Message from Chairman David Simpson

A happy involved life, is a healthier and longer life.

Wow! what a year for our Probus Community and all of us personally. In some ways our lives have changed forever.

If anyone had written a book in 2019 about 2020 and described the events of the past year no one would have believed it was all possible.

Nevertheless, the proactive and positive way our Members, Clubs and Organisation has adapted, shows the ability, enthusiasm and commitment of all involved. Although there are still challenges ahead, Australia is certainly the best country in the world when you consider the low number of COVID-19 cases.

Prior to the outbreak, with the support of the team at Probus South Pacific, it seemed that we were on the right track to grow our membership. The pandemic put a spanner in the works but as we come out of lockdown, there are many retired persons seeking to make those social connections and renew their lives. What better way to achieve that than becoming a member of a Probus Club. A lot of Clubs have reported a renewed interest from members of the community to join a Probus Club. One Club in particular is waiting for an occasion to induct ten new members.

My strong message at this time of disruption, for you and your Club, is to seek new members to keep your Club vibrant. Make sure when a visitor arrives at your Club they are greeted and introduced to a buddy for the day who hopefully becomes a close friend. When meeting or having a function, it is important that we, who have been in Probus for many years, do not stick in our little group but that we circulate and make potential new members feel very welcome.

Probus can make a great difference to our lives in retirement and the health experts advise that a happy involved life is a healthier and longer life.

Given the trials and tribulations of the past twelve months I would like to pay a particular tribute to Probus South Pacific Chief Executive Officer Silvana Martignago and her staff. They have all had to endure enormous challenges and changes to their procedures with lower staffing levels. They have come through in a very good condition so as to be able to support Clubs and members.

I sincerely hope that Probians and their families had a joyous and safe Christmas, and that the new year is filled with fun, friendship, contentment and fulfillment.

As we begin this new year, please give thought to those less fortunate than us and focus on staying socially connected with all members, past and present.

David Simpson

Chairman | Probus South Pacific Ltd