Early days of Probus News

Probus News is your magazine. It is intended to promote Probus fellowship by enabling Probians to share their ideas, information and their experiences with others.

It is also the official publication of the Probus Centre – South Pacific Inc., through which official announcements are made.

The predecessor of the magazine was a newsletters issued to all clubs by the newly formed Probus Information Centre in 1982. Soon clubs began to ask for copies of the newsletter for all members; and the committee replaced the newsletter with a four-page magazine.

The first issue of Probus News appeared in June 1983. The editor was Neil Steen of Wamberal, N.S.W.

The first number featured a ‘Probus Profile’ of the foundation president of the Probus Club of Melbourne, Sir Norman Coles. It was proudly announced that, by May10, 1983, ‘the number of Probus clubs reached 177 with approximately 8150 members….compared with the 144 clubs with about 6400 members reported in the February newsletter’.

Number 7, December 1984, was the first eight-page issue. Neil Steen announced his retirement as editor. By now there were 350 clubs and the registration under the Trade Marks Act, protecting the Probus name and emblem from improper use, was reported.

The following issue, Number 9 of June 1985 was 12 pages and reported the continuing growth of Probus with 400 clubs and some 2000 members, including 26 Ladies’ clubs.

In December 1985, the first 16-page issue appeared, featuring a history of the Probus movement from its beginnings in the U.K. in 1965-66. It was announced that Probus Centre – South Pacific had applied for Incorporation under the Associations Incorporation Act of NSW. In the same issue the Probus Club of South Port, Victoria. proudly profiled their member and foundation president, The Hon. Frank Crean, a former Treasurer and Deputy prime Minister of Australia.

In December 1986 (Number 15) a full-page picture of a mass Christmas bush blossom in full colour adorned the title page of the first 24-page issue. Probus News had come of age as a magazine.

Today, we publish 68 full colour pages; it still remains your magazine. We welcome your contributions and appreciate your support.