Members of the Forest Lake Over 50s Club have started 2026 with a series of outings that brought together history, local exploration and social connection.
Earlier in the year, members gathered for morning tea beside the lake at Forest Lake’s Lake Parklands before travelling to the Papua New Guinea Military Museum at Wacol.
The museum honours those who served in the Pacific during World War II and highlights the military ties between Papua New Guinea and Australia, including connections to Brisbane’s Victoria Barracks and the MacArthur Museum.
For club president Leonie Ayling, the visit turned into a personal discovery.
While exploring the exhibits, she uncovered information about a relative who was the first Queenslander awarded the Victoria Cross during the war.
Museum staff presented Ms Ayling with a copy of his order of service as a keepsake.
After the tour, the group continued the outing with lunch at the Goodna RSL, giving members time to reflect on the visit and catch up with friends.
More recently, the club held a mystery tour that drew around 60 members — one of the largest turnouts for the group.
Members met at their usual departure point in the car park opposite Forest Lake State School before heading towards the Scenic Rim.
The mystery destination was Lake Moogerah, where members shared a morning tea prepared by volunteers from the group.
Some members took the opportunity to walk across the dam wall and watch water spilling from the release gates, while others relaxed by the lake.
The group later travelled to the Boonah Tavern for lunch, with time afterwards for a stroll along Boonah’s main street and some window browsing.
Ms Ayling said outings like these were an important part of the club’s calendar.
“They give members a chance to get out, see different places and spend time together,” she said.
The club’s next meeting will be held at 10.30am on Friday, 17 April at the Old Inala Hall on the corner of Rosemary and Abelia streets in Inala.
Monthly meetings include morning tea, raffles and guest speakers, along with updates on upcoming outings and activities. New members are welcome to attend and find out more about the group.
Ms Ayling said the club aimed to create a welcoming space for locals aged over 50 who wanted to stay socially connected.
“It’s about bringing people together and giving them something to look forward to each month,” she said.
The club thanked Heritage Bank at Forest Lake for its ongoing support, as well as volunteers who help organise events throughout the year.
The Forest Lake Over 50s Club meets on the third Friday of each month.
For more information or to join, contact Ms Ayling on 0427 846 057 or email fl50plusc@gmail.com
.
