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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.
There are men's clubs, ladies'
clubs and combined clubs.
Membership is open to anyone of
good character and who had had some measure of responsibility or achievement an
any field of worth endeavour.
The emphasis is on clubs being
simple in structure, and free from the constraints and obligations of service
clubs. Involving members in minimum cost. Being directed, primarily, to
providing the opportunity for extension of acquaintance and interests, seeking
members who are compatible with one another.
Activities normally fall into two
parts:
1. A formal meeting on a set day
each month. This comprises a club business session, a coffee break
followed by a guest speaker and/or discussion on a topic of mutual interest.
2. Outings (between meetings) to places, events or
organisations of interest to members. These can be theatre parties or just
social or sporting occasions and can include overnight trips,
tours and walks.
Clubs are required to adhere to a
basic set of rules of operation in order to preserve their integrity and
reputation.
These rules include:
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Clubs are non-political and
non-sectarian.
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They are non-profit making and
non-fundraising.
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Presidents can only hold office
for one year, however, in mitigating circumstances the time limit may be
extended to two years. Annual changes provide for a variety of leadership.
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Rotary maintains contact and a
continuing interest in their progress.
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The Probus Centre - south Pacific
Inc is the Administrative Service Centre in Australia and New Zealand.
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All matters of policy relating to
Probus are determined by the Probus Centre - South Pacific Inc.
Probus originated in the United Kingdom in 1965.
The first Probus clubs were formed
in New Zealand in 1974, and in Australia in 1976.
Probus has filled in a need for
today's active retirees, so much so that the growth has been phenomenal. It is
now a world-wide movement. By 1999, there were approximately 1,900 clubs in
Australia and NZ with a combined membership of 171,000 and growing steadily.
