Tony Zappia (Makin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Saturday, 1 October, is Probus Day throughout Australia and New Zealand. It is also the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, acknowledging the important contribution that older persons make to society. With more than 1,400 clubs across Australia and 100,000 members, Probus provides retired or semi-retired people with an opportunity to join a local club, make new friends and participate in numerous social activities that will improve mental health and wellbeing.

This year's Probus Day theme is: 'Probus provides unlimited possibilities in retirement.' In the Makin electorate, people have access to 11 nearby Probus clubs, and there are several more in the surrounding region. They all operate independently and pursue initiatives in response to the priorities and interests of their members.

Over the years, I've been invited to and attended many Probus club meetings, and I've also seen how welcoming and interesting they all have been. As we all know, many older people struggle with isolation and loneliness and it affects their quality of life. I therefore encourage any retired or semi-retired person who is looking for some friendship and a social life without any onerous obligations to contact a Probus club in their local area. It could change their life for the better.