My Place: Alessandra Testa

Alessandra Testa joined the Whittlesea Probus to help her cope after her partner passed away (Supplied).

Alessandra Testa is a Whittlesea Probus member. She spoke to Helena Abdou about her time at the Mernda club.

When did you first get involved with the Whittlesea Probus?

It was after my partner, who I was with for 27 years, passed away five years ago, and I needed something to help me cope. I had a few friends that were part of the probus and that’s when I joined in too.

What’s the best thing about the probus?

You’re making new friends, you have new interests and new ways of looking at life. It gives you some fun things to do and I have a few fun trips coming up too, helps keep you active and keep you ticking over.

Would you recommend other retirees joining the probus?

The motto of the probus is friendship, fellowship and fun and they certainly do try to keep up with that. As I said, you make new friends, even though in Whittlesea it seems as though everyone already knows each other. You have new activities to do to keep you going, not only does it keep your body healthy but your mind too.

What advice would you give to other people about life in general?

You’ve got to be happy with what you do and you’ve got to be happy with yourself.