The Goolwa Mixed Probus Club’s 2025 year started off at the Goolwa Hotel on Monday, February 3 with 20 members and 12 visitors in attendance.
President Michael opened the short meeting, welcoming everyone back after the Christmas break.
The guest speaker for the first meeting was Judy Myers, who mesmerised members with an account of her amazing life so far.
Her remarkable life journey began in a tiny bush village in New South Wales, so small it didn’t even have a pub; just two churches, a school, and a memorial hall.
From these humble beginnings emerged an inspiring story of resilience and determination.
As the youngest of six children, Judy shared how, despite having little money, her family was rich in love.
Her early years brought significant hardships, including the loss of her 18-year-old brother when she was five and a devastating drought that destroyed her family’s market garden and piggery.
Despite these challenges, she went on to become the first in her family to attend university.
Member were captivated by her stories, and as Judy says, “Life is made up of memories, some you never forget” – her tales certainly left an indelible impression on the group.
Her community development work has taken her to more than 40 countries, leading to collaborations with High Commissioners, ministers, and even prime ministers across Southern Africa, the Pacific, the West Indies, South East Asia, and India.
Her diverse career includes serving as a security officer for the Dalai Lama in Canberra, coaching Paralympic athletes at the Australian Institute of Sport, running a ski chalet in France, and managing national health programs.
Unable to have children of her own, Judy has an adopted Indian son (that is yet another fascinating story), and this month she was flying off to meet him in Delhi for an adventure through Rajasthan and Kerala. To date, she has visited approximately 80 countries, with no plans to stop exploring.
Today, Judy channels her vast experience and enthusiasm into helping others transform their lives, working with corporate groups on mindset and performance, and guiding individuals in their second half of life to embrace vitality, purpose, and joy.
She is a strong advocate for viewing life’s second half as a time of adventure, fun, and endless possibilities.
Judy has recently completed a children’s novel, ‘The Misadventures of Ralphy the West Highland Terrier’, which will be published this year, and is currently writing her autobiography, ‘It Ain’t Over Yet’.
Her infectious energy and remarkable stories captivated the members, who would gladly welcome her back to share more of her fascinating life experiences.
Judy’s story proves that saying “yes” to opportunities, even in the face of challenges, can lead to an extraordinary life filled with purpose and adventure.
