Taree Probus Club has had a very diverse range of interesting speakers from past meetings, including a representative of MidCoast Council, the financial industry and club members.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Member Neville Mays was born in Lithgow and spoke of his life growing up there, before moving to Taree.
MidCoast Council's director of community spaces and services, Paul De Szell spoke of his role within council. Of its 1000 staff, 509 report directly to him as well as 12 managers of departments in his care, parks, playgrounds, libraries, landfills, art gallery, Manning Entertainment Centre, events, community services, MidCoast Assist customer services, tourism and economic development, Barrington Coast and communication, all within the council area from Karuah to past Johns River and west to 1.6 kiometres short of Nowendoc.
Staff teams for all above regulatory, development, environmental and strategic management and customer services. A big part of his job is communication with the community, delivering services and volunteer engagement of which there are 1500 persons, 3500 hectare of park requires mowing and 196 kilometres of coastline.
The move to Taree South's Biripi Way will be a task for his teams. Once done, there will be small offices in Forster and Gloucester for those areas' residents wanting to do business, pay rates and dog registrations etc.
It was a very interesting talk from a busy man.
Glen Hardes thanked Paul for his contribution to the day's meeting.
Certificates were presented to George Shreeve, 95, for 33 years of active membership, and Maurie Spicer, 30 years a member.
It was also pleasing to welcome back life member Eric Penfold following his recent surgery. To see him seated with our other life member Bill Papworth was special.
At another meeting we heard a talk from member Tony Gates who was born in Walcha. He spoke of his life growing up there, his Mum and Dad running a grocery store, and his uncle selling firearms, and of going to Armidale teachers college to become a school teacher.
Alan Tickle from Your Heritage Financial Planning was born and raised in Dungog. He commenced work in the CBC Bank which later merged with the NAB. In 1977 he moved to Kempsey, later joining St George Building Society with $100 million under administration.
Alan assists clients with claims, income and assets for age pension and care fees estimate, advice on funding options for cost of care and fee reduction solutions, filling in forms and general advice on pension income and asset test. His business operates on a service agreement rather than commission.
He advised members that funeral bonds are a worthwhile investment. After the funeral drawdown the balance of the bond is paid back into the estate, and not counted as an asset. They also advise on age care and age pension assessment means tests, share market dividends and any other financial matter.
It was very interesting topic for our Probus members with many questions from them following the talk.
Mr.Jim Stacey thanked Alan for his interesting address.
Certificates were presented to Ray Foxley and Tony Holland for 25 year membership; John Gibbs, John Ward and Graham McMorrine, 80 year OBEs, and Bernie Pertzell, 90 years. Congratulations to all those members for their service.
New members are most welcome to join our group. If retired or near retired with time on your hands, looking for fun and fellowship or interested in great speakers, you can phone president Peter on 6556 1055 or secretary Tony on 6552 4284 for further details.
