Council landmarks light up to celebrate local seniors
Published on 02 October 2026
Two of Gympie’s well-known landmarks will light up in blue and purple this October as Gympie Regional Council celebrates Queensland Seniors Month and marks the 50th anniversary of Probus in Australia.
The Gympie Town Hall clock tower and Lake Alford fountain will glow blue from Thursday 1 October to Sunday 4 October to recognise the Probus anniversary, before changing to purple for the remainder of October in celebration of Queensland Seniors Month.
Queensland Seniors Month is held throughout October to celebrate older Queenslanders and promote positive ageing and community connection. This year also marks 50 years of Probus in Australia, an organisation that brings retirees together to build friendships and connections while enjoying activities and social outings. There are three Probus clubs operating in the Gympie region.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said older residents continued to play an important role across the Gympie region and deserved to be recognised for the many ways they contribute.
“Our seniors contribute so much to our region, whether it is through volunteering, supporting local clubs and organisations, helping their families and neighbours, or sharing a lifetime of knowledge and experience with younger generations,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“As a Council, we want to support our residents to positively age, and having opportunities to meet others, build friendships and continue enjoying new experiences is an important part of that.
“That is where organisations like our three local Probus clubs play such an important role, bringing local seniors together and providing those opportunities right here in the Gympie region.
“Fifty years is an incredible milestone and I congratulate Probus on its golden anniversary, particularly our local clubs and the members past and present who have contributed to their success.
“Lighting the Town Hall clock tower and Lake Alford fountain is a fitting way to celebrate our older residents and everything they do for our region, while also recognising this special anniversary for our local Probus community.
“I encourage residents to drive past and take a look, think about an older person who has made a positive difference in their life, and for our older residents, perhaps even consider whether Probus could be a way to meet new people and get more involved.”
Gympie Probus Club President Carolyn Wright said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise everyone who had contributed to Probus over the past five decades.
“Fifty years is a wonderful milestone and we thank everyone who has been part of Probus and helped make our clubs what they are today,” Ms Wright said.
“Probus is about friendship, staying connected and enjoying new experiences with others, and those connections can mean so much in retirement.
“We thank Council for recognising this milestone and honouring the contribution of Probus members by lighting these local landmarks blue.
“We are also looking forward to being part of Council’s Seniors Expo on Thursday 29 October. If you would like to learn more about Probus or are thinking about joining, come and say hello, we would love to see you there.”
The Gympie Region Seniors Expo will be held at The Pavilion Conference and Reception Centre, Gympie, on Thursday 29 October from 9am to 11.30am.
The free event will bring together local organisations and service providers, giving seniors the opportunity to discover new ways to stay active and connected, access support and learn more about health, aged care and other services available locally.
For more information about the Seniors Expo, visit 2026 Gympie Region Seniors Expo | Gympie Regional Council
To learn more about Probus or find a local club, visit Probus Clubs Australia | Fun, Friendship & Retired Life
ENDS