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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-11-27 Daily Xml
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Probus Month

Mrs PEARCE (King) (15:16): Probus clubs play an incredibly important role in communities all across our state. Our thanks for their efforts in bringing people together. We know that loneliness is detrimental to one's mental health and physical health. In fact, in 2022 it was described as one of the most pressing public health priorities in Australia. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that can be taken to help tackle this issue, which does include maintaining active relationships through community organisations, and that is where Probus comes into play.

Probus is a non-political, non-fundraising group that promotes a network of like-minded individuals who are all too eager to share their time, experiences and friendships meeting regularly across a range of activities and events. It originally found its home here in South Australia back in 1981 with the very first Probus club, the Probus Club of Brighton and Glenelg being established. We are now home to 141 Probus clubs across the state, 72 of which are based in metropolitan Adelaide and, just as importantly, 69 of which are across our regions, all hosting a combined membership of up to and over 6,800 people.

I have had the great pleasure of seeing firsthand the incredible work that Probus clubs do, particularly in my local community thanks to the Probus Club of Golden Grove. This particular Probus exemplifies the spirit of connection and friendship and is a true testament to the values that Probus is and the value that it can bring to a local community. The members of this Probus club go to great lengths to support one another and create opportunities for engagement with one another that span across a whole range of interests, something that I know is reflected across all Probus clubs in our state.

There is always something in the calendar ready to help bring people together, and it was my absolute pleasure that earlier this year we were able to invite members of the Probus into Parliament House for the member for Newland to give them a tour, and I really cannot wait for the next visit. I think we might have to do one simply for the library, because I know that is a huge attraction piece and John Weste, our amazing research officer there, has just so much to share with you all and I cannot wait to have you all back in for that.

October was a really special month for the Probus community as it did mark Probus Month. It was a time to celebrate the movement and the friendships that have been forged by all who have become a part of the Probus community. It also links in really well with our own week of ageing well, which this year celebrated community and companionship, which is incredibly fitting considering that this is exactly at the core of what Probus clubs seek to deliver.

Groups like Probus are more than just social groups, they are the backbone of our local community. They play an essential role in combatting social isolation, particularly among our older residents. Through regular meetings, shared activities and volunteer opportunities, they give members a sense of purpose and belonging that is absolutely fundamental to healthy ageing. The relationships formed within these groups often become lifelong friendships. They create support networks that extend well beyond the club meetings and the outings themselves. They are helping to enrich the lives of others.

I sincerely thank members of the Probus clubs for the collective impact that they have been having on South Australian communities, and this work cannot be overstated. They are absolutely essential partners in helping to build resilient, connected and caring communities. I know that certainly is what is occurring in our local community and surrounding communities thanks to the local Probus clubs in the area.

With that in mind, I would like to thank all members of the Probus community who are here with us today. In fact, I would like to thank all 141 clubs that are based all across our state for all that they do to help support active and connected communities across our state. We are better off in our local communities for having you be a part of it, and I thank you for all that you do.

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