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Probus Month 2023 theme announced!
This year, October 1 will kick-off Probus Month, with activities and celebrations running for the 31 days of October. The theme for this year’s Probus Month will be:
Good Friends, Great Times, New Adventures!
When asked what they’ve gained from their Probus journeys, members always report that the friendships they’ve made have had the biggest positive impact on their lives. Making enduring friendships with likeminded people in their local community has enriched their retirement.
As well as the friendships they’ve made, Club members say that their Probus Clubs meet and have FUN together! Regardless of the activity in which they’re partaking – spending time with their Probus friends brings joy to their days!
Thirdly, Probus members embark on new adventures together! Many retirees feel that when they retire from or cut back on work, it’s like closing a massive chapter in their lives. Sometimes, starting the next chapter can be difficult. Probus members tell us that joining a Probus Club, becoming involved in the running of their Club, and engaging in the vast spectrum of activities has been a more exciting and rewarding chapter than they were bargaining for! Whether it’s taking trips, hearing from fascinating guest speakers, learning new skills, or simply having a coffee and a catch-up – Probus members find that figuring out what their next chapter looks like is much easier (and more fun!) with likeminded friends around.
These are the things about Probus that we have chosen to celebrate this year!
October 1 is the International Day for Older Persons, which aims at recognising the contribution older people make to our communities. At Probus, as we are well aware of the capabilities of amazing retirees, we use October to recognise the benefits Probus Clubs can bring to the lives of people who are retired or semi-retired.
Last year, Clubs held celebrations and events throughout the month of October to observe the role Probus has had in their lives, and to showcase what makes their Club special. Clubs promoted their unique activities and interest groups to the wider communities and invited special guests to celebrate with them.
This Probus Month we want to go even bigger! Let’s spread the Probus word far and wide and let everyone know the importance of social connections in everyone’s lives. We encourage your Probus Club to start planning early, invite local politicians to your Probus Month event, get your event promoted in local newspapers or even in your council community calendars. There are a number of grant opportunities to provide funding towards your event so don’t miss out on applying for these.
In October 2022, over 70 landmarks all over Australia and New Zealand were lit up in Probus blue and bright yellow to celebrate Probus. This year we anticipate the Probus colours will be shared even further. Don’t forget to gather your Probus friends and go out to witness any landmark lightings in your area and take lots of pictures to commemorate!
Last year, the Town Hall in Launceston (TAS) was illuminated in blue and yellow, as was the Palmerston Water Tower (NT), the Sky Tower in Auckland (NZ) and Old Parliament House (ACT). The Brisbane City Hall (QLD) was also lit up in Probus colours with the Mount Street Bridge (WA), Melbourne Town Hall (VIC) and Commbank Stadium (NSW) joining in. Adelaide Oval (SA) was a beacon in blue and yellow and drew the attention of many onlookers, starting a conversation about Probus Day.
Probus Day started in 2020 – when the world was gripped by the Covid pandemic and the need for social connection became clearer than it had ever been. Studies show that socialisation is integral to good mental AND physical health. Individuals who participate regularly in group events – like Probus Club activities – live happier and healthier lives.
When people retire, they take from their industries and communities the expertise and experience they have spent their whole working lives developing. In Probus Clubs, retirees and semi-retirees have an avenue to continue using these skills and contributing to the lives of their fellow Club members. For the betterment of themselves and their communities, retirees should consider joining their local Probus Club and putting their expertise to good use.
This Probus Month , take the opportunity to showcase Probus to retirees and semi-retirees in your community. Everyone will benefit: your Club will gain new members with different experiences and skills and new Probus members will discover Good Friends, Great Times and New Adventures in retirement.
