Correspondence and meetings to form the club
The first recorded move to form the Probus Club of Darwin came in an undated press release in 1985 from the Rotary Club of Darwin North, quoting the president of that club, Dr. Guan Yeo, as saying that;
"... the basic purpose of a Probus Club is to provide regular meetings and fellowship for those retired and semi-retired men who appreciate
and value opportunities to meet others of a similar level of interest... "
The press release went on to issue a general invitation to those interested to attend a meeting in the Palmerston Room at the Don Hotel at 7.30 pm on the 8th May, 1985.
In addition to the press release, personal letters of invitation were sent to various prominent members of the community. Included in this list was Mr. Jim Gallacher who was elected convenor by the meeting.
In this role Jim Gallacher sent form letters to a number of people inviting them to attend a meeting to bring about the formation of the Probus Club of Darwin. This meeting was scheduled for 10 am on Wednesday 29th May, 1985 at the Darwin Bowls Club.
Fourteen people attended that meeting, including Mr. George Fyson who was the Director, Vocational Service with the sponsoring Rotary Club of Darwin North. In addition ten people sent an apology.
In attendance: G. Fyson, R. Chin, R. Eddy, N. Field, B. Hingson, S. Kennon, J. Larcombe, L. MacGregor, W. McLaren, L. Penhall, C. See Kee, T. Thamarajah, J. Wright and J. Gallacher.
Apologies: A. Clarke, T. D'ambrosio, J. Fisher, R. Franklin, K. Frey, H. Geise, H. Harrison, N. Lynagh, E. Milliken and E. Evans.
After an address by George Fyson, detailing the purpose and functions of a Probus club, the Probus Club of Darwin was formed on a motion put by Bill McLaren and seconded by N. Field.
Office bearers elected were: PRESIDENT: Harry Giese, VICE PRESIDENT: Bill McLaren, SECRETARY: Jim Gallacher, TREASURER: N. Field
It was agreed that eligibility for classification as a foundation member would remain open for a period of three months.
Annual fees were set at $10, with meetings to be held at the Darwin Bowls Club at 10 am on the first Wednesday of each month. The first such meeting was scheduled for 3rd July, 1985.
The First Meeting
Dr. Guan Yeo, president of the Rotary Club of Darwin North, and Mr. George Fyson, Director, Vocational Services attended the July 3rd meeting representing their club as sponsors of the Probus Club of Darwin.
Dr. Yeo presented the president, Harry Giese, with the Collar of Office, and provided the members with Probus pins and stickers.
It was reported that His Honour the Administrator was happy to accept the position of Patron.
The meeting was advised that at that stage the club had 22 financial members.
It obviously had not taken long for the word to spread, for at that July 3 meeting there was a letter from the Marriage Guidance Council seeking assistance in the form of $1000!
In reply, it was pointed out to that Council that the Probus Club was not a fund raising service club.
Foundation members
At the meeting of 4th September, 1985, the following people were declared to be Foundation Members of the Probus Club of Darwin. |
