Highfields Probus Inc

The Probus Club of Highfields was founded in 2008 with the assistance of the Rotary Club of West Toowoomba with the aim of providing opportunities for social interaction for retired and semi-retired people in Highfields and surrounding areas.  A public meeting was held at the Highfields Cultural Centre on 22 October 2008. Rotary Club member Chris Warmington was the driving force behind the meeting and other members present were Jan Denver (President of the Rotary Club of West Toowoomba), Tony Wharton (Rotary District Probus Chairman), Chris Wright (Rotary District 9630 Chairman) and Jock Psaros who was photographer for the day. 

At this meeting 71 people became Foundation Members. Audrey and Trevor Blinco, Maurie Josey, Helen and Joe Kochman, Elsie McFadden, John Melvin and Gwen Rees are still active members. A nomination by Gwen Rees resulted in Ian Harrison being elected Foundation President. Ian was joined by Mel Becker (Vice President), Glen Davidson (Secretary), Doug Whittle (Treasurer), along with Ailsa Eaton, Norm Fiori and Jenny Clarke to form the first Committee. This group provided a strong basis for the development of the Club and remained as the Committee until the AGM in March 2010. Since then many people have made outstanding contributions to the club as Club President and as members of the Management Committees over the years.  Past Presidents include: Mel Becker, Doug Whittle, Glen Davidson, Maurie Josey, Eric Linden (2 terms), Trish Bourke (2 terms) Peter Butzbach, Rob Neary, Helen Kochman, Lorna Butzbach, Wayne Roddom, Jim Carter, Terry Bourke and Neil Michel (2 terms).

Meetings were held at the Cultural Centre for the first two years then increasing costs meant meetings moved to St Anne’s Hall in 2010 and most meetings were held there until the Covid pandemic in 2020 which meant: firstly, there was a cessation of meetings and all other club activities; secondly, a dramatic decline in membership and thirdly, that St Anne’s was no longer suitable as a meeting venue. After a couple of meetings back at the Cultural Centre, the Highfields Tavern became the most suitable and cost-effective meeting venue. 

In 2010 Mike and Shiela Spooner commenced a Book Exchange and Bring-and- Buy Table where members donate books, produce, plants and home-made items such as preserves and baked goods. This has continued through the years and provides valuable funds for the club and useful items for members.

Guest speakers at meetings provide informative, interesting, thought-stimulating and often very entertaining presentations on a diversity of topics. Speakers volunteer their time and expertise to provide information on subjects such as History, Health Issues, Legal  issues, Personal safety and security, Travel, Photography, Finance, Art, Exercise, Environmental issues, Local issues and events to name a few. Politicians, Police Officers, Health workers, Historians, Authors, Animal carers, Scientists, Social Workers, Representatives from charities, Community groups and support organisations are some of the people who have spoken at meetings. Many of the most interesting presentations have come from our own club members who have shared their life experiences, details of their careers and interests.