What is Probus?

The Probus Centre - South Pacific Inc., is dedicated to promoting the development of friendship and acquaintance and the advancement of intellectual interests of its membership throughout Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific Islands.

Probus originated in the UK in 1965. the first Probus Clubs were formed in New Zealand in 1974, and in Australia in 1976. 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.

Probus is an association of retired and semi-retired people 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.

Current Statistics
As at April 2008

Clubs in Australia=1790                    Clubs in New Zealand=458                  Clubs in Philippines=5
Members in Australia=141 616      Members in New Zealand=48 441    Members in Philippines=93

TOTAL CLUBS = 2252
TOTAL MEMBERS = 190 138

 GROWTH CHART OF PROBUS

2008-2009 PROBUS CENTRE SOUTH PACIFIC COMMITTEE

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