EVENT DETAILS
What: Probus 50th Anniversary Official Launch
When: Tuesday 3 February 2026
Time: [TIME – TO CONFIRM]
Where: Probus Club of Hunters Hill & District, Hunters Hill, Sydney
Who:
- The Hon. John Howard OM AC
- Heather Ewart – National Spokesperson for Probus
- Silvana Martignago – CEO, Probus South Pacific
- Probus members past and present
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MEDIA INVITATION
SYDNEY | NSW
Sydney media are invited to attend a milestone event marking the official launch of Probus’ 50th anniversary year in Australia, to be held on Tuesday 3 February 2026 at Hunters Hill, home to the oldest Probus Club in the country.
The Probus Club of Hunters Hill & District first opened its doors on 3 February 1976, making this location and date a fitting setting to formally commence Probus’ national 50th anniversary celebrations.
The commemorative event will bring together Probus members past and present, community representatives and national leaders to reflect on the role Probus has played in fostering social connection, friendship and wellbeing for older Australians over the past five decades.
Former Prime Minister The Honourable John Howard OM AC will attend the event to formally mark the commencement of Probus’ 50th anniversary year in Australia.
Silvana Martignago, CEO of Probus South Pacific, will also be in attendance and available for interview.
“Hunters Hill is where Probus began in Australia, and returning here exactly 50 years to the day after the first club opened is deeply meaningful,” Ms Martignago said.
“This anniversary is about people, friendships and the enduring role local communities play in helping Australians stay socially connected as they age.”
Mr Howard has also provided a written message for the Probus Club of Hunters Hill & District reflecting on the club’s origins, its strong community roots and the role Probus has played in fostering social connection in Australia for five decades.
The national significance of Probus’ 50-year milestone has been recognised by Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, who has written to Probus Clubs across Australia acknowledging their contribution to care, connection and community wellbeing over five decades.
The anniversary is being marked nationally throughout 2026, with celebrations hosted by Probus Clubs across Australia. Recorded messages of congratulations from Federal and State parliamentarians across multiple jurisdictions have also been received, reflecting Probus’ strong presence and value to its local communities nationwide.
Well-known journalist and broadcaster Heather Ewart, National Spokesperson for Probus, will also attend and be available for interviews before, during and after the event. Heather’s connection to Probus is personal, with her mother a long-time Probus member, and she will speak to the importance of social connection and community as Australians age.
Why this matters locally
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Hunters Hill is home to Australia’s first Probus Club
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The event marks exactly 50 years since the club’s founding
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Strong visual opportunities with members, speeches and milestone moments
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Timely stories around healthy ageing, social connection and community
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Interview opportunities with John Howard, Heather Ewart and Probus leadership
Media opportunities
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Live or recorded TV and radio interviews
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Pre-event interviews with Heather Ewart or Probus leadership
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On-site filming and photography
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Post-event follow-up interviews and community stories
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Access to national video messages from parliamentarians (on request)
About us:
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Probus is a social organisation offering clubs for people seeking connection, friendship and shared activities.
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Probus clubs operate throughout Australia and New Zealand.
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Membership is open to retirees, semi-retirees and those planning their retirement.
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A formal letter of recognition has been received from the Governor-General of Australia.
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Additional media assets and talking points are available on request.
Contact details:
Primary Contact:
Marcie Cheers
The Creative Collective
[email protected]
0415 385 816
Secondary Contact:
Yvette Adams
The Creative Collective
[email protected]
0405 022 977
