November 6, 2026

Coffs Combined Probus celebrates 50 years of Probus in Australia

COFFS Harbour Combined Probus Club hosted a morning tea on 21 October at Sawtell RSL to mark the 50th anniversary of Probus in Australia.

Guests included Senator Mat Canavan, Leader of the National Party, Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan, Coffs Mayor Councillor Nikki Williams, Salvation Army Major Andrew Van Gaalen and Major Jeanette Van Gaalan, along with other community leaders.

Trusted Source

Probus clubs from Port Macquarie, Grafton, Woolgoolga and Coffs City were represented as well as Rotary clubs in Coffs Harbour.

The members and guests were entertained by 17-year-old Ila Greenaway on the flute.

President of Coffs Harbour Combined Club Shauna Biffin told News Of The Area that Probus was about friendship and staying connected.

“Our club provides a welcoming space where people can meet new friends, stay active and enjoy being part of their local community,” Ms Biffin said.

The benefits of Probus had been widely recognised by all levels of government as well as the Governor General of Australia, who highlighted the significant contribution Probus made to the lives of older Australians, she said.

Each Probus club is run by its members and offers activities tailored to local interests, from social gatherings and outings to guest speakers and community involvement.

“Probus gives people something to look forward to; it’s about connection, conversation and enjoying life together,” Ms Biffin said.

Anyone who is retired or semi-retired and interested in learning more about Coffs Harbour Combined Probus Club, or would like to attend a meeting, is welcome to attend. For more information contact coffscombinedprobus@gmail.com

Founded in Australia in 1976, Probus has grown into a network of social clubs that bring people together through shared interests and regular activities.

Today, Probus supports more than 90,000 members across 1300 clubs throughout Australia, with each club reflecting the unique character of its local community.

By Andrea FERRARI

You can help your local paper.

Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.

We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.

Help support us into the future.

Don’t miss the opportunity to have your say.

Our reader survey closes at midnight on Sunday 12th July.

TAKE OUR SURVEY

To help us continue improving and delivering the content you value, we’d love to hear from you.