Reg No - A1019730Z
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**OUTINGS & ACTIVITIES GROUP**
Leader: Gaylia Mitcham
Regular activities are planned for members to enjoy what Probus is all about - Friendship, Fellowship and Fun. Join in and see for yourself.
SEE CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR DETAILS
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June 2025
Optus Stadium Tour 12th June
Although this was not the first tour experience for some members of our group, all agreed it was the best. We had the good fortune to have an excellent tour leader in Terri, whose enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge about Perth Stadium was faultless.
We were only a small group of 8, who caught the train from Mandurah station at 9.05, followed by the Red Cat (No 2) from just outside the Perth station on Wellington St to the Matagarup bridge in East Perth, followed by a very leisurely walk to the stadium, in time to grab a cuppa, use the lovely toilets and book a table for lunch at the City Cafe prior to our 11am tour.
One of the first things we learnt is that Optus have paid out $50 million to purchase the naming rights for 10 years, which can only be used on specific occasions. Otherwise, the venue is known by its original name as Perth Stadium.
Although our tour started and ended on Level 1, we got to see the myriad of “things” that happen on each of the five levels and learn about the behind-the-scene activities that happen on ground level and even underneath. One of the reasons the playing field is never waterlogged is due to the sophisticated drainage system that siphons water away to four separate “ponds” outside the stadium where it is used to water the surrounding parklands. The quality and quantity of water used to keep the two types of grasses in top condition is carefully monitored and controlled so the flow off from the field itself is never recycled back onto the playing surface.
We all enjoyed the behind-the-scenes peak at Corporate Suites and boxes (which can cost up to $1300 per person) where the coaches, statisticians and media get to watch the game and, for the “footie tragics” in our group, where the home and away teams get to hang their boots, listen to their coaches, warm up and, most interestingly, alternately warm up and freeze their tired bodies. Unfortunately, none of us had thought to wear our bathers under our warm clothes so none of us could personally experience the delights of a 10oC plunge pool!
Not surprisingly, our tour ran 20 minutes overtime, but we finished the day with a delicious lunch at the City Cafe - which is open to the public 7am to 3pm, 7 days a week (except on game days when you need to have a ticket to the match and make an online reservation if you want to enjoy the popular buffet).
We caught the train and then the Red Cat (No 2) just outside the station on Wellington St to the Matagarup bridge in East Perth and then had a very leisurely walk to the stadium.
All in all, a delightful way to spend the day. Even if you’re not interested in Perth Stadium, there are lovely walks and well-equipped playgrounds on both sides of the river which are well worth a visit, particularly if you’re looking for something nice to do with your interstate/overseas visitors.
Saltbush Training Restaurant
Another delicious gourmet lunch at the Saltbush Training Restaurant at TAFE on Thursday, 19th June.
With all the things that could possibly go wrong when you’re exposing a group of trainees to the hospitality industry, carrying on as if nothing is wrong while the fire alarm continues to sound, would have to be the most irritating and least expected. But for around thirty young and inexperienced trainee chefs, kitchen hands, waiters, waitresses, bar staff and front-of-house people, it was business as usual. They responded to the unexpended intrusion calmly and positively. Keeping the food and drinks coming and doing their best to reassure the diners that the fire alarm would stop ringing - eventually. Which it did, after what seemed like an eternity. If we, the diners, found it irritating, spare a thought for the chefs and all those working in the kitchen, where the noise was much louder than in the dining room!
Fortunately, while it didn’t affect the quality of food or service, it did provide some insight into the nature of some of MPPC diners who were there today. Frank and his good mate John , were disappointed that their bottle of wine hadn’t arrived at the table so they couldn’t take it and their glass outside with them, when we were ordered to evacuate. While Peter, seen here thoroughly enjoying his meal, was determined to finish it while all those around him were finding their wallets, phones, handbags and leaving. Our table was the furtherest from the exit and due to my arriving late, hadn’t even had our orders taken, so we were comforted by the fact that we’d probably saved ourselves a few dollars!
But in the end, we were told it was a false alarm, and we were all quietly ushered back to our seats and the excellent service resumed. Unfortunately, someone must have neglected to tell the person responsible for activating the alarm, or maybe some gremlin weaselled its way inside, but it kept ringing, intermittently, for the next 30 minutes!
As usual, the food was superb. Three choices for entree (soup, salmon or vegetarian), two for mains (beef or chicken) and dessert (both delicious!). Our only criticism was the coffees were prepared a few minutes before the waiters were ready to deliver them and arrived luke-warm.
We were sorry that Fred was unable to join us today. He had a temperature when he and Sue went through security flying home from the USA, so had to spend $700 having a Covid test, plus the cost of another night in a hotel and change of flight, and while the test came back negative, the whole experience had left him feeling very poorly.
Once again, thank you to all that were able to come today. Profuse apologies to the members who had to miss out due to my bungle in advertising the wrong date. I will be booking another visit next semester.
Gaylia Mitcham
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