Probus Clubs began to assist people ease into retirement but in Noosa they have become life lines for our older residents.
This year on 1 October is the inaugural annual celebration of Probus Day and the theme is Staying Connected and Active with Probus – the key to happy retirement.
Noosa Probus event organiser Joan Page said the club would hold a picnic in the park on 26 October to celebrate the occasion with guest speaker, former Mayor Bob Abbot.
Ms Page said their primary goal for the event was to raise awareness of Probus and to draw attention to the benefits of joining a Probus Club. “The day is all about celebrating Probus whilst connecting with as many retirees as possible,“ she said.
Like many others Ms Page joined Probus when she retired three years ago, at the age of 77, and now spends her time organising outings, though Covid-restrictions has made it difficult to find venues for their usual group numbers of 45-50.
She said Noosa Shire was well represented with Probus Clubs and with the area’s ageing population many members were aged in their eighties and nineties.
“Initially Probus was all about fun, friendship and fellowship in retirement,“ she said.
“Engaging these older Australians in activities to prevent loneliness and boredom has become an important role for Probians particularly in these challenging times.
“We have welfare officers who ensure members are contacted regularly, have the help they need in medical emergencies and we also provide help and comfort after a bereavement.“
An offshoot of Rotary, Probus was conceived in 1965 in the United Kingdom by three Rotarians who were fast reaching their retirement age. They were concerned how they could keep themselves active and mentally challenged after retiring from their busy professional and business careers. Hence, the name Probus which also happens to be the Latin word from which “probity” is derived.
October 1 was chosen as Probus Day because it is also the United Nations Day of Older Persons. This special
day was established more than thirty years ago to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society.
