Janice Creenaune meets Wendy McKay, a retired primary and special education teacher and consultant for student welfare in NSW, who has become Thirroul Probus Club’s first female president
Wendy McKay sees herself as unremarkable, but after only a few years in Thirroul she has stepped up to take the helm of the Thirroul Probus Club.
“I want the members to see that if I can lift myself out of my comfort zone to be president of the club, then any member of the group can also do it. And our club is growing.
“We currently have about 114 members. The club began in November 2019, and was sponsored originally by Corrimal Rotary Club. I am proud to be a foundation member and to follow Mike Brennan and David Sherlock as president.”
Wendy moved to Thirroul in 2019 and enjoyed meeting other people. “I was house-sitting in the area and realised I loved the area, the seaside atmosphere, the escarpment, the natural beauty of the glorious Illawarra and so I moved from inner Sydney to Thirroul.
“Luckily I was able to transfer some of my volunteering activities from Sydney. Initially I joined Friends of Wollongong Botanic Garden and became a volunteer gardener and later I became a simulated patient at the University of Wollongong School of Graduate Medicine, promoting the development of communication skills of medical students. I wanted to make a contribution to the community, using my skills and experience and remaining productive in retirement. And, of course, meet people and make new friends in the area.”
When Wendy first retired she volunteered with Volunteers for Isolated Students Education (VISE), travelling to isolated stations to tutor children enrolled in Distance Education (School of the Air).
“I loved this activity … It was an absolute privilege to be welcomed by farming families, and to participate in a genuine learning exchange.”
Wendy’s introduction to the newly formed Probus Club in 2019 was a good example of happenstance. “I received a leaflet in my letterbox … and decided to give it a go.
“We meet at Club Thirroul on Mondays once a month. We always have interesting speakers on a diverse range of topics.”
Speakers usually address topics related to living locally and have included the Thirroul Village Committee, Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid,
a co-owner of Resin Brewery, Cancer Care and the not-for-profit Tender Funerals.
Thirroul Probus runs a wide range of activities, including a book club, a coffee club, a Barefoot Bowls group at Club Thirroul, and groups for cycling, swimming, walking, golf and more.
“We have Small Group Dining for which a local restaurant of the month is selected and a group of about 6-8 people share a meal at the restaurant together. It’s a great way to get to know more members … and support local eateries.”
The club hosts tours, excursions, and trips away.
Wendy enjoys the many and varied activities, the camaraderie and the building of the club.
“I really enjoy the goodwill of the club. We work together and really enjoy each other’s company.”
Wendy has found her real home in Thirroul, but it is the village that remains grateful for her inclusion. With Wendy and the efficient and energetic management committee the Thirroul Probus Club is in steady hands with a great future.
Thirroul Probus Club meets at Club Thirroul on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10am for 10.30am until 11.30am. Contact Margaret Tobin on thirroulprobus@gmail.com or visit www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/thirroul/2022
Writer Janice Creenaune is a volunteer for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com or call 4267 4880.
