Our latest news
PERTH August 2021 - PALZ group first official meeting
With Western Australia able to have face-to-face meetings, it was particularly exciting for the first meeting of the newly-formed Perth PALZ group to meet in the Board room of the office of MP Kim Giddens, where attendees heard from speaker Emily Gomboc, of the incredible organisation that underpins Guide Dogs Australia.
Lying quietly nearby, the visitor (pictured) with Emily, brought smiles to the faces of attendees.
Perth PALZ committee chairman John Iriks thanked speaker Emily and Guide Dogs in Western Australia.
All in attendance, noting that the enthusiastic response to the meeting meant that planning would now need to commence for the next meeting to be just as interesting!
GEELONG July 2021
The speaker for the ZOOM meeting of Tuesday, August 3, is PAUL WHEELTON AM KSJ
Paul Wheelton AM KSJ, is one of the most highly respected and amazing businessman in Australia yet thelist of philanthropic work undertaken by Paul is incredible, and exhausting, with Paul giving 110% of his energy to each.
Graduating from Melbourne University, Paul is a CPA and investor in Property Markets, Paul is Chairman of the Wheelton Group of Companies, and owner of 12 Budget rent a car franchises who now spends 80% of time on philanthropic activities. Just some of these activities range from the chairing the Life Education Board, and the Bali Children’s Foundation, to Board member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation, and holding the demanding role of Capital Campaign Chair of Guide Dogs Victoria amongst other philanthropic roles.
He is a past Chair of the Order of Australia Victorian Branch, and has been active in establishing Scholarships and business mentoring for outstanding young scholars and appointed a Council member on the Ministerial Committee for Volunteers. Paul has been an active supporter of PALZ since its inception, including giving an address at the National launch of PALZ at Government House, Canberra.
Paul is married to the delightful Angela Wheelton OAM KSJ, who is equally committed to, and active in, the work of philanthropy.
GEELONG March 2021
ZOOM Meeting 7 APRIL Speaker - Mindful of ANZAC DAY on April 25, our first speaker will be author and historian Dr John Basarin, President of the Friends of Gallipoli – with the story of Gallipoli from both the Australian and Turkish perspective. Having written numerous books on the topic, Dr Basarin is regarded as both an expert on the topic, and influential in fostering strong relations between the two countries. His work in the area has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia.
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GEELONG August 2020
NEWS FLASH: PALZ to meet via 
What can we do to meet when we cannot meet? – ZOOM meet!!
The restrictions of COVID-19 to varying degrees, have prevented meetings at the usual venues, so, in a PALZ first, we will be meeting via ZOOM on August 28, 10am – 10.45am.
Registration is through the usual PALZ group Facilitator, who will send the meeting link with simple instructions for joining in the meeting.
Guest speaker will be Des Lawson, Managing Director of 
in Brisbane, who will take us for a tour of the business.
This is an exciting opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and meet a few new faces. We look forward to seeing you there.
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GEELONG July 2020
VALE Margaret Quigley
It with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bateman’s Bay PALZ Co-Facilitator Margaret Quigley pictured here at the March meeting, 2020. Margaret was such a vibrant and friendly community-minded person, who loved being with people, travel, playing Bridge, and talking about all manner of things – the more intellectual the better.
Margaret was a volunteer at our Group Social support (Out and About group) then joined the Board of Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels. She was a member for three years.
Margaret was studying a degree in dementia through the University of Tasmania. She was doing very well indeed.
She assisted in the establishment of PALZ. Her research on the organisation allowed her to have meetings with Cathy and to discuss the philosophy and ideals of the organisation. She loved these opportunities. Margaret thought it a great concept and that it gave much to clients and carers.
Margaret also assisted with the Elders Group at Wallaga Lake. We would go to the community once a month and prepare morning tea and lunch for the Elders while they enjoyed their social activities. There were lots of laughs throughout the day.
A family lady she was very proud of her children and especially proud of her grandchildren who would come to the coast each holiday to stay with her.
Rotary had been part of her life and she enjoyed helping at Breakfast Club at Batemans Bay Public School. But Bridge was a real love and she looked forward to playing, being part of the group and her time on their Committee.
Margaret will be a real loss to the community, to all of us at PALZ, and especially to her family. Vale Margaret – an amazing lady!
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GEELONG May 2020
CORANA VIRUS, further update
Whilst the restrictions are being eased a little in most places, more vulnerable groups must continue to be vigilant, and that can be demanding. You are not alone – there is plenty of support out there.
Dementia Australia: https://www.dementia.org.au/media-releases/2020/dementia-help-sheets-to-navigate-coronavirus-covid-19
National Ageing Research Institute (NARI): https://www.nari.net.au/covid-19-resources
Australian Government Department of Health: https://headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support/covid-19
Importantly, keep in touch with friends and family and know that all of us at PALZ care about your welfare.
Many thanks and warmest regards
Cathy
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GEELONG March 2020
CORONA VIRUS UPDATE
Mindful of the safety of all attendees, partners, carers, guests, visitors, facilitators, host organisations, presenters, and staff, and in keeping with the order from the Prime Minister that we should socially isolate as much as possible, the PALZ Board has made the decision that no formal PALZ meetings should now be held until September 1, 2020. This date will be subject to review and revision depending on the situation in Australia.
We are sorry that we have had to make this decision but it is taken with the welfare of everyone in mind. Hopefully we will be through this dreadful period soon. We will then be able to again move forward with the PALZ determination to ensure maximum support and stimulation for those attending the various PALZ groups, through the bi-monthly interactive meeting environment and its corporate speakers.
Many thanks for this, and warmest regards
Cathy
SYDNEY February 2020
MEET OUR FACILITATORS – SYDNEY CENTRAL PALZ GROUP:
Despite extremely active lives in both the corporate world and in community service, Keith Roffey and Mary Murphy put their time facilitating the Sydney Central PALZ group as a priority in their schedules.
Keith was motivated to establish PALZ in Sydney when he was invited to observe a meeting in Melbourne. “The enjoyment for attendees at being in a familiar Board room/meeting room environment was evident” Keith observed. ”Those in attendance were clearly very comfortable with, and connected with, the speaker and the presentation, and with each other”.
Mary had observed a PALZ meeting from the host organisation perspective, when she travelled down from Sydney, to lead her Melbourne executive team in its presentation to the group. The depth of interaction within the group surprised and impressed her, and Mary commented: “If ever PALZ comes to Sydney, I would like to be involved.” With the establishment of the Sydney PALZ group in 2019, that opportunity came.
Keith and Mary ensure that the PALZ meetings are always most interesting. With strong support from CEO Stephen Cartwright of Business Australia, Keith and Mary have an another exciting year of meeting and speakers planned.
If you, or any of your family or friends in any part of Sydney or its regions, have been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s Disease or other form of dementia, and miss the stimulation of workplace presentations and peer discussion, take the opportunity to contact Keith and Mary through:
You will be afforded a very warm welcome to the PALZ meetings by them both.
BATEMANS BAY February 2020
Despite the horrific bushfires that impacted the area and coming within just metres of their own homes, the Bateman’s Bay PALZ group Facilitators Alan Russell and Margaret Quigley (pictured) had welcoming smiles to greet attendees at the February meeting.
Although internet and other services were only just being restored, the resilience of those in the region is reflected in the group already planning their program for the rest of the year. This dynamic group is sending a clear message that the Bateman’s Bay area is ready to welcome any visitors and is again open for business!
SHREWSBURY UK January 2020
43 attendees benefitted from an excellent talk by Brian Nelson, who is a director of the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust.
He lead the group through the work that has been and is being done on the restoration of a canal which was officially abandoned by the 1944 Act of Parliament.
The benefits of the work of the trust are many, not least to wildlife and to people who can enjoy the waterway again. We are grateful to Brian for his inspirational talk. The engineers in the group were particularly engaged, but all enjoyed it. Many stayed for lunch afterwards to make new friends or catch up with those already made through PALZ.
GEELONG January 2020
The
Geelong PALZ team, led by Cathy and John Roth, hosted the first meeting for 2020.
Geelong Facilitator Heather McKibbin, and Bupa Bellarine Lakes General Manager Jannie Piercy are pictured with Cathy and John.
Guest Speaker Jannie explained the New Australian Goverment Aged Care Standards that ensure that everyone who makes the decision to enter the age care system can be assured of the care they will receive. A very informative discussion
SYDNEY December 2019
Although the smoke was heavy outside, sitting inside the Yacht Club overlooking Rushcutter’s Bay, a number of the Sydney PALZ group enjoyed a casual Christmas break-up with a casual lunch and a cool drink.
Having been extended a warm invitation, Cathy and John Roth flew up to Sydney to join the celebration, and chatted about the origins of PALZ, and the activities of the other groups.
As with the other PALZ groups, the attendees of this group all have fascinating backgrounds, and the relaxed atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop to hear of the adventures, and responsibilities those in the group have experienced over the years.
SHREWSBURY, SHROPSHIRE (UK) November 2019
For the PALZ (UK) attendees, Facilitator Liz Holdsworth tells us, the challenge of travel for attendees at this time of the year, is sometimes the snow on the roads. Nevertheless, the last meeting for the group for the year saw 37 in attendance – the largest number yet for both that group and for any of the groups.
Fortunately, the meeting venue at the Shropshire Conference Centre has meeting rooms to accommodate various audience sizes.
GEELONG September 2019
Football finals always generate excitement in Geelong, especially when the Cats are in the final eight. So having Cats football legend Tim McGrath regale the Geelong PALZ group with anecdotes of his playing days, together with some insight into the outcome for the 2019 season, provided a fascinating meeting with much discussion and questions.
Acknowledged by many involved in the sport as “one of the nicest blokes in football”, Tim made himself available for photos after the meeting, chatting and continuing to answer questions.
Tim was presented with a special PALZ framed certificate of appreciation of his time with the group, and he commented that it would be put on his study wall alongside his football awards.