Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today, I am eager to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the Hunters Hill Probus Club, the first and oldest Probus club in the country that is right in the heart of Bennelong. Their inaugural meeting was held on 3 February 1976, and, 50 years later, Hunters Hill Probus Club is thriving as it fosters wellbeing, inclusion and connection right across Australia.

Probus remains a non-for-profit institution run by members for its members. Probus club memberships are open to retirees, semi-retirees and those soon to enter retirement. Through activities, programs and social initiatives that solidify community relationships, Probus ensures that Australians of all walks of life can maintain a healthy, active and stimulating lifestyle as they age. Starting at Hunters Hill, they now have over 1,400 clubs across Australia and New Zealand, and over half a million members have been involved since 1976. I'm so proud that all of that started right in the heart of Bennelong.

This week, on 3 February, the club celebrated its 50th birthday, and attending were Michael Ransom, chairman of Probus; Josephine McBride, who is the current president of the Hunters Hill Club; the local mayor; and my predecessor, former prime minister John Howard. Unfortunately, due to parliamentary commitments, I couldn't be there, but thank you to Hunters Hill Probus Club for all that you do.

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