XL1 Club Newsletter
September 2026
Dear XLI Club member,
Can you believe the footy season has come and gone? I hope your team gave you cause for celebration throughout the year……And, now as the racing season is well and truly on our doorstep, it is time to dust off the fascinators and top hats.
This is a good segue into a reminder for our next lunch which is our special Ladies and Race Day Luncheon to be held on 15 October at the Police Association complex. This year we will be remembering Angela Wheelton OAM DSJ, who passed away late last year. Angela was a much-loved supporter of the club over many years. Angela’s smiling face, especially as our raffle queen, is sadly missed. There is no doubt our current raffle kings have a lot to live up to!!
Our September lunch was a wonderful success. This occasion was our Police Remembrance and Community Service Awards lunch, with 70 members and guests in attendance at William Angliss. The lunch provided the opportunity for us to acknowledge and thank our serving police members and pay tribute to those police men and women who have fallen.
It was particularly pleasing for me to welcome our Club Patron, Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, who delivered a positive and engaging address to the group. He was also warm and gracious when introduced to the awardees and in posing for photos with them.
The Community Service Awards were presented to Senior Constable Rachel Kelly for “Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Australia”; Senior Sergeant Paula Cutler for “Non-Fatal Strangulation Working Group”; Sergeant Kylie Roberts and Senior Constable Danielle Kuchenmeister for “The Geelong Academy”; and Senior Sergeant Andrew Tsockallos for “Flip My Ride Program”.
The afternoon concluded with an entertaining Q&A session with our MC Ian Coutts and Mike Brady. We were also treated to a couple of songs by Mike including his signature song “Up there Cazaly”. Let’s just say we ended the day all primed and ready for the Grand Final.
Well before I leave you for this month, don’t forget to check in on our website – https://the41club.com. The site is being progressively updated by Dennis Williams, and in addition to information about the Club, you can now find details of all upcoming events. Also be sure to visit our new “Gallery” section (located under “Events” on the main menu) where you’ll find a selection photos from each lunch as taken by Gareth Hanlon. If you look carefully, you may find yourself in a cameo appearance.
Once again, don’t forget our Ladies and Race Day on 15 October 2026. It is always a fun day so don those stylish hats and fancy ties and come join us. I look forward to seeing you there.
Barbara Poland
President
Upcoming Lunches:
15th October $100 TPA – Ladies Day and Race Day
19th November $100 TPA – AGM & Service Awards
11th December $100 TPA – BBQ
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 2025-26 subscription.
The subscription fee has increased to $50.
New members who joined after the this year’s 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
Vale Graeme Jones
It is with great sadness that we note the passing of our member, Graeme Jones. Graeme joined the club after attending one of our Anzac Day luncheons and was our guest speaker at the Anzac lunch in April 2024. Graeme served in the Australia Army as a National Serviceman graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant and served for many years. He served in Vietnam as 3 troop leader in ‘A’ squadron from January to December 1970 and served with 3 squadron from December 1970 to January 1971. He received a mention in despatches “MID” for a contact with the Vietcong whist providing cover power for 7 RAR. He was admired by his men who referred to him as captain despite holding the rank of major. After his service he started an IT recruitment firm in Melbourne which continued until his retirement. Graeme was 78 at the time of his passing.
Rest in peace Graeme, you will be sadly missed.
Next Lunch
If you are wanting to attend the October Lunch, to be held on Thursday, 15th October, at The Police Association, please advise Barbara Poland, ASAP to allow sufficient time to finalise numbers with the venue. Barbara may be contacted via;
Email: [email protected] , or
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..
Important Notice
There has been an increase in ‘no shows’ at recent lunches. Where we don’t receive advice that you will not be attending, the club remains responsible to pay for your lunch. Therefore, moving forward, if you have indicated that you will be attending and then fail to show, you will remain liable for the payment for that lunch. To avoid this, you MUST notify Barbara Poland at least 24 hours prior to that lunch. The committee notes that there may be occasions or reasons for not attending and you are unable to give notice within the 24 hours (e.g. accident or illness). These incidences will be considered by the committee on a case-by-case situation.
More Photos…….
