MONTHLY MEETINGS

“Fun, friendship and fellowship”
All members and prospective members are welcome to attend the monthly meeting. Come along at 10:30am on the second Thursday of every month to the Nelson Bay Bowling and Recreation Club, Stockton Street, Nelson Bay 2315.

The meeting features updates on activities, morning tea and a guest speaker. Once the formalities are over we retire to the Marlin Restaurant for a convivial lunch.

Neil Hansford, Member Probus Club of Port Stephens
November meeting
 
Neil has vast experience in the aviation industry and he provided his interesting observations on the impacts of COVID on the commercial airlines and the future of how domestic and international travel will recover

John de Ridder, President COPSY
October meeting
 
John explained that COPSY (Caring for Our Port Stephens Youth) aims to improve youth mental health services in Port Stephens. The focus is youth aged 12-21 in the Port Stephen LGA. He went on to describe the Jupiter program which provides a place young people can go to for help that is free, youth-friendly, accessible and flexible.

Peter Clough, Tomaree Headland Heritage Group
September meeting
 
Peter spoke about the aims and work of the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group which is seeking to ensure public access and use of Tomaree Lodge and surrounds.

Previous Speakers

Kylie Russell, Senior Fisheries Manager, NSWDPI Fisheries : Kylie provided information about the history of oyster reefs in NSW and her team's work in the  restoration of those reefs in Port Stephense

Warren Deimar, Member Probus Club of Port Stephens: Warren talked about his early years growing up in Nelson Bay which illustrated the nature of the area in those days and how it has changed over his lifetime

Frank Future, CEO Imagine Cruises: Frank talked about the Marine Parks Association, a not-for-profit group which is proposing that the Port Stephens/Myall Lakes estuary be World Heritage listed

Chris Peters, Historian, Tomaree Museum Association: Chris provided an overview of the activities of the Tomaree Museum Association plus an interesting cameo local historical characters and events

Leah Anderson, Port Stephens Councillor & Volunteer at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary: Leah provided an informative presentation on the work of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary which supports their long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation in the wild.

Nick Arena, Owner Kookaburra: Nick discussed the trials and tribulations of establishing and running a barramundi farm and restaurant in Bob's Farms

Helen Dykes, Volunteer, Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre: Helen described the referral and other services provided by the Centre to empower and improve the quality of life for community members and groups

Roger Ridley, Retired: Roger presented the evidence that supports the view that extensive tunnels were constructed under Fly Point during WW2, an historical detective story

Brent & Tracy Kelly, Photographers: Tracy and Brent have travelled extensively throughout Australia and South Africa and shared their travel experiences through a series of stunning photographs