Chairman's Message

Autumn is possibly my favourite time of the year. Where I live, the change of season is noticeable. The weather gets a little chilly, signalling that it is time to break out long sleeves and scarves, and time to get out there and enjoy outings and activities with friends and family in the more temperate weather.

This is also the time of year that many of us have attended and participated in the Annual General Meeting of our Clubs. This yearly occasion provides an opportunity for members to nominate for positions on their Management Committee, a meaningful way to contribute to the ongoing success of their Club.

We are often hesitant to put ourselves forward, but I believe that everyone has a skill or talent that can add benefits to the functioning and enjoyment of club activities. I thoroughly enjoyed my times in a variety of roles as a member of my Club’s committee, and more importantly, strengthening relationships with other members by working together.

One of the primary objectives of Probus South Pacific is supporting all Clubs in membership retention and growth. To support this goal we will soon be embarking on a national advertising campaign - an invitation to “Discover Probus.”

We will be promoting studies that have shown retirees who stay socially active through group activities improve their overall well-being.

Our promotional material will remind potential members that too often we focus on our financial well-being in retirement, giving little thought to our social well-being. This is where Probus comes in, offering a broad range of opportunities for members to become and stay engaged through a wide range of activities, outings, trips and interest groups.

As I mentioned in our last edition, this campaign has been influenced by the formation of a working group: the Marketing Consultative Committee, made up of members willing to contribute their skills, expertise and advice in on-line (Zoom) meetings.

This group continues to work with our PSPL team to provide their input on our future promotional and marketing programs including the development of our new website.

Our 50th Anniversary Organising Committee has achieved so much in a short amount of time. This multi-talented group was formed in New Zealand to advise and assist with the arrangements and organisation of Anniversary celebrations of Probus in the South Pacific, with the first club formed in Kapiti Coast in November 1974.

A reminder that nominations from Probus Club members to fill upcoming vacancies for the positions of Representative Member/Director in New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and New Zealand. The term of office for successful candidates will be from August 2023 to August 2026.

Members, particularly those who also have business experience in finance, accounting, communications, marketing, or as a public company Director, are urged to consider nominating. Given the large proportion of female Probians, we hope to see women who meet the criteria nominate for these roles.

We ask any member who meets the criteria to consider this opportunity. Further information about the roles can be found on PSPL’s website or by contacting our Team.

Hopefully, like me, you are looking forward to spending time with your Probus friends and enjoying everything life has to offer.

Judith Maestracci AM Chairman | Probus South Pacific Ltd