Speeches
Wednesday, 03 June 2026
Reception to celebrate 50th Anniversary of Probus
Rod and I warmly welcome the Probus community to Government House to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Probus in Australia.
We particularly welcome those who have travelled a long way to be with us today.
This reception holds special resonance for Rod and me. Just a few weeks after I was sworn in as Governor, we hosted a reception here for Probus Day.
Now, as we are only months away from concluding our time in this role – one it has been our great privilege to serve – it feels appropriate to be with you again, to mark this important milestone.
Those who were here five years ago, may remember me speaking about my paternal grandmother Dorothy Adamson, who joined Probus when I was growing up in Adelaide.
During our Saturday morning chats – always accompanied by copious cups of tea and slices of delicious lemon cake – she spoke warmly about the friendships she had formed, the activities she enjoyed and the fascinating speakers that sparked her thinking.
Her experience reflects the enduring strength of Probus.
From the original Australian club in Hunters Hill in Sydney, Probus has grown into a remarkable organisation offering friendship, community, and connection to more than 90,000 members across 1,300 clubs.
Closer to home, South Australia’s Probus community continues to thrive.
Among you are representatives from both the oldest and newest clubs in our State.
We welcome Mr Trevor Durdin, the President of Blackwood Probus Club, founded in 1982 and the oldest club in our state.
And we also welcome Mr Callum Gillespie, representing the Probus Club of Sheidow Park, established just six months ago.
Together they represent the spirit and continuity of an organisation that encompasses more than 135 clubs with close to 6,500 members in the State.
I had a memorable morning tea with members of the Bordertown Probus Club last month and am delighted that members of Wallaroo Probus Club accepted the invitation I extended to them at our recent Open Day to join us this evening.
Across the global Probus community, each club is different but joined by a simple but powerful idea: that retirement should be a time of connection, curiosity, purpose, and joy.
Through shared activities, conversations over a cuppa, and a slice of cake or biscuit, guest speakers, and outings Probus members are building supportive communities.
Be proud that you are strengthening our social fabric by breaking down isolation and loneliness, which are increasingly recognised as key challenges for older Australians and are just as important as physical health.
I thank the officer holders, volunteers, and organisers past and present whose dedication sustains local clubs and ensures Probus remains a welcoming and vibrant organisation.
Community is not somewhere we live. We build community together by getting involved and engendering a sense of belonging.
Reaching a 50th year milestone is testament to the dedication of the many office holders and members who have contributed their time, energy, and commitment to the longevity of the organisation – and organisation where clubs are run by members for members.
I warmly congratulate Probus on this significant milestone and wish you all the best for the next 50 years and beyond.
Happy anniversary!