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What Is Probus?

Probus is an association for active members of the community, and for those no longer working full time, to join together in clubs for a new lease of life. Its basic purpose is to advance intellectual and cultural interests amongst adult persons, to provide regular opportunities to progress healthy minds and active bodies through social interaction and activities, to expand interests and to enjoy the fellowship of new friends. Age is not a number but how you feel inside. Probus offers many member benefits to keep its members young, including international and domestic travel, day trip excursions, luncheons, dinners and opportunities to meet new friends.

 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF PROBUS

Probus had its origins in the United Kingdom, in the 1960s, with the development of two community-based social clubs. The Campus Club was formed in 1965 by the Rotary Club of Welwyn Garden City, which lies just north of London. The first Probus club was established in 1966 by the Rotary Club of Caterham. These clubs were formed to meet the social and intellectual needs of retired businessmen. When it became clear that both clubs were servicing the same need, the Campus club changed its name. The first Probus club in the South Pacific region was the Probus Club of Kapiti Coast, New Zealand. The club was formed in 1974 and was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Paraparaumu. This was soon followed by the formation of the Probus Club of Hunters Hill, NSW, in 1976. The first Probus club for women in the region was the Ladies Club of St Heliers, New Zealand, in 1982. This was closely followed by Bateau Bay, NSW, later that year. Following the advent of single gender clubs, the concept of combined gender clubs was developed. Today, there are men’s, ladies’ and combined clubs. Since the first clubs were established in New Zealand and Australia, Probus has grown at an astonishing rate, and is administered by Probus South Pacific Limited, based in Parramatta NSW. Probus is a worldwide movement in 23 countries. The success of the organisation is seen through the commitment of members and the wide recognition of Probus as a community service program. The Probus philosophy – friendship, fellowship and fun – lives on.