0rotecting Yourself from Scammers: Essential Information and Resources

Podcast Resources:

    *    Be Connected    

    *    Scamwatch

Government Resources and Helpline:

    *   Scamwatch Updates:   The Australian Government Scamwatch, part of the ACCC, provides regular updates. It’s highly                  recommended to sign up for their free and helpful advice as it could save you from financial loss due to scams.

    *   Helpline:  For personal assistance, contact the helpline at 1300 795 897. 

    *   Statistics:  In 2024, Australians lost $2.70 billion to scammers, a small decrease from 2023.

Essential Online Security Tips.    

    *    Enable multi-factor authentication for your email, bank, and social media accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

    *    Use long and unpredictable passwords.

    *    Turn on automatic updates and install software updates promptly.

    *    Regularly check your bank accounts for unusual activity.

    *    Do not disclose personal information during unsolicited or unexpected phone calls.

    *    Seek professional advice to protect yourself from identity theft and financial loss.

    *    Use reputable security software and regularly back up your data. 

    *    Familiarize yourself with common scams. 

    *    Predictions for 2025 suggest Australians may lose more than AUD$3 billion to scammers.

Additional Resources:

    *    ACCC:  Visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission at www.accc.gov.au for more information.

    *    Email Security:  Check if your email address has been compromised at www.Have I Been Pwned.

    *    Cyber Alerts:   Sign up for the free alert service from ACSC at www.cyber.gov.au 

    *    IDCARE:  This not for profit charity offers sound advice on protecting your identity. Call them on 1300 432 273 

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Key Points. 

*  Drivers aged 75 years or over must carry a current Medical Certificate and adhere to any conditions specified on it.

*   Non compliance fine: $161.

*   Required form:  Transport and Main Roads Corporate Form F3712.

*   Download it from the Queensland Government Transport and Main Roads website (link below)

*   Complete Part 1 of the form before your Doctor fills out the remainder.

*   Once your Doctor has completed the form, retain the section labeled,  

     “Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver”

*   This Certificate must be carried at all times while driving.

*   If your Doctor modifies any driving restrictions (e.g., daylight driving only), you must comply with the updated conditions.

 Presentation of Medical Certificate:

 You need to present your Medical Certificate at a Driving Licence Issuing Centre only if:    

#   Your driver licence is due for renewal, or has been damaged or stolen.

#   Your Doctor has added or amended a condition on your driver licence.

#   Your Doctor has changed the class of vehicle that you are authorised to drive.

#    You wish to receive a further reminder when the medical certificate is due to expire.

 Important Notes:

*    Medical certificates are valid for a maximum period of 13 months, requiring annual renewal. 

*    For more information about medical conditions and driving, call 13 23 80 or visit

      www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/update/medical

The Probus South Pacific Limited membership benefits scheme offers members exclusive discounts from a variety of participating businesses. All you need to do is present your Probus South Pacific Limited membership card. Keep your membership card handy and use it when you go into a store, to book accommodation or to organise a social activity with Probus Member scheme Benefits Scheme Partners. Simply present your card or quote the relevant code number.

 If you require information about Travel Insurance, visit the Probus South Pacific site and read the Travel Insurance – Australian Probus Members article at the top of the page. If you need a quote for travel insurance simply press the “Get A Quote” button on the Travel Insurance page and fill in the details on the pop up screen.

Alternatively, use the following contact information.

*    Email: ProbusTravel@allianz-assistance.com.au

*    Toll-free number: 1300 630 488 

For further information, it is advisable to visit the Australian Government’s travel advice website:  Smart Traveller.  

RECOMMENDED TRAVEL SPOTS IN AUSTRALIA

If you are considering a road trip, here are some of the best travel spots for mature travelers in Australia.

*    Best of the Best Award:   Bullara Station Stay in Coral Coast Western Australia.

*    Best Attraction Award:  Outback at Mt Isa Visitor Information Centre.

*    Best Grey Nomad Friendly Town:  Thallon in the St George Region in Outback Queensland. (Source: Australian Seniors              News 12th March 2024 edition.)

TRAVEL TIP FOR EUROPE 

If you are planning a trip to Europe it is advisable to take your credit card(s) with you, as many shops and pubs now only accept credit cards. This is because credit card transactions are considered safer for their staff and facilitate faster service. However, be aware of the high number of scammers in Europe. It is wise to inform your bank of your intended destinations and travel dates before departure.    

Frequent socialising may help you live longer, according to a recent article in the Courier Mail.

So how do we socialise? Well here’s an example from President Al about a cruise that the Club took from Brisbane City to the Gold Coast on board the good ship Lady Brisbane (pictured above).  

“It was a wonderfully sunny and cool day at the Hamilton Riverside dock, when 43 intrepid and eager old sea dogs and dogettes boarded the Lady Brisbane on the 29th April for a calm water cruise to the Gold Coast. Fellowship and friendship abounded as we sailed under the Gateway Bridge and headed south. More so once the bar was opened! We learnt a lot of new things from the commentary of our Captain and saw many interesting places and sights that I’m sure a lot of us didn’t know existed. As the drinks increased in numbers and the crescendo of friendly banter rose to the heavens, we sailed our way between dozens of islands off the coast. Who knew there were so many?

As the journey unfolded, the stairs to the top deck became a bit precarious as we circulated about this Grand Old Lady of the Sea, in order to gain an advantage of viewing relaxing scenery and catch-ups with our Probian friends. Soon the scent of BBQ preparation was wafting on the air, and the crew served up a lovely lunch, accompanied by some challenging cutlery. Morning and afternoon tea and coffees, with muffins and bickies held off the hunger pangs. Well done Dena and her staff.

We arrived at the Marina about three in the afternoon, well fed and contented, and with an unsteady wander from the dock to the bus stop, where we boarded for a much needed bus trip back to the Hamilton Hotel.

All in all, a lovely relaxing day of fun, friendship and fellowship was had by all who attended. Well done Tour Director Peter Lamb!”      

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Following tradition, the Rotary Club of Albany Creek decided during the 1997-1998 Rotary year there were sufficient possible candidates to sponsor a Probus Club with members drawn from the districts of Albany Creek, Aspley and adjacent areas. After inaugural meetings of interested prospective members, the first general meeting was held on 2nd July 1998 at the Aspley Bowls Club. (Subsequently, the Club has met at the Hornets Club, Chermside Bowls Club, The Tavernetta Function Centre at Carseldine and for several years now at the Hornets Club at Carseldine.) In the first Bulletin of the Club, fifty seven persons were listed as members. It is significant that almost twenty six years later the Club now has 110 members and averages 75 at its monthly meetings. Unfortunately, through passings and resignations, only seven of the fifty seven are still members; Ron Day, Lillian Schloss (now Day), Eileen Feltham, Bill and Val Maxwell and Allen and Joyce Spilsbury. (Ron Day assisted greatly in the Club’s formation and at that time he was District Probus Chairman and a member of the Rotary Club of Aspley). 

The Club is affiliated with the Probus Association of Queensland Inc. accredited by the Probus South Pacific Limited and incorporated with the Queensland Office of Fair Trading. A Management Committee of ten members is elected annually in accordance with the Club’s By-Laws. They are the President, Vice President , Secretary, Treasurer, and Tour Organizer, Membership Officer, Programmes Officer, Activities Co-Ordinator, Hospitality Officer, Welfare Officer and Bulletin Editor. (The Past President is a non-elected member of the Management Committee). 

The Management Committee meets on the last Thursday of the month (excluding December) before the general meeting which is held on the first Thursday of the month, except January. Established procedure is that the position of Vice President rotates between a male and a female member each year, they occupy that position for one year, then become President for one year and then Past President for one year. Other members of the Management Committee can occupy their positions for three years, which period can be extended at a general meeting of the Club. (Four current members of the Management Committee have had their period of occupancy extended at a general meeting.)

The Club has a comparatively new website as well as a monthly newsletter which is distributed by email and also available in hard copy at each general meeting.   (Written by Greg Early, Secretary May 2024.) 

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There are a number of discounts and concessions available to Probus members including the Queensland Governments Seniors Card and Translinks Go Card.

Probus – How to take advantage of more discounts and concessions (probussouthpacific.org)

Probus – Discover South West Outback and the Channel Country (probussouthpacific.org)

A wide range of member discounts are available here: Probus Member Benefits_Scheme

If you need further information re member discounts email admin@probussouthpacific.org and request information on what is of interest to you.

Social engagement is important for everyone’s well-being but is particularly important as we enter our later years and leave the security and structure of the workforce behind. Having an active social life provides both mental and physical health benefits, warding off loneliness and depression and increasing longevity. Probus Clubs offer a wonderful opportunity to reinvent retirement for those who have left their work lives but still crave engagement, purpose, and camaraderie.

Social clubs like Probus provide a vibrant community of like-minded people who come together for friendship and fun. Probus promotes mental and emotional well-being by fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. The shared experiences and mutual support within Clubs help retirees navigate this significant life transition with confidence and enthusiasm.

Members meet monthly and stay active and involved through a wide variety of activities that meet individual needs. From coffee catchups and cinema groups to day trips, walking groups and dinner dates, Club activities are as varied as the more than 1,300 Probus Clubs themselves. What they all have in common, however, is the opportunity to meet with fellow retirees regularly, to maintain healthy minds and active bodies, to expand interests, and to enjoy the fellowship of new friends.

Love to travel? Probus Clubs offer many opportunities for travel near and far, and members have access to a range of exclusive offers through Probus Partners.

But the benefits of Probus extend beyond socialisation and sightseeing. Probus provides a structured environment where members can channel their skills and experiences into new projects and leadership roles. This not only keeps members intellectually stimulated but opens the door to new skills and personal development.

So, if you are looking to turn retirement into an adventure filled with learning, connection and growth, Probus offers a compelling path forward. (Source: Australian Seniors News – Jan 2025)

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ALBANY CREEK PROBUS CLUB

In Aspley Hornets Club, once a month

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“In the end, its not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years” ………….Abraham Lincoln

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” In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love “…………Mother Teresa

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” By three methods we can learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second by imitation, which is easiest; and thirdly by experience, which is the bitterest.”      …………. Confucius

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“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”    ………….. John Lennon

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“I have a dream”…………..  Martin Luther King

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“You can’t turn back the clock, but you can wind it up!”

“Activity may not add years to your life but it will certainly add life to your years”

“The old saying “no pain no gain” is not true. If you feel any pain slow down or stop!”

 “Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes!”

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DID YOU KNOW?

 Probus Clubs in Australia: 1578

  Probus Clubs in Queensland: 140 +

 Probus Members In Australia: 114,000 +

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WHY PROBUS?

Probus, derived from “Professional” and “Business” offers Membership to all retired or semi-retired individuals. As a not-for- profit combined club under Probus South Pacific we connect local retirees, foster friendships, provide intellectual stimulation, and encourage an active lifestyle.

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BENEFITS OF JOINING.

The benefits of joining Probus are numerous, including:

   *  Connecting with other local retirees

* Being intellectually stimulated  

* Staying active and engaged

   * Visiting interesting places

* Making new friends

* Having fun

 We also encourage potential members to attend a meeting as our guest to experience the benefits firsthand.

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 INTERESTING INFORMATION ABOUT THE ALBANY CREEK AREA

 Albany Creek spans approximately 9.7 square kilometers and features 48 parks covering 20.8% of the area. The population is 15,775, with the predominant age group being 50-59 years. The average period of home ownership is 13 years and owner- occupiers make up 85% of the total of 5658 dwellings. The medium sale price of houses in the area is $969,500.

(House Price Source – L J Hooker Albany Creek. October 2024)

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