What is Probus?
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 South Pacific Limited, 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.
Statistics
| Country | Clubs | Members |
| Australia | 1766 | 134,038 |
| ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA |
24 581 2 192 210 70 577 110 |
1,681 47,108 93 13,023 12,818 3,879 49,206 6,230 |
| New Zealand | 460 | 44,261 |
| Philippines | 10 | 174 |
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 activity of Rotary. The solid links between PROBUS and Rotary remain invaluable.