OMNi “Shindig” held on Milson Island 1^st to 3^rd February 2010.

(Shindig means a merry or noisy dance, party or other gathering – very appropriate)

We met in the conference centre for the first session. This was a special display by Telstra of the latest equipment and technology now on sale. The presentation explained how older men could learn to use this equipment. It was all very interesting and informative.

Doctor Conroy presented the next session on prostrate cancer. The Doctor had a radical prostatectomy in 1988. With careful monitoring and treatment he has enjoyed good health since. He has been an ambassador for the spreading of information about the disease from a different perspective.

After tea, members relaxed. Some went for a walk, while others sat around and yarned getting to know each other. Eventually many returned to their quarters for an early night, while others continued to talk over a bottle of port or red wine. What a life, blokes talking to blokes, telling their life stories, discussing issues, telling jokes and generally enjoying time together.

Saturday morning we were saddened to learn that the guest speaker Graham Stone (Dept of Health) could not attend our conference because a family member had died and he was flying to Tasmania. You cannot replace such a ‘high roller’ at such short notice but we would soldier on. The program had to be rearranged. Then there was another problem (err I mean challenge). The bus bringing the people for the day had ended up at Brooklyn and the ferry was at Mooney Mooney wharf. However it all sorted itself out and we got back on track.

We had the photo session, time to meet the newcomers and a stirring welcome from Keith Margules. Everyone gathered at the outdoor muster area for the ‘Rain Dance’. As it had been raining we did not really need a rain dance, so it was a thanksgiving for the rain received and an intercession for the areas still smitten with the drought.

The next hour it was fun. Alf McConnell and the boys from Albury-Wodonga did a wonderful job, showing exceptional talents and expertise to make everyone smile and laugh. One member was amazed at the amount of content that was included eg an Abyssinian (Ron Lukav) crocodile farmer who prepared the anointment oil and Bob Barnett reciting in Latin the edict from the Pope. Pat Shanahan reading in pidgin English the message from the people of Papua-New Guinea. As we did not have Mr Rudd attending no one could understand the Chinese message. Brian Newby read the Proclamation, as only a Grenadier Guard could. Alf orchestrated the performance and used stories, poems, jokes, music by the 10 Tenors and Blackfoot Indians chanting. Jim Murray conducted an entertaining segment using the magnificent ‘sticks’ he had made. Thanks to Jim for making 25 shields to hand around and the Albury guys who brought gifts.

Time for a cuppa then some walked, some swam, some talked, several had a sleep but the message was Talk or Relax. We said farewell to the bus group who all seemed to enjoy themselves.

Sunday morning and it was still raining. After words of wisdom from Keith Margules, Alf ran a session on Dementia pointing out the 7 signposts that may reduce your risk of developing dementia. To highlight the points we played several games of Trivial Pursuit.

As this was our first ‘Shindig’ the main aim was to get to know other members. There were no complaints, only praise, so we had no alternative but to book this great venue for the 2010 ‘Shindig’.

Looking forward to seeing you all there again next year.