Speeches
Friday, 22 October 2021
Reception to celebrate Probus Day
Rod and I are pleased to welcome you to Government House to celebrate Probus Day.
I am sure a number of you will have been here before – perhaps often – but a particular welcome to those of you who are here for the first time. This is a place where we want all South Australian to feel welcome.
I must say too that I have not often been in a room with so many Presidents, which is saying something when you consider my previous career!
I well remember in my early teenage years in Adelaide, my paternal grandmother, Dorothy Adamson, told me she had joined Probus.
In our Saturday morning conversations (sustained by her wonderful lemon cake), she often spoke about the friendships she had made and how she enjoyed the activities and interesting speakers.
Her participation clearly brought her much joy and boosted her self-esteem.
The benefits were clear.
As we grow older, connecting with others, staying active and exploring new ideas can become more challenging to achieve but if anything becomes even more important.
We need to nurture the soul and mind as well as our bodies.
Our networks are vital and need to be maintained and enhanced throughout life.
COVID-19 has presented us with many challenges in maintaining contact with our friends and loved ones, and we need to be alert to how we, and others, are coping with these challenges.
But it is also clear that being connected to people across the community is a South Australian strength.
We are a caring community.
We found new ways to keep in contact via zoom and social media.
We made phone calls to our friends and neighbours and showed care and kindness in myriad ways.
Many Probus members volunteers throughout this time also found new ways to remain active; generously contributing time and energy to maintain communications with fellow members.
Special days such as Probus Day and the United Nations Day of Older Persons in early October provide important opportunities to focus on the contributions older people make to our community.
This year, the theme of Probus Day and Month is to encourage older people to learn more about the benefits of joining a club and social interaction.
In doing just that, I thank the more than 9,000 Probus members across the 150 clubs in South Australia for providing an avenue for people to keep busy, connected and active in their retirement.
You are part of a world-wide movement that offers fun, friendship and fellowship.
May you long continue to do so.
I look forward to future membership!
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC
GOVERNOR OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA