Probus, the not-for-profit social organisation for semi-retired and retired Australians, is celebrating 50 years of fostering friendship, connection and community across the country.

Founded in NSW in 1976, Probus has spent the past five decades bringing people together through shared interests, social activities and lasting friendships, helping thousands of Australians stay active and connected in retirement.

The first Echuca club was formed in 1990, comprising of 22 men, and by 1995 had opened its doors to women as well. Such was the demand that a second club was established in 1997, a third in 2000 and a fourth in 2005.

Today many people in the community enjoy the three fundamentals of Probus: friendship, fellowship and fun.

On Wednesday, July 15, all four groups met for a Christmas in July-themed lunch in celebration of 50 years of Probus.

Goulburn Murray District Probus secretary Chris McDonald said the day was a big occasion for all the clubs to come together and celebrate.

“It means a big celebration for us. It's a lovely get-together, and just acknowledging what they’ve done for us over the years,” she said.

The Echuca Moama club is 35 years old, with 45 members, which makes it one of the smaller of the four.

“I’ve been a member for 10 years. We're the original club that started in this area,” Mrs McDonald said.

Mrs McDonald said Probus offered members a wide variety of social activities, with regular outings, shared meals and interest groups helping members stay active and connected.

“We’re very big into our meals,” she said.

Members recently visited the Goulburn Valley silo art trail, travelling by carpool to view the murals at Goulburn, Rochester and Stanhope.

Mrs McDonald said the club organised something different every month, while members could also join activity groups including cycling, cooking and book clubs. Several times a year, the local Probus clubs also come together for larger social events and activities.

The club is run by a committee that makes decisions on behalf of members before providing updates at regular general meetings.

Mrs McDonald said guest speakers were also a highlight of the monthly meetings, with local identities and visitors sharing a wide range of experiences.

“We have guest speakers every month,” she said.

“Recently, we had state Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh talking about walking the Kokoda Track with Year 11 and 12 students. He had a slideshow and everything, and we really enjoyed his talk.”

Beyond the activities themselves, Mrs McDonald said friendship was really at the heart of what keeps members coming back.

“You know, we just get together all the time and we’re always talking. And if someone’s not well, there’s always a get well card or a phone call or a visit,” Mrs McDonald said.

“Just to make sure they’re not isolated and really felt respected basically.”

Mrs McDonald said she hoped the group would continue on for another 50 years.

“Oh, 50 years, darling. I’ll be pushing up daisies,” she said with a laugh.

“And you know, everybody has a great time. It’s just mixing and mingling with other people, and staving off loneliness.”

Probus warmly welcomes anyone who is semi-retired or retired to get in touch and find out more about what the group has to offer.

“You know, ring any of us. We’ll tell you what it’s about. We’ll tell you what we do,” Mrs McDonald said.

Mrs McDonald said joining Probus helped her settle into the community after moving to the Echuca-Moama district without knowing anyone.

“I’d just moved up to the area and didn’t know anybody,” she said.

“I got talking to somebody in the supermarket, and she suggested Probus as a good starting point. It basically went from there.”

Mrs McDonald explained that friendship was the main reason she, and many others, kept attending and being involved in Probus.

“It’s really good because you know, even if you’re feeling down, and you don’t want to come to a meeting, somebody always knows that you’re not feeling down, or you’re not attending, and they’ll ring you,” she said.

“So, you’re not isolated. That’s the whole thing with Probus.”

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