What is Probus?

PROBUS is a Community Service Program of Rotary clubs.

Probus is an association of active retirees who join together in clubs, the basic purpose of which is to provide regular opportunities for them to keep their minds active, expand their interests and to enjoy the fellowship of new friends. Membership is open to anyone of good character who has had some measure of responsibility or achievement in any field of worthy endeavour.

Probus originated in the United Kingdom in 1965.

The first Probus Clubs formed in the South Pacific area were New Zealand in 1974, Australia in 1976 and The Philippines in 2007.

Probus has filled a need for today's active retirees, so much so that the growth has been phenomenal.

It is now a world-wide movement in twenty three countries.

The Probus Centre - South Pacific Inc., is the Administration and Service Centre for the South Pacific area and is dedicated to promoting the development of friendship and acquaintance and the advancement of intellectual interests of its membership.

Click here to view a clip on Probus and comments from Probus members enjoying their retirement.

Growth of Probus Chart

Current Statistics                                 
As at July 2010

                         Clubs                   Membership

                         2244                  184207

 

AUSTRALIA   

                        Clubs             Membership

                        1781               138165

 

                        COMBINED  971

                        LADIES                       425

                        MEN’S                        385

State  Clubs             Membership

ACT                 23                   1613

NSW               581                 47620

NT                   2                      77

QLD                196                 13393

SA                   214                 13507

TAS                 71                    4130

VIC                 582                 51538

WA                 112                 6287

 

NEW ZEALAND

                        Clubs             Membership

                        457                 45910

 

                        COMBINED  239

                        LADIES                       127

                        MEN’S                        88

 

PHILIPPINES 

                        Clubs             Membership

                        6                      132

 

                        COMBINED  1

                        LADIES                       3

                        MEN’S                        2

 

Board of Management CV 2009-2010

Board of Management CV 2010-2011

PROBUS CENTRE SOUTH PACIFIC PAST CHAIRMEN

                 CONNECTIONS                    

Yes, it was a lady who added the notion that the needs of all people who were in retired families and not just male Rotarians could be met by a new community based club. So it was in England in 1965 and 1966 that PROBUS was conceived independently by two Rotary clubs. This new concept for retirees offered social contacts and no service constraints, using the name PROBUS from the words – professional and business. One club began with the name, ‘Campus Club’ but readily changed when the two groups realized they were offering a similar activity.

In very little time, through the wide network of the clubs of Rotary International, PROBUS spread through Great Britain and even across the English Channel to Europe.

It is true that Rotary began in the United States, however many of its programs have been started by individual members with ideas in other parts of the world. Rotary’s “Group Study Exchange” for young professionals and business people had its origins in New Zealand. The “Rotary Youth Leadership Awards” (dynamic leadership training for young adults) began in Queensland, Australia. The idea of a balanced Rotary program (Four Avenues of Service) began in England during a country walk by two local Rotarians. 

In effect, the Rotary Club of Dumbarton, Scotland can lay claim to being the catalyst for, firstly PROBUS in New Zealand (Paraparaumu, 1974) and then Australia (Hunter’s Hill, NSW 1976).

 PROBUS remains in Australia and New Zealand as the largest and most active Community Service project of Rotary. The solid links between PROBUS and Rotary remain invaluable.

John G. Thorne

Past Director, RI and Member, Committee of Management, Probus Centre – South Pacific, Inc