THE HERVEY Bay Citizens Club, previously known as Hervey Bay and District Senior Citizens Club Inc., has a proud history of almost 40 years in the region supporting seniors that now includes memberships with all ages of 20 years and over.
The club has survived entirely on the support of volunteers, hard working committees and fundraising that now boasts a current financial membership base of 792 members.
This club has a fascinating story as its origins can be traced back to May of 1977, by a lady named Gwen Parker as she started a social group in the Urangan Progress Hall. They began with 19 members and commenced fundraising in March of 1978 with a membership of 209.
The Hervey Bay council at the time acquired land on the corner of Denman Camp and Totness Street, Torquay in April 1979. With a Government subsidy and $100,000 raised by Club, they built their current building. The Club was officially opened on 14th September 1985, free of any debt.
Recent President for five years and now Assistant Secretary, Karen Flannery, says it’s the strength of their volunteers that makes their club sustainable.
“Since our opening, the other amazement is that it has continually been run by a volunteer Committee and Volunteers manning the front counter. The only paid employees now are three cleaners. Our club has been and continues to be self funded, which is a great achievement.”
The club currently opens Monday to Friday, running many social and recreational activities. Their focus is for people to keep moving and to share with others socially.
The club has a variety of activities – indoor bowls, cards, chair pilates, laughter yoga, line dancing, craft, sewing, Tai Chi, quilting, low Impact exercise / aerobics, table tennis, and ballroom dancing.
“Our night permanent hall hirers are Fonzies Rock n Roll, HUMPS (ukelele club), Tai chi and Cool Country Music”, says Karen.
“So as you can see, we are a busy club and offer much to our members including an onsite hairdresser, library, monthly newsletter and monthly bus trips.”
Every day during the week the Hervey Bay Citizens Club has something on, and is also conscious of introducing their members to new technology with Computer and Mobile Phone lessons.
The weekends are not excluded as their hall is offered on a casual basis to events such as markets, wellness expos, quilting expos and concerts.
Their motto of “The fun club for the Young” conveys that they are inclusive for almost all ages and all club members can enjoy life and their social activities.
The Hervey Bay Citizens Club is at 28 Totness Street, Torquay, and can be contacted on 4128 4837 and also can be found on Facebook.
