Dear XLI Club member,
As I write to you this month, I look out the window where the sun is shining brightly, only to be deceived when I opened the door to be greeted by an icy blast of chilly wind, reminding me that we are still in the depths of winter. That said we have had some lovely sunny days, and I hope you’ve had an opportunity to get out and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your back.
As you’d be aware, this month we held our Tony Charlton AM Community Service Award luncheon. The Tony Charlton Community Service Award commemorates the legacy of the late Tony Charlton and was created to recognise and honour outstanding contribution to the Victorian Community through sustained service, leadership, philanthropy, and support for charitable organisations.
| I was honoured to host this special event and excited to present on your behalf, the 2026 award to Peter Hitchener OAM. Peter is a trusted and admired media personality, who across many decades, has shown dedication to community service and supporting charities. Peter had not been advised of the award prior to the announcement, and was surprised, delighted and humbled in receiving the award. Our congratulations and best wishes go to Peter.
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The afternoon was enjoyed by fifty-six members who joined us for the day to congratulate and celebrate with Peter. We were honoured to have Tony Charlton’s widow, Mrs Loris Charlton, attend and join me in the presentation to Peter. Past award recipients including David Mann AM (2013 recipient), Ian Coutts (2019 recipient) and Paul Wheelton OAM CGSJ (2025 recipient) were also in attendance and shared stories of Tony and what the award meant to them.
| On the day I was also pleased to induct a new, or should I say returning member, to the XLI Club. Some of you may recall Lachie Pitman. Lachie was a member of the XLI Club some years ago and we were pleased to welcome him back as a member of the Club. All in all a great day was had by everyone in attendance. On another note, I just want to let you know that the Committee and I have heard concerns raised by some members about lunches held at the Police Association. Please be assured we are working to address the issues where we can. I also want to reassure you that the Committee has and will continue to work hard to find a suitable venue to fill the gaps in our calendar for the days when William Angliss is not available. I thank those members for taking the time to give us their feedback. Constructive feedback is always welcome as we share a common interest in ensuring the ongoing success of this great club
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Finally, our next lunch is on 20 August 2026, at the Police Association building. This will be our John Forbes OAM KGSJ Memorial Sports day. This is always a popular day and I look forward to seeing many of you then.
Until then, stay well.
Barbara Poland
President
Upcoming Lunches:
20th August $100 TPA – John Forbes OAM KGSJ Sports awards
17th September $100 WA – Police Memorial and Community Service Awards
15th October $100 TPA – Ladies Day and Race Day
19th November $100 TPA – AGM
10th 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 2026-27 annual subscriptions are now due and there are a number of members yet to pay their prior year subscription fee.
The subscription fee has increased to $50.
New members who joined after the Anzac lunch are not required to pay the 2026-27 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 August Lunch, to be held on Thursday, 20 August at the Police Association building, please advise Barbara Poland, ASAP to allow sufficient time to finalise numbers with the venue. Barbara may be contacted via;
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 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…….
