The history of our Club
On Monday 12th December 1988, a meeting sponsored by the Goolwa Rotary Club, was held in the club rooms of the South Lakes Golf Club, with a view to forming a Probus Club in Goolwa.
A unanimous decision was made to form the club.
The 39 men present were then welcomed into Probus to become foundation members.
Twelve apologies were received from prospective members.
Foundation membership remained open for the next three months.
The club met on the second Monday of the month, at 10am in the South lakes Golf Club
The Goolwa Probus Club became the 46th men’s club in Rotary District 952.
There were at that time 25 ladies Clubs in District 952.
The meeting resolved that membership numbers would be limited to 75 but grew rapidly. Within 18 months this membership limit was increased to 100.
It did not take long to establish that because of the large number of retirees in the district, there was a great need for many men to widen their activities in their retirement and become involved in an organisation which would assist them in broadening their knowledge and enjoy Friendship, Fellowship and Fun with others.
Guest speakers most often came from within the members.
Members enjoyed trips to Southern Vales wineries , Port Adelaide Maritime Museum, Puzzle Park, Cheese factory and Chocolate Factory at Murray Bridge. Caravan trips to Moonta, Mildura, Flinders Ranges, botanic gardens and many other interesting places.
Mutual interest groups were formed and those with particular interests passed on their skills and knowledge to others.
Following the continual success of the Men’s Club, the ladies of Goolwa decided that they could also see a need for such a club in the area and on the 19th of March 1990, met at the Goolwa Bowling Club. The Ladies club was immediately formed and full membership of 80 was filled within a month.
In September 1994 the Port of Goolwa Probus Club was formed.
Although the Men’s Club thought that we might lose some members to the mixed club, the Men’s Club has continued, albeit with fewer members than in those days.
May 2022 our club celebrated its 400th meeting.
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