Probus is Rotary’s greatest community activity serving the needs of those who have recently retired or no longer working full time.

Article by PDG Merv Richens OAM, Rotary Club of Loganholme, Rotary Liaison Director (PSPL)

Almost 50 years ago a Rotarian in New Zealand recognised the need to provide opportunities for fellowship and friendship for men recently retired from the workforce in his community. Using the model developed in the UK in 1966, the first Probus Club in now Zone 8 was formed in 1974. This was the Probus Club of Kapiti Coast which continues to thrive with 100 members who are all looking forward to celebrating the Club’s 50th Anniversary in 2024.

Australia followed shortly thereafter with the first Probus club being formed at Hunters Hill in 1976. The Probus Club of Hunters Hill also continues flourish with close to 100 members.

From humble beginnings, Rotary clubs around Australia and New Zealand formed new Probus clubs.

At last count there were 1,450 Probus Clubs in Zone 8 with more than 110,000 members.

Probus South Pacific Ltd (PSPL), which is a separate identity to Rotary, is the service and support centre for Probus clubs and is responsible for providing membership, insurance, administration and support services to all Probus clubs across Australia and New Zealand.

PSPL also works closely with Rotary Clubs and Rotary District Probus Chairman, as each new Probus club is proudly sponsored by a Rotary Club.

Forming Probus clubs within our Zone 8 has been one of the most successful of all community programs of Rotary clubs serving the needs now of mature men and women, who have recently retired or no longer working full time.

Social isolation is one of the increasing problems in our society, and COVID-19 Virus has highlighted how very important our social connections are, particularly in retirement. Joining a Probus club is an excellent way of enriching the lives of those who are lonely and isolated from former workplace friends.

Probus Clubs provide their members with the opportunity to make new friends, listen to guest speakers and participate in a wide range of activities that keep the mind and body active.

Probus is one of Rotary’s greatest success stories and I encourage all Rotarians to take the challenge – get to know your local Probus Clubs and explore opportunities to sponsor or support the formation of a new Club in your community, or perhaps reconnect with a Probus Club that your Rotary Club has formed in the past.

Let’s continue to work together for the benefit of our communities.

1st October is the United Nations Day of Older Persons and Probus Day for Probus Clubs in Zone 8 and this may be an opportunity to reach out to your local Probus Club.

If you would like to connect with your local Probus Club, you can contact me, mervrich@gmail.com, or visit the Probus website Club locator. www.probussouthpacific.org