Official Opening Perth Probus Rendezvous 2009

Monday 14 September 2009


by His Ecellency Dr Ken Michael, AC
Governor of Western Australia



It is a pleasure to join you at this Probus Rendezvous 2009.

This special event is one that Probus members welcome on an annual basis, this time in Perth, Western Australia.

My wife Julie and I are joint Patrons of the Probus Association in Western Australia so we are keen supporters of the purposes of Probus and its Association of active retirees.

We also extend a warm welcome to all visitors to our State and we trust they enjoy the activities and places our city and our State have to offer.

Probus is an association of active retirees who, through their clubs, share diverse interests, knowledge and activities

The Probus Centre-South Pacific., the Administration and Service Centre for the South Pacific area, is dedicated to promoting the development of friendship and acquaintance and the advancement of intellectual interests of its membership.
 
As most of you are aware Probus began in Australia in 1976 but its history goes back to the United Kingdom in 1965. Other Probus Clubs formed in the South Pacific area were in New Zealand in 1974 and The Philippines in 2007.

Probus has filled a need for today's active retirees so much so that the growth has been phenomenal. Probus is now established in twenty three countries around the world.

In particular, there are over one hundred and forty thousand members in Australia and over forty six thousand members in New Zealand.

Since the Centre’s development, groups of clubs have formed local regional Interest Groups for the exchange of ideas of mutual interest. Gatherings of clubs followed for special occasions and, of interest, in 1987, the Probus Club of Perth organized a highly successful Septemberfest, which attracted visiting Probians from Australian States and from New Zealand.
 
This was followed in 1988 by the Probus Clubs of South East Queensland inviting Probus members to a gathering associated with Expo 88. Then in 1991 Probians from far and wide converged on the Barossa Valley in South Australia for a gathering referred to as Rendezvous 91.

Events by other States and New Zealand followed and, through its great success, Rendezvous is a treasured annual event on the Probus calendar.

Rendezvous serves to promote fellowship and extend friendships among retired people from all over the world. Rendezvous 2009 continues this philosophy and our congratulations and thanks are extended to Boyd Ackland, Chairman of the Perth Probus Rendezvous 2009, and Committee members for their initiative and magnificent effort in bringing the Rendezvous to Perth and Western Australia. I would also like to add my thanks to the valuable support given by the sponsors of this event.

The fellowship that you will share as active people who continue to be interested in community life will be a highlight of the week – refreshing longstanding friendships and warmly welcoming new ones.

Today, I believe we have nearly 600 Probus members and friends registered, from a wide range of business and professional backgrounds and from far and wide across the country. And I should add that despite the impact of the global financial crisis on us all, this is a satisfyingly strong turnout. I am sure you will appreciate the program, which has been prepared, carefully and thoughtfully, by the Committee for your enjoyment.

I feel sure the activities will keep everyone very busy – pleasurably and informatively so! In addition to the sites in this beautiful city, there are trips to the Swan Valley, Mandurah, New Norcia, and Fremantle. There are tours, dinners, river cruises – all consistent with the true spirit of Probus – “Friendship, Fellowship and Fun”.
 
Probus is a Community Service Program of Rotary clubs. Their creation was a response to the needs of Rotary members and their families.

Rotary itself has an international reputation of providing "service above self”, with its 1.2 million members worldwide active at the international level, District level – and I acknowledge the District Governors here this morning – and local or club level. I have been a member of Rotary for 22 years and can appreciate the great work that is done by Rotary and its strong connection with Probus.

In this respect, Rotary's role is to assess the need and viability within the local community and to form and charter new Probus clubs. Rotary maintains a friendly liaison and interest with the sponsored club but stands aside to allow the Probus club to self-govern and to develop its own identity and programs.
 
In an article in the December 2006 issue of Rotary Down Under, it was reported, under the heading Remember Probus is a Rotary Project, that:

“Probus provides an avenue for semi-retired and retired people of a community (not necessarily Rotarians) to congregate and enjoy the companionship of their peers through intellectual stimulation, to expand their interests and to enjoy the fellowship of new friends.”

Probus provides members with self-generated goodwill, a sense of belonging, a diverse background of ideas, continuing self-esteem and a cordial environment to share in their retirement years.
 
Perth Probus Rendezvous 2009 continues this good work with its far reaching, stimulating and comprehensive program, which I am confident, will bring much enjoyment, pleasure and friendship to delegates and their partners – reinforcing the perspective that Probus is “Tomorrow’s Vision for Active Retirees”.

On that note, it now gives me great pleasure to officially open Perth Probus Rendezvous 2009 and to wish you all a successful and rewarding time together.