Farewell to Darebin Life Activities Club

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It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to the Darebin Life Activities Club. This club, a cherished part of our Merrilands community, has brought joy, camaraderie, and healthy living to its members for over two decades.

A Humble Beginning

The Darebin Life Activities Club was originally formed during a meeting of the Merrilands Walking Group in April 2000. The establishment of the club was supported by Con Constantinou from Darebin Council, a member of another LAC club, and a representative from the parent body of LACVI in the city. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant and active community organisation.

The original office bearers were:

• President: Pat Mushed
• Secretary: Ken Shacklock
• Treasurer: Maureen Zampelis

Initially, meetings were held in the evening at Merrilands Community Centre. As the years went by, the meetings were shifted to afternoons to better accommodate the members’ schedules.

Memorable Activities and Achievements

One of the club’s early triumphs was entering a project with Vic Health, which earned them an award of $3000. This prize money was used to fund bus trips to the Flinders Historical Society, complete with a BBQ on the foreshore, and other exciting tours. Ken and other members also played a pivotal role in helping establish a group of pram walkers in the area.

In the club’s heyday, organising bus trips required two 48-seater buses. However, in the later years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, participation dwindled to the point where filling even a single 24-seater bus became a challenge.

Despite these challenges, the club continued to offer a diverse range of activities, including:

• Table Tennis
• Snooker (held in a member’s garage)
• Canasta Board days
• Indoor Bowls
• Monthly dine-outs at various hotels
• Dinner and dance events at the Reservoir R.S.L.
• Morning tea or breakfast gatherings at a café in Broadway

Walking Group Adventures

One of the most beloved aspects of the Darebin Life Activities Club was the walking group. Members would meet at Flinders Street Station and embark on journeys to various scenic locations, including:

• Cherry Lake, Altona
• Blackburn Lake
• Port Melbourne along the beach
• Geelong, with a walk from North Geelong into Geelong, culminating in lunch on the pier

These walking trips, held every Wednesday, were a testament to the club’s spirit of adventure and community. Members would leave at 9:30am from Flinders Street and return home around 4:30pm, rain or shine, after a day filled with exercise, nature, and fellowship.

Recognising Our Pillars

Ken Shacklock, a true stalwart of the club, was nominated for Senior of the Year. Although he did not win, he received a small tree as a token of appreciation. Ken also served on the Board of Directors at LAC for several years, later joined by Tony Wild.

Featured in the post image are longtime members Barb and Alison. Barb joined Darebin LAC in 2001, while Alison became a member during the second week of the club’s formation. Barb was appointed secretary in 2009 and served until the club’s closure. Alison was equally active, serving on the committee and becoming president in 2014. Both women spoke fondly of the many years of memorable club activities and the lasting friendships forged, which will continue beyond the club’s closure. Some members still catch up for morning tea at a local café.

A Fond Farewell

As we bid farewell to the Darebin Life Activities Club, we reflect on the countless memories and friendships formed over the years. This club has been a cornerstone of our community, promoting health, happiness, and togetherness. Though the club is closing its doors, the spirit of Darebin Life Activities Club will live on in the hearts of its members and the legacy it leaves behind.