Retirement: Following retirement in Benalla, I became involved in local community organisations. Within 2 years, I found myself on The Board of Management of the Benalla and District Hospital (7 years); Benalla Committee of Management for Disability Services, (3 years); Benalla U3A (second attempt) Inaugural Committee (10yrs); Benalla Ladies Probus Club, Committee & President (10 yrs); Cancer Council Victoria fund raising & delivered Meals on Wheels (10 yrs +). The years immediately following retirement gave me an opportunity to get to know Benalla; meet many interesting people & to discover what Benalla had to offer the retired person.
In 2002, I was co convenor with Helen Mitchell, Benalla U3A Health & Wellbeing in Later Life seminar for consumers & service providers, attended by 120 participants. One of the outcomes - a committee with Margaret Walshe as Chairperson & Elsbeth McConchie, Secretary. The aim: to provide appropriate activities for the older person with various levels of abilities & disabilities to maintain or improve mobility to enhance participants quality of life. The outcome - a grant of $30,000 through Benalla Council to support relevant programs in consultation with allied health professionals & other organisations. I have continued my interest in this area of health promotion. Various studies support keeping the body & mind active during the third stage of life - an active body is crucial for an active mind (Better Health Channel, Victoria).