What happens at the Charles Perkins Centre?

This is an opportunity to visit the Charles Perkins Centre Sydney University, Thursday 21 August at 11am. 

Sydney University has recognised the contributions of Charlie Perkins by establishing the Charles Perkins Centre, sharing his philosophy of collaboration, inclusivity and challenging the status quo in healthcare.The Centre is a multidisciplinary initiative committed to easing the burden of chronic disease by bringing together leading researchers from different disciplines to find new solutions to combat chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. It is a revolutionary approach in innovative  partnerships. 

Many of us will recall that Charles Perkins was the first indigenous person to graduate from an Australian university. As a student, he organised a student bus tour 'The Freedom Ride' around NSW to draw attention to the state of indigenous health, education and housing. Perkins went on to hold several distinguished positions in Australia.

Getting there: Parking in and around the University is difficult. The paid parking facilities at the RPA hospital just to the west of Missenden Road is the closest to the Perkins Centre. (which is on the other side of Missenden Road, at the bottom of John Hopkins Drive.)

If using Uber or Taxi, ask to be dropped off at the corner of Missenden Road and John Hopkins Drive, then walk down John Hopkins Drive. 

These bus routes all pass through Missenden Road and can be used to get to the Charles Perkins Centre: 412, 422, 440, 480, 352, 438X, 461X. Disembark just outside the RPA hospital before walking down John Hopkins Drive.

We will assemble at 10.45 behind the reception area on level 1 of the Centre where our guide will meet us. The tour will take approximately one hour

Maximum 20

The tour will take approximately 60 minutes.There is no cost.

A reservation has been made for lunch at the nearby Grandstand Restaurant where a light meal can be ordered. Pay for your own. 

Quarantine Station Story Tour

1. For over 150 years, from the 1830s, the Quarantine Station was for many, the beginning of a new life in Australia after making the arduous & lengthy journey from their homelands. Ships suspected of harbouring people infected with contagious disease such as Spanish Influenza, Smallpox or Bubonic Plague were quarantined here so that these deadly diseases would not reach the general population in Sydney.  Ultimately a success story for the growing Sydney population, it did however leave an indelible mark on those that were quarantined; tales of love and loss play out alongside themes of cultural and social change, medical history and progress.

​This tour is a 90-minute guided tour of the various buildings and archeological sites that comprise the quarantine station precinct.  Walking is required inside and outdoors, sometimes on sloping or uneven surfaces. Please take appropriate clothing for outside weather conditions, and closed walking shoes for uneven surfaces.

After the tour a light lunch will be provided. Weather permitting, this can be eaten outside, taking in the spectacular harbour view.

We will meet at the Q Station Reception Centre.  This is at the end of North Head Scenic Drive.  There is plentiful car parking there. 

Because bus transfers are required to the quarantine station precinct, we will meet at 9.30am for the tour commencing at 10.00am. 

The cost is $60 per person which includes lunch at the tour's conclusion.

Contact on the day:  Bob Eckstein

 

Three-Day Food and Wine Tour - Orange Food Week

The Orange FOOD Train is a three-day weekend getaway that is a key component of Orange Food Week - a longstanding and popular event for food and wine lovers, that takes place annually in the Orange region of NSW. 

The trip starts from Sydney early Friday morning, with breakfast served on board, alighting in Milthorpe. Further transfers are by coach.

The weekend is hosted by local foodies and showcases some of the region's best food and wine experiences and includes tickets to FOOD Week's most sought-after event, Forage. The trip includes exclusive local tours, selected FOOD Week events, and dining at some of the region's best restaurants and wineries. A detailed final itinerary is being developed and will be available in due course.

The cost is $1590 per person twin share and $1770 per person single.

There is an upper limit of thirty persons for our Probus group.  As the event is very popular, and places are being offered to us ahead of the general public, we are required to confirm bookings by the end of this September.  Orange Food Week requires a 20% deposit by then.

At this point of time, if you are able, please let us know whether you (alone or with a guest) intend to participate. We can then hold a place for you, and it gives us an opportunity to liaise with Orange Food Train regarding probable eventual numbers.

Inclusions: 

• Return train ticket in reserved carriage from Sydney to Orange, starting out early Friday morning from Central Station, with the option to upgrade to a flight home
• 2 Nights’ accommodation (twin share or single) at Quest Orange
• Bus transfers between events and trains
• Full day FORAGE experience on Sat 28 March
• Breakfast at the Sunday Producers Market and Brunch on Sunday, the official closing event of FOOD Week
• All meals across the three days

Details concerning the upcoming and past FOOD Week events can be found on the website:  https://orangefoodweek.com.au/