Probus is an association of retired and semi - retired people who join together in autonomous clubs in many in many countries. In the South Pacific Region, There are some Men's Probus Clubs, Ladies Probus Clubs and Combined Probus Clubs. The Word Probus is an abbreviation of the words PROfessional and BUSiness but membership is not restricted to these two groups.

The club also embraces former executives of government and other organizations and, In Fact anyone who has had some measure of responsibility or achievement in any field of worthy endeavor. The basic purpose of Probus Club is to provide regular gatherings of people who,In retirement appreciate and value opportunities to meet others others of a similar level of interest.

The Emphasis is on the clubs

• Being simple in structure, And free from the constraints of and obligations of service clubs.
• Involving members at minimum Cost
• Being Directed, Primarily to providing the opportunity for development acquaintance.
• Seeking Members who are compatible with each other

  There Activities normally fall into two parts

• A meeting on a set day each month, from 10 a.m.to 12 Noon comprising about 30 minutes business
• 30 minutes coffee break and 60 minutes to hear a guest speaker and for discussion.
• Visits (Between Meetings) to places and organizations or particular interest to members and occasional social and sport activities.

Arising out of their membership and activities there is self - generating goodwill, A sense of belonging, a diverse background of interests, Fellow feeling and cordiality evident within the clubs insuring for Probus a highly successful future as a firmly established part of the community.

To preserve the integrity and reputation of these autonomous clubs, they are required to adhere to the to the suggested basis for serving the needs of members in the countries in which the the Probus movement is now flourishing.

Some Important Features

• The Clubs are non - Political and non - Sectretarian
• They are non profit and non fundraising.
• Al Clubs are sponsored by Rotary but on formation are autonomous, There is no central governing body But Rotary maintains contact and an understandable continuing interest in there progress.
• Probus Members may be active members of any other club or organization and most are.
• Membership fees are unlikely to exceed $15 a year with a charge for coffee at meetings 'P' label badges and name badges for meetings and functions are supplied by the club.
• Members guests are invited to participate in some visits and in special functions
• Meeting venues are generally free of cost to probus.

The Clubs spring from two main roots the 'Campus' Club founded by the Rotary Club of Walwyn Garden City and 'Probus' Club founded by the Rotary Club of Caterham in England in 1965 and 1966 respectively since then they have spread to many countries.

They continue to be established at a rapid rate as former Professional and business men and Women, Women Executives and others invited to join recognize the value of participation and observe the enthusiasm of existing members and the way in which Probus is enriching there lives. The first Probus Club in the South Pacific area was formed at Kapitl Coast, New Zealand in 1974 and the first in Australia at Hunters Hill in 1976 .

The first Ladies Probus Club, In the South Pacific Region Was formed at ST Hellers in New Zealand in July 1982 And the first in Australia at Bateau Bay, N.S.W in October the same Year.

There Are mens and Ladies Probus Clubs in all states of Australia and in both Islands of New Zealand.

The Probus Center -- South Pacific area Inc a recognized Rotary Activity, Is Supported by Rotary and With Probus Club donations, encourages and advises on the formation of Clubs Distributes Label Badges and other Regalia as may be found necessary, Publishes "Probus News" at Regular Intervals and provides a information service on activities of Probus.