MEMBERS of the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea embarked on a visit to South Gippsland and Phillip Island for the first extended retreat of 2026. They had arrived at Wilsons Promontory National Park and were commencing a short walk along the banks of Tidal River when it was announced that two members Rae and Ray Cordell had married 65 years ago to the day.
This momentous Blue Sapphire occasion was noted at the time and more formally at the evening dinner venue.
Tidal River rises below Mount Latrobe and flows into Bass Strait. The river descends 367 metres over its six-kilometre course and is an unusually short river.
The flat beach was a contrast to the Strzelecki Ranges where we were the day before at Tarra-Bulga National Park. Known for its giant Mountain Ash trees, beautiful fern gullies and ancient myrtle beeches, Tarra Bulga has some of the best examples of original cool temperate rainforests.
Port Albert was our first encampment and soon the relaxed atmosphere overtook the visitors.
Wilson Promontory was the morning’s exploratory with luncheon at Inverloch before visiting the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi.
There of the adventure was in the Visitor’s Centre, watching a short film on the history of Wonthaggi and the State Coal Mine.
There is a village of restored buildings which give visitors indications of times gone by such as those in the old miner’s cottage to learn more about the mining days in the museum. The well-known canary in the mine is brought to life as passing by the resident canaries to gain an insight into how creatures, both large and small, were vital to the running of the mine.
A number of other attractions were visited but none were more heart wrenching than the National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM) founded by Vietnam Veterans to help other veterans cope better with their experiences both during the war and after their return to Australia.
Some of our members have very personal memories of the War and were acknowledged by our guide as we spent almost an hour in the facility. Our members are of the age that the Vietnam Conflict was part of their everyday lives between 1955 and 1975. It truly was an afternoon of reflection.