Toukley centre still strong 40 years on

By the mid-1970s, Toukley – and, indeed, much of the region – was “retirement central” ... a haven for those who had hung up their work boots or briefcases and headed to the coast for their golden years.

Nestled between lake and ocean, there was little these retirees could want for... except a place to meet.

So in 1975 a group known as the Old Age Pensioners approached Wyong Shire Council to build a suitable meeting hall in the area.

Little did they realise what was to come!

Thanks to a $750,000 federal government grant, a new building was commissioned – complete with auditorium, canteen, offices and associated amenities.

“On seeing the plans for the building, the members of that original group were overwhelmed by its size and declined involvement in the future management of the centre,” said Toukley 50 Plus Leisure and Learning Centre retiring assistant secretary Bruce Kirkness.

The council formed a committee to oversee the new Toukley Senior Citizens Centre, which was officially opened by Local Government Minister Harry Jensen and Wyong Shire president Tim Farrell on March 20, 1978.

Membership increased rapidly until the mid-1980s when, with 5400 members, it was considered the largest seniors club in the world. A bustling hub of activity, the centre certainly didn’t rest on its laurels, and continued looking to the future.

The result? Its memorial hall, completely funded by the club from income generated by regular housie games which, at their height, attracted more than 400 players.

However, just a few years later, changes to state government laws allowing housie and bingo to be played in licensed clubs hit the centre hard and membership dropped.

By 2003, membership had fallen to 1350. But a staunch band of supporters continued to work hard to ensure the centre remained a focal point for local seniors. And so it has.

Now, 40 years since opening its doors, the centre’s more than 2000 members enjoy a variety of activities including yoga, zumba gold, line dancing, art, leatherwork and handcrafts such as cardmaking and paper tole.

Indoor bowls has continued to prove popular, and table tennis has blossomed with three sessions each week.

“The introduction of computer classes has brought an influx of new members and a range of cultural events over the past five or six years has increased community involvement,” Bruce said.

Those events have been as diverse as a full symphony orchestra concert by the Central Coast Conservatorium, and concerts by the Newcastle Festival Opera Company, country entertainer Beccy Cole and the ever-popular NSW Police Band.

The centre has been the venue for Gorokan High School HSC exams since 1999, and local primary schools are often involved in club activities.

Bruce has nothing but praise for everyone who helps out at the centre. “These volunteers are the heart of the club,” he said.

However, in order for the organisation to continue successfully functioning into the future, he said younger dedicated volunteers were needed. Their reward? “The gratification of a job well done in helping their fellow members to some enjoyment of life in their later years”.

A name change to Toukley 50 Plus Leisure and Learning Centre came in 2017. And while it might not be the biggest in the world, the club still boasts of being the largest seniors club in Australia with members from all corners of the globe.