Community
5 March, 2026
Charlton Probus checks out Thales factory
On a trip to the factory last week, Anne Kenny said they were “delighted” to fill the bus with 25 Probus members and 15 guests.
FOLLOWING trusted recommendations, the Charlton Probus Club members swapped usual attire for high-vis on a trip to the Thales Australia factory in Bendigo.
On a trip to the factory last week, Anne Kenny said they were “delighted” to fill the bus with 25 Probus members and 15 guests.
“We were grateful to receive support to help cover the cost of the bus and, once Probus members were accommodated, we opened the trip to other Charlton residents,” she said.
“We certainly appreciated the cooler weather.”
For over 40 years, Thales in Australia has been a trusted partner, providing indispensable products, services and support to Federal Government and businesses. The company supports customers nationwide across Defence, Aerospace, Cyber and Digital sectors, developing products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.
Most people would recognise Thales in Bendigo as the manufacturer of the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle.
“We were divided into two groups and taken through three different “shops” to observe the production line and see the finished vehicles,” Ms Kenny said.
“It was impressive to learn that Thales employs 260 people at the Bendigo facility, contributing significantly to the local economy.”
After the “informative and engaging tour”, the group enjoyed lunch at a nearby hotel before visiting the Garden for the Future, located on the southern side of the Heritage Garden at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens in White Hills.
“This delightful area features the Fun and Fantasy Garden, the Around Australia Garden and the Around the World Garden,” Ms Kenny said.
An events stage and shelter are available for concerts and larger gatherings, and there is also a café and event space on site.
“It was another wonderful outing, incorporating friendship, fellowship, fun and food,” Ms Kenny said.
The Charlton Probus Club meets on the second Friday of each month.
Read More: Charlton