The birth of Probus
The Probus movement had its genesis in two ancestors – both in the U.K. and both established by Rotary Clubs. The first was known as the Campus Club. It was formed in 1965 by the Rotary Club of Welwyn Garden City, 20 miles north of London with Fred Carnhill as the driving force. [Its name was derived from the area of the town in which it was conceived – the Campus.] The second, with Harold Blanchard as the catalyst, was formed by the Rotary Club of Caterham in 1966 and was named the Probus Club, for the “PRO” in professional and the “BUS” in business.
Both were formed to meet the need for companionship of their peers and mental stimulation for retired business and professional men.
The first Probus Club in the South Pacific region was the Probus Club of Kapiti Coast, New Zealand in 1974. This was soon followed by the formation of the Probus Club of Hunters Hill, NSW, Australia in 1976. Today, the majority of Probus Clubs are combined gender Clubs.
The first Probus Club for women in the region was the Ladies Club of St Heliers, New Zealand in 1982 which was closely followed by Bateau Bay, NSW, Australia later that year.
By 1981 there were 44 Clubs in Australia and New Zealand, and this saw the formation of the Probus Information Committee. This was the foundation that led to the later PROBUS umbrella organisations initially “Probus Centre – South Pacific Inc” and today Probus South Pacific Limited (PSPL), the service and support centre for Probus Clubs across Australia and New Zealand.
Today there are thousands of members across every state and territory in Australia and in New Zealand, all enjoying the social connections that Probus offers.
Rotary
Probus is one of Rotary’s greatest success stories. Since formation in 1974 in New Zealand and 1976 in Australia, Probus Clubs have continued to provide social activities and fellowship to those members of our community who are either semi or fully retired. There are many synergies common to both Probus and Rotary. Each organisation plays a vital role in the communities they serve, and the strength of our success results from the partnership of Rotary and Probus working together.
Rotary and Probus are intrinsically linked, both possessing the ability to contribute to the growth of these two vital community service activities.
Probus Clubs are proud to be Rotary’s greatest community service activity for seniors.
Our Vision
For the Probus Community in Australia and New Zealand to be the most accessible network of Clubs for retirees and semi-retirees, that enhance their social well-being through fun, friendship and fellowship.