June 2026 Newsletter 402

 

 PROBUS CLUB NORTH SYDNEY

president’s report

In this month’s report I need to focus on some changes which have been made in the

catering at Northbridge Golf Club. Many of you who stay for lunch at the club after our

monthly meeting will have experienced significant delays in food service. The club

management and catering team have been aware of this for some time, and agreed that

we could order our meals earlier in the day to take pressure off the bar staff and the

kitchen. Despite this, significant delays have continued, leaving some people waiting for

their meal when most people have finished.

Northbridge Golf Club has recently engaged an external caterer, Lusso Kitchen to

manage catering for the club. Lusso Kitchen has introduced a new bistro menu. The

caterer has written to us this week advising that they can provide optimal service to

members by reducing the available menu options to a maximum of three items from the

bistro menu, and our orders are placed at least 24 hours prior to to the monthly meeting.

This would mean that each month, someone would have to take responsibility for

selecting the three menu options, members selecting their preferred choice, and sending

their choice to the person taking responsibility for submitting the orders in a spreadsheet

(the approach preferred by the caterers). Alternatively the menu selections for the month

could be circulated and individuals could email the caterer directly with their name and

menu selection.

You will still have the option of ordering on the day of the meeting from the full bistro

menu, but it has been made clear that prompt service cannot be

guaranteed if you choose to do this.

We will be discussing the logistics of adopting the caterer’s preferred approach at next

weeks meeting. I look forward to discussing this with you on Tuesday. The new menu is

attached below for your information.

Barbara B, President

B

I

S

T

R

O

M

E

N

U

(GF) - indicates gluten free meal (V) - indicates vegetarian meal (VO, GFO) - vegetarian or gluten free option available on request.

Seafood Labels: (A) - Australian (I) - International (M) - Mixed

FOOD ALLERGY WARNING

Our menu items may contain or come into contact with allergens like milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. While we do

our best to accommodate dietary needs, we cannot guarantee allergen-free food. Please speak to a staff member if you have concerns.

STARTERS

GARLIC BREAD (V) ................................................................................................8

CHIPS & AIOLI (V) ...............................................................................................10

WEDGES (V)

Served with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce ........................................12

ARANCINI BALLS (x3)

With peas, minced beef & mozzarella

cheese served on a Napoletana sauce ............................................................17

SALT & PEPPER CALAMARI (I)

Baby calamari lightly floured & fried .................................................................22

GARLIC PRAWNS (I)

Fresh prawns sautéed in garlic, served in a rich

tomato sauce ...........................................................................................................................22

SALADS

POKÉ BOWL

Brown rice, seaweed, pickled ginger & radish, grated carrot,

edamame, cabbage, sesame dressing

Katsu Chicken .........................................................................................................................25

Miso Eggplant .........................................................................................................................25

CAESAR SALAD (V, GFO)

Cos lettuce, croutons, bacon, boiled egg,

parmesan & ranch dressing........................................................................................19

Add Chicken ................................................................................................................................5

Add Prawns (I) .............................................................................................................................7

SANDWICHES

& BURGERS

HAM, CHEESE & TOMATO SANDWICH

Served on Turkish bread ..............................................................................................10

BLAT

Bacon, lettuce, tomato & avocado on toasted

Turkish bread served with chips .............................................................................20

CLASSIC BEEF BURGER

150g beef patty, onion, lettuce, tomato, cheese,

pickles & mustard aioli served with chips .....................................................25

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN BURGER

Fried chicken, chipotle mayo, cos lettuce

& pickles served with chips ........................................................................................25

MAINS

BEEF BURGUNDY PIE

Served with mash, gravy & salad ............................................................................20

FISH & CHIPS (A)

Beer battered flathead with chips & salad .................................................. 28

CHICKEN PARMIGIANA

Topped with ham, cheese & Napoletana

sauce served with chips & salad ............................................................................28

HOMEMADE CHICKEN SCHNITZEL

Topped with fresh parmesan, served with chips

& salad ..........................................................................................................................................26

PENNE BOSCAIOLA (GFO)

Creamy white sauce with mushroom,

bacon & shallots ...................................................................................................................25

SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE (GFO)

Homemade traditional bolognese sauce ......................................................27

LAMB SOUVLAKI

Marinated lamb shoulder skewers served

with chips, salad, pita bread & tzatziki ............................................................33

RUMP STEAK

Served with chips & salad .............................................................................................32

DESSERTS

CHEESECAKE

Served with vanilla ice cream ...................................................................................13

CHOCOLATE MUD CAKE

Served with vanilla ice cream .....................................................................................13

SAUCES

MUSHROOM SAUCE (GF) .................................................................... 3

GRAVY (GF) ....................................................................................................................... 3

KIDS

CHICKEN NUGGETS & CHIPS ................................................15

FISH BITES (I) ..............................................................................................................15

PENNE PASTA BOLOGNESE (GFO) .....................................15

BISTRO MENU

membership  

Membership is currently 59 members 41 females and 18 males.  

Members who have completed the Probus Club Health Check  

survey, please return to Deon. Extra forms will be available at the  

upcoming meeting.  

Deon C Membership Officer 

speakers  

This month's speaker is Georgia Holmes who  

will give a talk entitled 'Organising Your  

Home'. Hopefully she will have many useful  

tips on decluttering!  

In July our speaker is Charles Fellner who will  

speak on something we should all be wary of  

nowadays - 'Scam Awareness’.  

Patrick W on behalf of Ivan B, Speakers  

Organiser 

june birthdays  

Judy C,  

Ivan B,  

Judy M,  

Susan G,  

Sally T

Barbara B

Louise L

june walk 

Twelve intrepid Probians met at The Third Rail at Waverton for coffee. We set off in  glorious winter weather to stroll down to the Coal Loader. There the lighthouse  replenishment ship the Cape Don is slowly rotting away. Such a loss of history. Then  around the loop road in the Balls Head Reserve. The walk offered two short cuts which  some took up. After many stairs There was viewing platform overlooking the Harbour. A  narrow road led us past a house that looked like a scene from the film Deliverance.  We all ended up at the Third Rail with everyone accounted for.  

We will be away for the next two meetings with Lindsay and Mary stepping up to help.  Douglas Irvin, Walks Organiser  

july walk  

Details TBA  

Douglas I, Walks Organiser 

MOVIES

This month’s film on Tuesday 23 June, at a time to  

be advised, is The Christophers which is showing at  

the Orpheum.  

The estranged children of a once famous artist hire  

a forger to complete his unfinished works so that  

they can be “discovered” and sold after his death.  

The film is a sharp, darkly comic exploration of art,  

legacy and deception, led by Ian McKellen and  

Emmy winner Michael Coel.  

It has received some good reviews for its clever  

gamesmanship and the film’s deeper philosophical  

look at the value of art and the marketplace.  

 Peter Ware Movies Organiser 

june outing - report 

On a bleak with spotting rain day,  

24 of our members were joined  

by 7 members from Lane Cove  

and 4 members from Waverton  

Probus clubs making 35 Probians  

in all travelled to ANSTO  

Research Facility.  

Our OnCourse Tours driver, Peter,  

gave us a running commentary  

regarding places of interest on  

our way to Lucas Heights.  

We were informed about nuclear science and its application to health, the environment  and technology. Our guide told us that the Nuclear Medicine Department at Royal North  Shore Hospital is rated as best in the world.  

  

Many remarked that the outing was very informative and interesting.  Robin Solomon, Outings Co-Organiser

july outing

 

Banquet at “Infuzions” Restaurant, Cammeray - 7th July 2026.  

We currently have 23 paid-up members for this Outing. 3 persons who have indicated an  interest but have yet to pay.  

There is still room for a few more so If you are interested in coming along please make a  payment of $48 to the Probus bank account (don’t forget to mark it “Banquet payment”).  Our cut-off date for this Outing will be Tuesday 23 June.  

 Jocelyn M Outings Organiser  

august outing 

4th August 2026 - On Course Outing to Nan Tien Temple and Wollongong  This tour includes morning tea, lunch, an extensive tour of the Temple and gardens, a Tai  Chi lesson and a brief tour of the Wollongong district. To date, we have 14 people  interested in this Outing. We need a minimum of 20 people (cost $103) or 30 people  (cost $85). It is intended to open this outing to other Probus groups so if you would like to  go please let Jocelyn or Robin know ASAP.  

Jocelyn Millet Outings Organiser  

september outing

1st September 2026 - Kuring-gai  

Wildflower Garden. Springtime in the  

Gardens should be the best time of year to  

visit.  

We will use the Community Connect bus to  

travel there where we have a booking for 20  

members to be treated to a Wild Welcome  

excursion followed by lunch at the Terrey  

Hills Tavern.  

Mary Ann I Outings Co- Organiser  

 

cluster muster  

Wollstonecraft Probus Club have shared the following:  

Free concert - Dying to sing is to be held on Friday 19th June from 1 - 2pm at North  Sydney Community Centre, 220 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060  Refreshments provided.  

Several members of Probus clubs are members of the choir  

Mary Ann Irvin, Probus Cluster Representative

fiddler on the roof  

Mary Ann has tickets to distribute at the meeting. Please make sure you collect yours. 

 

our regular tuesday monthly schedule  1st Tuesday outing  

2nd Tuesday walk  

3rd Tuesday committee meeting 9.15 am followed by general meeting 10.15 am  4th Tuesday movie  

5th Tuesday picnic/lunch/other activity 

dates for the diary: june, july, august  Tuesday 16 June, 9.15am Probus Committee meeting, followed by  

Tuesday 16 June, 10.15am Probus General meeting, Northbridge Golf Club  Tuesday 23 June, Cremorne Orpheum, The Christophers. Time to be announced.  Tuesday 30 June, Probus 5th Tuesday Picnic. Details to be announced.  Tuesday 7th July 2026, Banquet at “Infuzions” Restaurant, Cammeray -  Tuesday 14 July Walk. Details to be announced.  

Thursday 20th August @ 1:00pm Fiddler on the Roof. Theatre Royal Sydney.  Tuesday 31st August. Fifth Tuesday Picnic. Blackwell Park in Lane Cove with the Lane Cove  Probus invited.  

Tuesday 1st September Outing Kuring-gai Wildflower Garden.  

Thursday 1st October from 9:30am. Morning Tea. North Sydney Council have provided  funding for the 6 Probus Clubs of the North Sydney LGA to hold a 50th Anniversary  celebration at the Crows Nest Centre. There will be a nominal charge to attend. More  details will be supplied closer to the date.  

preferred method of payment  

(for all north sydney probus activities)  

Probus bank account: BSB

Acc number

Information in Description: name of the activity and your name  

 May 2026 newsletter 401

PROBUS CLUB OF NORTH SYDNEY

president’s report

The past month has flown by. Next Tuesday there will be an extraordinary general

meeting to re-vote on adoption of the new constitution. Unfortunately this is necessary

because a procedural error at the time of the first vote.

We are hoping that among our members there will be someone who has the skills to

assist with the re-vamp of our club web page. If you have an interest and skills to

assist, please speak to me, or any other committee member.

Thanks to all of you who have organised and led outings and activities in the past

month.

I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday

Barbara B, President

may walk

Early in the morning the weather looked very threatening. Eleven Probians met for

coffee in the Manon Café in the QVB. Nine optimists took the train to St Peters where

someone who didn't bring a brolly opted out. (You would think an Englishman

would have a brolly fixed to their hand). Thankfully the weather cleared allowing a

nice stroll around Sydney Park. Douglas I, Walks Organiser

june walk

The walk will start near the Waverton Train Station for coffee at The Third Rail Café

before walking down to the Coal Loader. Then a nice amble around Balls Head

Reserve. Due to extensive construction works we are forced to go up many stairs

which some might find challenging.

After this there is a short cut back to the Station for lunch.

Hardy souls have go an extra 500m. Short distance 3km and full distance 3.5km.

As numbers have been down on the walks I want to try having a walk with

two different levels in it. There will be any easy part and a harder part. Of

course to start and finish together. A topic for discussion.

Douglas I, Walks Organiser

march probus picnic

The weather was perfect and an enjoyable picnic was had by all. At one of

the previous picnics four sausages were stolen by kookaburras. This time

only one bun. The kooka dropped it on the grass and it was set upon by flock

of kookas and seagulls like a scene out of Hitchcock's The Birds movie.

The next 5th Tuesday is the 30th of June when we are away. Any volunteers to

organise an cosy indoor event? August has a 5th Tuesday and it is hoped to join with

Lane Cove Probus for our picnic. Douglas Irwin Picnic Organiser

speakers

“The Speaker this month is Retired Chief Inspector Gary Raymond who will cover

some of his experiences with the Police under the heading “Danger is my Business”.

In June our Speaker will be Georgia Holmes whose topic is “Organising Your Home”,

including tips on decluttering and storage.”

Ivan B, Speakers Organiser

The next movie on Tuesday 26 May at the

Orpheum, at a time to be advised, is The

Sheep Detectives with an all star cast

including Hugh Jackman and Emma

Thompson.

In this witty new breed of mystery drama a

shepherd reads detective novels to his

beloved sheep assuming that they can’t

understand. But when a mysterious event

occurs on the farm the sheep realise they

have to become detectives, proving that

even sheep can solve a crime.

It’s a different type of family movie but has

got some positive reviews - should be a lot of

fun. Peter Ware Movies Organiser

may birthdays

Jocelyn M,

Maureen T,

Denis C,

Jackie M,

Margaret B

FOR THEATRE GOERS

Fiddler on the Roof. Theatre Royal Sydney. 20th August @ 1:00pm

20 seats have been reserved for our club for this performance. There are 6

accessible seats in the Circle at $69 each and 14 seats in the stalls at $84 each.

"After a sold out season in London, breaking the record for the best-selling musical

of all time at the Barbican Theatre, and winning three Olivier Awards including Best

Musical Revival, Fiddler on the Roof will have its inaugural Australian Premiere at

Theatre Royal Sydney. As one of the greatest musicals of all time featuring, ‘If I Were

A Rich Man’, ‘Tradition’, ‘Matchmaker’ and ‘Sunrise, Sunset’, this classic musical of joy

and community is an exuberant celebration of love and life."

Payment is due by the June Probus meeting. Please note 'Fiddler' in the description

when making payment into our bank account. We will be able to see what type of

seat you need by the payment amount.

Mary Ann I, Cluster Representative

may outing - tour of old gpo

The May outing (tour of the Old GPO) proved to be immensely popular. Those who

attended were treated to an informative and engaging tour, covering both the

interior and exterior of this historic site.

Our guide explained that the construction of the Old GPO took place in two distinct

phases, between 1866 and 1891. The building officially opened its doors in 1874.

During the tour, we were provided with a concise history of the evolution of the

Australian mail system, which started with people personally collecting their mail

from a central location. Over time, mail delivery methods progressed from foot, to

horse, to bicycle, and eventually to car.

Inside the building, we had the opportunity to see Sydney’s original fresh water

source, the Tank Stream, which was located beneath the building. We also saw

where the old stables once stood and viewed the old Shipping Board, which

recorded the arrival and departure of vessels that transported mail to and from

Australia. The exterior of the building features a captivating history of its own,

evident in its decorative sculptures. Many of us remarked that we would never again

walk past the old GPO with our heads down. It was surprising how much history had gone unnoticed 

until today.  Jocely M, Outings Organiser

next outing

Planning for our visit to ANSTO - Lucas Heights Discovery Centre with OnCourse

Tours on Tuesday 2nd June is well underway.

Education officers will take us on a journey into the world at the sub- atomic scale,

helping to solve the big issues of health, climate change and innovation for industry.

We will inform you of details via email closer to the day.

We look forward to seeing you then.

Robin S Outings co-organiser

our regular tuesday monthly schedule

1st Tuesday outing

2nd Tuesday walk

3rd Tuesday committee meeting 9.15 am followed by general meeting 10.15 am

4th Tuesday movie

dates for the diary: may, june, july

Tuesday 19 May, 9.15am Probus Committee, followed by

Tuesday 19 May, 10.15am Probus general meeting, Northbridge Golf Club

Tuesday 26 May, Cremorne Orpheum, The Sheep Detectives. Time to be announced.

See p 5 Movies

Tuesday 2 June, 9am, Northbridge Golf Club pickup for trip to ANSTO. (See p 8)

Tuesday 9 June walk. Balls Head Reserve. Details to be announced.

Thursday 20th August @ 1:00pm Fiddler on the Roof. Theatre Royal Sydney. See p 6

5th Tuesday picnic/lunch/other activity

preferred method of payment

(for all north sydney probus activities)

Probus bank account: BSB 032-099

Acc number 000

Information in Description: name of the activity and your name

 May 6, 2026 

Test

 THE PROBUS CLUB OF NORTH SYDNEY  Newsletter 400 21 April, 2026  

PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Barbara Bell 

I want to welcome our new committee  members ( Lis, our new VP; Deon,  membership officer;

Douglas, walks  organiser), and members taking on new  roles (Carole-anne as secretary and Bill as  newsletter editor). 

 The new committee 

I also want to thank all the outgoing  committee members for the efforts they  have put into their roles over the past  several years, especially Patrick, who has  sourced numerous interesting and  engaging speakers for every meeting; to  Lindsay for the variety of walks he and  Penny have scoped out for us and he has  led so ably; to Lyn whose efforts as  membership secretary have seen a  significant number of new members  joining the club over the past couple of  years; and Judy who has produced our  newsletter. 

The committee will focus on planning for  the next 12 months, including activities  celebrating the 50th anniversary of Probus  in Australia. If anyone has suggestions for  other activities they would like to see the  club engage in, please give your ideas to  any committee member so we can look at  how we may be able to incorporate them  into our program. 

I look forward to the next 12 months of fun,  friendship and fellowship with all of you. 

 ❖❖❖❖❖ 

MEMBERSHIP - Deon C

We currently have 59 members. 

In March Sally & Noel Thompson were  welcomed into the club. 

Geoff & Robyn Payne resigned. 

BIRTHDAYS 

April: 5 Bob M, 9 Gillian W, 18 Enzo S, 29 Geoff P

SPEAKERS - Patrick W

In April our speaker will be Alan Lawrenson  who is speaking on Australia’s looming  energy crisis.  

MOVIES - Peter W

The next movie outing is on Tuesday 28  April at the Cremorne Orpheum and the  film I have selected is I Swear. It follows  the true story of a Tourette Syndrome  campaigner, John Davidson and his  journey with Tourette’s through his troubled  childhood, having been diagnosed at 15  years of age in 1980’s Britain. 

I am hoping that the timing will be okay for  the 28th but as yet the screening details  for this date have not been announced. 

 ❖❖❖❖❖ 

OUTINGS - Jocelyn M and sub committee 

• MAY OUTING - Jocelyn - GPO Tour  5 May, 2026 at 12 noon.  

This up-coming tour has now 

reached its limit of 15. Payment of $20.00  should be made to our Probus bank  account, as on page 3.  

If you have missed out but would like to  go, contact Jocelyn Millett and ask her to  place you on the waiting list. Rendezvous  details to come. 

jonem@bigpond.com 

 ❖❖❖❖❖ 

• JUNE OUTING - Robin - ANSTO 2 June, 2026 

We are now visiting ANSTO with  OnCourse Tours. Morning tea and a  guided tour of Lucas Heights Discovery  Centre are included.  

Price Per Person: $55.00 (based on a  minimum of 30 people).  

Pick Up from Northbridge Golf Club:  9.00am  

Drop Off at Northbridge Golf Club:  Approx 3.00pm.    

Members of Lane Cove and Waverton  Probus Clubs are joining us.  Lunch will be  at your own expense at the Lucas Heights  Canteen. 

To reserve your place please now deposit  $55.00 into our bank account (see page  3) with your name and 'ANSTO' in the  details. Payments are due ASAP so that  we know numbers, but MUST be made  before Tuesday 5 May. 

If you wish to pay in cash, payments will  be taken at our next meeting on 21st April. 

PLEASE NOTE: one week prior to the  date of departure ANSTO require a list  of all names (alphabetical surname  order), addresses, date of birth and  Driver’s Licence or Passport number or  Pension Card number. 

Details to Robin 

rsolomon493@gmail.com 

This form of ID must also be brought  with each member on the day. Enclosed  shoes must be worn – no open toed  sandals. 

 ❖❖❖❖❖ 

• NAVAL HISTORICAL CRUISE 10 April  Report Ivan Blake 

On Friday, April 10 at King Street Wharf 28  members boarded the M/V Bennelong for  the Naval Historical Cruise on the western  side of Port Jackson. We began with the  

speaker outlining the history of the Australian Navy as we passed Goat Island  heading to HMAS Waterhen at Waverton,  the support base for six 1960s mine  sweepers. 

We continued to quieter waters in the Lane  Cover River for a sumptuous morning tea  before continuing to circle Cockatoo Island  learning about its fascinating history from  convict prison to girls reform school. In  1857 a dockyard was established to  maintain Royal Navy warships and its ship building and dry dock facilities continued  until its closure in 1991. 

We passed Spectacle Island, once a  munitions store, and sailed close to tiny  Snapper Island which was the base for  training Sea Cadets until the 1960s. We  returned to Barangaroo by 1pm after a  thoroughly enjoyable three hour cruise. 

 ❖❖❖❖❖  

AFTERNOON  

TEA WITH THE  

GOVERNOR -  

Mary Ann 

As the club's  

ambassador,  

Mary Ann  

attended the  

afternoon tea to  

celebrate the 

Golden  

Anniversary of  

Probus in Australia at Government House  Sydney on Monday 23 March 2026 along  with more than 100 other club  

representatives. 

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret  Beazley AC KC, congratulated Probus on  our achievements over the past 50 years.  

Then guests were able to tour the public  areas of the building and the extensive  gardens. As well as the promised tea,  guests were treated to some of Australia's  fine wine and delicacies from the  Government House kitchen. Several  representatives from our cluster were  there, so it was a very pleasant occasion. Government House is an outstanding  building, well worth a tour one day. 

 ❖❖❖❖❖ 

PREFERRED METHOD OF PAYMENT  FOR ALL NORTH SYDNEY PROBUS  ACTIVITIES 

Probus bank account: 

BSB 032-099 

Acc number

Information in Description: name of the  activity and your name 

Page 3

Probus regular Tuesday monthly schedule  

1st Tuesday outing 

2nd Tuesday walk 

3rd Tuesday committee meeting 9.15 am followed by general meeting 10.15 am 4th Tuesday movie 

5th Tuesday picnic/lunch/other activity

Welcome to new members 

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR  

“Bye” from Judy (Ed. June 2023 - April  2026) and “Hi” to Bill (Ed. May 2026 +) 

DATES FOR THE DIARY:  APRIL, MAY, JUNE 

Tuesday 21 April, 9.15am  

Committee meeting, Northbridge  Golf Club 

Tuesday 21 April, 10.15am Probus  General meeting, Northbridge Golf  Club 

Tuesday 28 April, Cremorne  Orpheum, I Swear. Time to be  announced. See p 2 Movies 

Tuesday 5 May, old GPO tour, 12  noon. Details later 

Tuesday 12 May walk. Details to be  announced. 

Tuesday 19 May, 9.15am Probus  Committee, followed by 10.15am  Probus general meeting,  

Northbridge Golf Club 

Tuesday 2 June, 9am, Northbridge  Golf Club pickup for trip to ANSTO.  See p 2