Probus Club of Marion HONOUR ROLL

A Brief History of Probus South Pacific

Probus has its origins in the United Kingdom, with the development of two community-based social clubs in the 1960s.

In 1965, the Campus Club was formed by the Rotary Club of Welwyn, Garden City, just north of London. In 1966, the first Probus club was established by the Rotary Club of Caterham.

Both clubs were formed to meet the social and intellectual needs of retired businessmen. When it became clear that the clubs were servicing the same need, the Campus club changed its name.

The first Probus club in the South Pacific region was the Probus Club of Kapiti Coast, New Zealand. The club was formed in 1974 and was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Paraparaumu. This was soon followed by the formation of the Probus Club of Hunters Hill, NSW in 1976.

The first Probus club for women in the region was the Ladies Club of St Heliers, New Zealand in 1982. This was closely followed by Bateau Bay, NSW later that year. Following the advent of single gender clubs, the concept of combined gender clubs was developed. Today, there are men’s, ladies’ and combined clubs.

Since the first clubs were established in New Zealand and Australia, Probus has grown at an astonishing rate, and is administered by Probus South Pacific Limited, based in Parramatta NSW.

Probus is a worldwide movement in 23 countries. The success of the organisation is seen through the commitment of members and the wide recognition of Probus as a community service program. The Probus philosophy – friendship, fellowship and fun – lives on.