Emma McBride (Dobell, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health) Share this | Hansard source

Last Monday I was delighted to join the official opening of the Toukley 50 Plus Leisure & Learning Centre Art & Craft Show with David Harris, the member for Wyong. The centre proudly boasts that it's the largest seniors' club in Australia. I've heard it's the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The exhibition was held as part of the New South Wales Seniors Festival, and all art and craft was created by members. The People's Choice Award was won by Heather Leaity for her painting inspired by the Norah Head Lighthouse. Heather is a volunteer who teaches watercolour classes each Friday.

Originally known as the Toukley Senior Citizens' Club, it was founded in 1978 and now has close to 2,000 active members. For just $6 a year, Toukley 50 Plus Leisure & Learning Centre boasts that you can join a club where life begins at 50 and old dogs learn new tricks—from art, cards, choir, computers, crochet, knitting and spinning to tennis, tai chi, housie and indoor bowls. The centre also has its own tour group, coordinated by Pamela Gallagher, with regular day and away trips with over 1,500 passengers each year. Thank you to president Carmen Mouat, senior vice president Lynette Groves, junior vice president Cheryl Halpin, secretary Lyn Prpic, assistant secretary Fran Hammill, treasurer Lynn Wheildon, assistant treasurer Helen McCormick, activities coordinator Robyn Earley and board members John Mahaffy, Geoff Peebles, William Russell, Pamela Gallagher and Chris Foley for all you do for all our community. If you're not a member and over 50, drop by. Everyone's welcome! (Time expired)

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