Sutherland Combined Probus Club Inc.

Welcome to Probus: "Develop New Interests - Stay Active!"

Welcome to the wonderful world of Probus which is all about Fun and Friendship in retirement and provides you with the opportunity to meet retirees on a regular basis,listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities.

Our Probus Club (the Club), a member of the Probus world-wide movement, is accredited in the South Pacific region comprising 110,000 retirees across Australia and New Zealand

The Club received its Charter on 29 April 1980, as Club No 20 and was established as a club for men. Members recognised on 23 April 2007 that the Probus journey would be enriched by changing club membership from that of male gender to cater for both male and female members -a mixed membership keen to participate in activities they themselves initiate or are prepared to actively support.

On 04 July 2007, the Club became an incorporated body under the relevant association provisions in the State of New South Wales. A copy of the Club's Membership Directory is provided with this welcome to membership letter. The Club's governance documents (Constitution and Standing Resolutions) are available upon request to the Secretary.

Depending on the availability of the venue, meetings of the Club are held on the fourth Monday of each month at Gymea Miranda Bowling and Sports Club(Gymea Bowls Club) 691 Kingsway Gymea NSW 2227 and commence at 10:00 for 10.30am. A period for fellowship over morning tea takes place, which is then usually followed by a guest speaker concluding around 12:30pm. Should you have to leave the meeting earlier than the scheduled finish time, the Club's protocol requires you to sign – out on the attendance register.

A monthly Newsletter covering the activities of the Club is circulated. You may wish to join the growing number of members who receive this Newsletter by email. By using the email faciliity you will also receive mid-month updates on activities. Just let Tony Hatton (Newsletter Editor) know at [email protected]

Membership of the Club is contingent upon regular attendance at meetings of at least 50 percent in the club year, subject to leave of absence in cases of sickness or on any other reasonable grounds.

You should liaise with the Secretary, Jim Power (0448 424 833) or the Membership Coordinator, John Doherty (0402 848 344) or myself (0418 423 566) if, in any club year, you will not be able to meet this requirement or would like to discuss any matters about the Club

The Club is required, annually, to provide membership information to Probus South Pacific Limited (PSPL Office) for audit of coverage under the Probus National Insurance Scheme and to help with creation of strategies and policies so that more retirees can have the opportunity to experience this great movement called Probus. PSPL Office will also issue a membership card and you will require your Probus Membership Number to access the Probus Member Benefit Scheme and the PSPL Optional Travel Insurance and for claims.

Information about the various activities of the Club, including photographs, from time to time, may be used in the promotion of the Club through its newsletter and website.Assurances are provided in relation to privacy and integtrity of intended use of membership information by the PSPL Office and Management of the Club.

The Club is managed by a Management Committee. Election of officers is undertaken annually, in March, at the Club's annual general meeting. The term of office of the President is one year, but this may be extended to two years, if required, due to special circumstances. Committee Members may serve for not more than three successive years in any one office, unless otherwise determined by members.

When positions on the Management Committee are vacant, you are encouraged to make a contribution to the life style of the Club's operations through offering your services as a member of the Management Committee for a period of up to three years where possible. Nominations are generally sought from January each year.

An annual subscription fee is payable as at 1st April each year and this is currently $100 and comprises a membership fee of $35.00 plus a meeting attendance/facility fee of $65.00 covering the full Probus year from April,2023 to March 2024. . A pro-rata subscription fee is applied if joining the Club during the year. The membership fee provides for administration of the Club's operation and PSPL annual member capitation fees. PSPL provides an "Active Retirees" national publication in digital form on a complimentary basis. A contribution fee of $5.00 plus the provision of 12 postage stamps is also required each year for mail out (if requested) of the Club's Monthly Newsletter.

Reimbursement is sought for cost of Probus membership name badge $10.00 (partner name badge is also $10.00). Wear your Probus badge with pride at all Club meetings and activities.

In addition, all members of our Club are required to become financial (social) members of Gymea Bowls Club and annual membership fee is $10.00

Reservations for Club activities are managed on a first in member (including partner) basis. Prospective members are also welcome to attend meetings and activities of the Club as visitors. An integral component of membership is your declaration that participation in the activities of the Club is on the understanding that you are fully responsible for the state of your health and behaviour and will only participate where you are physically capable. This declaration is recorded as a "standing declaration". If you have registered for a Club activity and are unable/decide not to go, please phone your apology to the Coordinator as soon as possible.

Enjoy your Probus Club - the door is open for new experiences and friendships, you can hear great guest speakers, stay active by participating in a wide range of activities and explore new places.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Bourke

 President 2024 -2025