old olive tree planted in 1875 and relocated to its current position in 1988
Finally we went to the State Library and looked at various display galleries and the 4th floor of the domed reading room, including Ned Kelly's armour and a Lego model with a grumpy looking librarian saying"Shhhhooshhhhh"! (see picture on the left)
Coffee this time was at Ritz-Carlton hotel on the 80th floor. It was a bit pricey (coffee $9, tea $10, hot chocolate $12, cake $18) but worth it for the view (see picture above).
The Book Club enjoyed a special highlight recently, welcoming debut author Rhonda McCoy via Zoom from her home in Launceston.
Rhonda’s novel Crow has already attracted wide acclaim and strong interest, and members relished the opportunity to hear about her journey as a writer. She described her process as “chaotic,” offering an honest and engaging glimpse into the realities of bringing a novel to life.
We were particularly intrigued to learn that one of the central characters grew out of Rhonda’s keen observations of small-town Tasmanian life and its inhabitants. These authentic roots help shape the novel’s rich exploration of secrets, relationships, personal growth, and generational change.
Remarkably, Rhonda has been writing for just five years, yet has already produced five books, with Crow the first to be published. Her path to publication reflects persistence and dedication—years of workshops, courses, networking, and the often challenging process of editing and refinement.
And she’s not slowing down. Rhonda is already at work on her next novel, which promises to continue the story of Crow and further explore its complex characters.
Warm, generous, and refreshingly candid, Rhonda made a lasting impression on all of us. It was a truly delightful session.
Another mild day, with a light shower towards the end of the walk. Thirteen members walked down Lonsdale Street.
The first point of interest was the Ritz - Carlton 5-star Hotel, where we ventured to the 80th floor for a truly breathtaking view over the city and beyond.
Next stop was the Law Library of the Supreme Court – a magnificent building under the dome but getting through security proved to be a bit of a problem because possession of a water bottle and a plastic whistle will cause denial of entry!
We journeyed on to the Melbourne City Baths and saw the historic Jewish Mikvah (ritual bath) which is still in use today. It is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, operating mikvaot in Australia and provides a private space for traditional immersion, separate from the public swimming areas.
We had Intended to walk further but time ran out and we cannot finish a walk without a coffee, so we went across to Mr Tulk in the State Library for a very pleasant debrief.
Eight intrepid members, ably supported by two wonderful drivers completed the 55 kilometre Surf Coast walk from Point Impossible, near Torquay to Fairhaven over four days. The group based themselves in Torquay for two nights and Anglesea for three nights.
After a BBQ on Sunday evening we started out bright and early from Point Impossible on Monday walking to Bells Beach - it took about 15 minutes for the plaintive cry of “are we there yet” to be first heard. All our planning was based on concerns of whether it would be too hot to walk comfortably, however the temperature never exceeded the low ‘20s and it rained for large parts of Monday and Tuesday. Whilst most members opted for traditional hiking wet weather gear, one of the group carried an umbrella and wore green (it was St Patrick’s Day) pickleball shoes on a track that resembled pictures of the Kokoda Track at the height of the wet season! There was a lot of slipping and sliding, but miraculously no one fell over!
After a long, wet, very muddy Tuesday finishing at Anglesea via Point Addis and other picturesque spots, most walkers thought that their level of fitness what not quite where they wanted it to be, but an enjoyable pub meal (T-bone steak daily special $27!) soon fixed that.
Up again and off again, this time along the beach and through the bush to the Aireys inlet Lighthouse. Another BBQ that evening followed by an enthusiastic game of cards for a few who were able to stay awake after 9 p.m. (strangely, there was no wild partying on any of the evenings!).
The final day was a little easier with a walk into Fairhaven and then a drive to Moggs Creek picnic ground to do the Ocean View loop walk. The Ocean View walk, was looking like it should have been names the Ocean glimpses walk, but then we found a magnificent viewing platform to see the ocean and the coast for many kilometres in both directions. That evening was another very enjoyable pub meal (Siverside daily special $27!) and lots of conversation about making the walk a regular annual activity.
All in all, it was a memorable and challenging experience with many outstanding views of the coast, interesting countryside, great companionship and plenty of fun!
Are we there yet????
Thanks to the organisers Judy S and Pam G and also our generous drivers, Colleen H and Kerry F (also Jan S) for making such an adventure possible.
A short drive from Mornington Golf Club and less than a kilometre behind the Mornington High School lies Beleura, an extensive and historical garden and elaborate heritage house museum in similar style to the home at Ripponlea.
Built in 1863 and closely associated with its second owner, Sir George Tallis, once chairman of international theatre company, J.C. Williamson Ltd, the house contains a bedroom for Dame Nellie Melba and, as its online publicity confirms, “The house is exceptional for its collection and includes the original furnishings of its last owner, the musician/composer John Tallis.”.
Originally built on 2000 acres reaching to the southern coast of the peninsula and taking in most of what is modern-day Mornington, its remaining five-and-a-half hectares contains gardens within gardens tended by devoted volunteers. Our guide for the fascinating garden tour was a former horticulturist while our guide through the house had grown up and worked in Beleura for John Tallis himself.
Members sharing the excursion were provided with a very tasty morning tea and a light lunch between very walkable tours as they enjoyed learning yet another interesting fragment of Victoria’s eclectic, even eccentric history.
Volunteers give thousands of hours to maintain Victoria's 140 years of railway heritage and the fruits of their labour are on public display every two years. We entered the Newport Railway Yards to the memory-evoking sounds of steam whistles, clouds of steam and the rumble of large engines. They crossed the multitude of wide and narrow gauge rail lines, climbed aboard first and second class carriages, blew the whistles and stoked the boilers of an age long passed.
From the red rattlers that many of us rode to school to the majestic Spirit of Progress, from the almost tiny early steam engines to the gigantic Heavy Harry (largest steam train engine ever built in Australia), members recalled events and travels long passed and shared memories evoked by the sounds and smells of the steam age.
We saw the last steam weighbridge, watched the turntable in action as a huge engine was moved onto it and rotated 180 degrees at the hands of four volunteers.
Visiting historic aviation cockpits, model railways and the restored clocktower, we then moved from the yard to the Railways museum on the period shuttle bus, still green and yellow and still labelled with the logo of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Railways Board.
Having seen or boarded 29 steam locomotives and a few more recent but already superseded electric carriages, members left the smoke and noise of another memorable and fun filled day.
From John Kelly’s statue of the ‘cow up a tree’ on the Esplanade at Docklands [Is it really a Friesian cow?] to the catamaran that promises a short, safe voyage to Portarlington, the latest adventure for members promised excitement and, once again, great companionship.Leaving port and cruising down the river past Williamstown on our starboard side and a small colony of fur seals sunning on a yellow marker buoy off the port bow, we passed the former site of the Gellibrand Light and headed across the bay towards our lunch destination. Offshore from Altona and with the You Yangs rising to the south, Kim recalled her climbing the mountains with a group of friends some decades ago while the Bellarine Peninsula loomed closer to the south.
Docking at Portarlington, some members walked the shore to the end of the camping grounds while others strolled up the hill from the port for a coffee or to hit the shops for an hour or so before we met for a drink and a very pleasant extended lunch at the historic bluestone Grand Hotel which overlooks the town from its centre.
Comfortably replete, increasingly engaged in the interests of a number of new members and without a single need to rush, we meandered back down to the wharf and, once again, shared the comfort of the voyage back to Docklands in anticipation of another outing - to historic Beleura on the equally historical Mornington Peninsula.
Although we tend to forget that the first major settlement of Melbourne began where the ships anchored offshore at Williamstown, the early wharves have been repeatedly renovated, operated as the centre for Victorian shipbuilding and, until more recently, acted as the mooring site for the iconic ocean protection ship, Sea Shepherd.
When our group took the train journey to visit the Maritime Museum, a short walk from the railway station, few expected to meet in such a huge open building – big enough to build ocean-going ships inside, surprise?
Perhaps less surprisingly in retrospect, as the launching point into the gold rush, the area was the site for the first Melbourne morgue, recently expensively restored and open for sight-seeing.
Equally fascinating were the numerous ship parts, from compasses and windlasses to winches and even a model of the time-ball tower for setting ship’s chronometers
Members were struck by the cramped conditions of the full-size models of the prison cells aboard the prison hulks that were anchored off Point Gellibrand before Pentridge was built. They certainly suggested that men were a lot shorter in the 1800s.
The Museum as an historical site provided an engrossing experience which was highlighted by our incredibly knowledgeable and articulate guide, Michael who left us all hungry for a very tasty lunch over the road at the Customs House Hotel.
Eight members and guests recently attended the fabulous musical, Anastasia, at the magnificent Regent Theatre. The music, sets and costumes were wonderful and sent us back in time to 19th century Paris and St Petersburgh. All in all, a great afternoon followed by a little social refreshment on a very hot day.
As the clock struck six on a blustery evening in an elite South Melbourne apartment block, the foyer slowly filled with a motley mix of aged men and women. From white sports coats (but no carnations) and a mix of stylish upmarket women’s dress, the group grew slowly towards its expected mid-twenty until the final male and his American guest arrived.
The group shifted excitedly to the building’s board room for capapes, sparkling wine and catch-up conversation until it was muted by the moment of choosing table groups for evening meal. Guess-who’s-coming-to-dinner began with a selection of couples per room and then the remaining singles were allocated to repeated rounds of applause. The 40 per cent of males, almost inevitably accompanying the female partners, joined the shift towards the lifts, leaving their unwashed glasses in the sink to be attended to later.
From room to room the meals and wines were enthusiastically imbibed as conversations added sparkle to the evening. From the advantages of late entry into real-estate business to the thrill of writing famous films or the challenge of penning publishable poetry, discussion raged through dinner and into the evening.
Thanks to Sandy M, Susan B and Pam G (pictured) for being magnificent hostesses and making their wonderful apartments available for the evening.
The mahjong group now meets at The Wharf Hotel fortnightly and, happily, we are growing in numbers.
Welcome to the group Jules Tand Rose M.
We are in our second year of playing now and more experienced members are now feeling pretty comfortable with complicated hands such as Five Odd Honours, Windy Chows and Wriggly Snake, all the time having a good catch up and connecting with friends.
We welcome beginners into the group so please contact Sue H if you are interested in joining.
912 Collins Street
Docklands, VIC 3008
Australia