Dear XLI Club member,
Apologies that my February message is a little late as I have had a couple of unplanned visits interstate. One more visit at the end of next week and hopefully all will back on track. Since returning from my last visit I can’t help but notice the days are getting shorter and the feel of autumn is definitely in the air. I am not sure I am ready to say goodbye to summer just yet.
Our last lunch on the 19th of February was a lovely warm summer’s day of 26 degrees. It was the first lunch for 2026 and 54 of us got together at the Police Association for an enjoyable lunch with time to catch up on news and share our festive holiday activities. We were also delighted to welcome one of our own members, Keith Banks, as our guest speaker. Keith told some very personal stories and enlightened us about the challenges of being an undercover operative early in his career in the Queensland Police Force.
| Later this month we will again be meeting at the Police Association Building, 70 Jolimont St, East Melbourne. At this lunch on the 19th of March our guest speaker will be Debra Richardson, the newly appointed CEO of Police Veterans Victoria. Deb has led an interesting life. She joined the police force at the age of 18, when compared to today, there were very few female members in the Force. Deb was close by in her office at the Russell St headquarters the day of the car bomb explosion. We can only image the trauma associated with this experience and Deb was aided in her recovery from the trauma by her Ukrainian foster son named Yuri. Yuri came from one of the families affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. |  |
Before signing off I’d just like to make a request of an administrative nature. It would be appreciated if members could rsvp to future lunches using the club email address [email protected]. A central point for the receipt of RSVPs will assist in the co-ordination of events.
Thank you and I look forward to seeing everyone again on the 19th of March. Meanwhile take care and I hope your footy team wins.
Barbara Poland
President
Upcoming Lunches:
19th March $100 TPA – Debra Richardson, CEO Police Veterans Victoria
16th April $100 WA – Anzac Lunch
21st May $100 TPA – TBA
18th June $100 WA – Police Legacy Award
16th July $100 TPA – Tony Charlton AM Award
20th August $100 TPA – John Forbes Sporting Lunch
17th September $100 WA – Police Memorial and Community Service Awards
15th October $100 TPA – Ladies Day and Race Day
19th November $100 TPA – AGM
11th December $100 TPA – BBQ & Service Awards
WA = William Angliss, 550 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne
TPA = The Police Association, 70 Jolimont St, East Melbourne
Subscription Reminder:
The 2025-26 annual subscriptions are now due and there are a number of members yet to pay their 2024-25 subscription.
Please note the subscription fee will be $50 from the 1 July 2026 for the 2026-27 renewal.
New members who joined after the Anzac lunch 2025 are not required to pay the 2025-26 renewal fee.
Subscription fees may be paid online or at the door at a Club Luncheon.
Welfare of members:
Please report any members you know ill or injured to:-
Gareth Hanlon – Mob: 0416 050 702 Ray Thompson – Mob: 0411 883 367
Next Lunch
If you are wanting to attend the March Lunch, to be held on Thursday, 19th March, at The Police Association Victoria, please respond ASAP to allow sufficient time to finalise numbers with the venue. RSVPs may be sent via;
Email: [email protected]
Phone/Text: 0413 580 489
Payments may be made via online transfer, or on entry with cash or Tap & Go.
BSB: 704230
Account No: 100440796
Account Name: XLI Club Inc.
Please ensure you provide your name in the reference field and the reason for the payment
(e.g.) Lunch, Subs, Raffle, Auction ….etc..
More Photos…….
