A GROUP born from bushwalks and camaraderie is celebrating three decades of laughter, travel and unbreakable bonds.
The Port Stephens Friendship Group (PSFG), launched in response to a newspaper ad in 1995.
Its 30th Anniversary and Changeover Dinner, complete with a black-and-white and silver dress code and décor, will feature a nostalgic film screening, live entertainment and plenty of chatter among seasoned and new friends.
The celebration on 30 October will honour the group’s founding and its enduring spirit of community connection, which has made it one of the peninsula’s most beloved social organisations for older residents.
The group’s roots stretch back to when founder Bev Lee saw a deeper need for social connection after her involvement in the Port Stephens Walking for Pleasure Group.
“Many of the participants had family far away. I sensed that there was more needed than just a bushwalking group,” Bev recalls.
In October 1995, she approached the Nelson Bay Bowling Club to host the first Friendship Group meeting.
The turnout exceeded expectations, and the wave of ongoing connection has since sent ripples throughout the Tomaree community.
“We were all excited. We started planning barbecues, group dinners, day trips and eventually coach tours to places like Darwin, Tasmania, and the Flinders Ranges.”
Guided by trusted driver and local legend Ron Billet, the group explored Australia together, forming friendships that have lasted decades.
Now in her later years, Bev still reflects on the group with pride and warmth.
“My life has been enriched over the last 30 years just being part of this group.
“It’s all thanks to those who joined in, stayed involved, and shared the joy.”
The PSFG celebratory dinner will treat guests to a meal and speeches, and a tribute film revisiting past events and travels.
Singer Dave Tarrant will keep the energy up at the celebratory dinner with a mix of country and western and rock ‘n’ roll classics, while the trivia contest, themed around the year 1995, promises to stir memories and laughter.
“As our average age is now in the mid-70s, the night will focus on what we love best; chatter, laughter, and friendship,” President Keith Hobbs shared.
“The PSFG has a social calendar built around fun with its mission simply to bring people together at an affordable cost.”
Fellow committee members agree, and say there is no pressure to raise money, “just socialise, talk, help your friends, and welcome newcomers”.
In the past year, members have enjoyed day trips to coal mines, cruises, the new Western Sydney Airport, events like 10-pin bowling, the trots, and happy hour barbecues.
They’ve booked guest speakers covering everything from skin cancer to local history and even taken a six-day holiday at Linga Longa in Yarrawonga.
Upcoming activities include putt putt golf, a visit to an Alpaca and Bonsai Farm, and a future trip to Lightning Ridge.
Lifetime members Bev Lee and Nonnie Finch are the only originals still connected to the group, however the legacy they started continues to grow.
“We always welcome new members. It’s about finding your people and sharing life’s journey together”
As the Port Stephens Friendship Group enters this next decade, its focus remains unchanged: inclusive, low-cost social connection in a supportive and fun-loving environment.
“We may be a little older, the activities may have changed, and budgets are tighter, however the spirit is just the same,” Mr Hobbs said.
“It’s about being together.”
The PSFG has around 79 members aged between 50 and 90, who enjoy a range of group activities.
They meet from 5pm on the last Tuesday of the month at the Nelson Bay Bowling Club.
For more information about the group or the dinner, contact Keith Hobbs on 0417 439 632.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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