On 1 October, landmarks across Australia will light up for Probus Month, as one of Australia and New Zealand's largest social networks for retirees celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The annual light-up initiative, now in its 6th year, is set to be the biggest yet, with landmarks including Questacon (ACT), Darwin Civic Centre (NT), Victoria Bridge (QLD), Adelaide Town Hall (SA), Rose Garden Bridge (Tas), Melbourne Town Hall (VIC), City of Parramatta Council (NSW) and CBD precinct, including Town Hall, Town Square and Alison Hartman Gardens (WA) joining dozens of metropolitan and regional sites across the country.
Around 80 landmarks typically participate each year, making this year's 113 light-ups a fitting national celebration of five decades of Probus bringing retirees and semi-retirees together through friendship, social connection, shared interests and new experiences.
Probus began in Australia with the establishment of the Hunters Hill Probus Club in Sydney in February 1976. Today, it has grown to more than 90,000 members across Australia and New Zealand.
"For 50 years, Probus has been bringing people together and creating opportunities for friendship, connection and new experiences," Silvana Martignago, CEO of Probus in Australia, said.
"Seeing landmarks across Australia light up for Probus Month is a wonderful visual celebration for Probus members, our Clubs and the communities that have supported Probus over the past five decades.
"While we have celebrated our 50th anniversary in a number of ways throughout 2026, Probus Month gives us another opportunity to recognise what really sits at the heart of Probus - people connecting with people.
"We know how important social connection is as we get older. Probus gives retirees and semi-retirees a welcoming way to meet new people, pursue their interests, enjoy activities and outings, and continue making the most of life."
The landmark light-ups cap a year of 50th anniversary celebrations across Australia. These have included a special event at Hunters Hill in February attended by former Prime Minister John Howard, the appointment of Heather Ewart as a national spokesperson, and anniversary morning teas, events and celebrations hosted by Probus Clubs around the country.
The milestone has also been formally recognised by the Governor-General of Australia, along with numerous Federal and State MPs.
With more than 90,000 members, Probus is one of the largest social networks for retirees across Australia and New Zealand. Unlike service clubs, Probus is focused on friendship, fun and social connection, providing members with opportunities to build relationships, pursue shared interests and stay active and engaged in their communities.
Martignago said Probus Month was also an opportunity for Australians approaching or enjoying retirement to discover what their local Club offers.
"Retirement can be an exciting new chapter, but it can also mean losing some of the regular social connections that came through work and other stages of life.
"Probus is about creating those connections. Whether your interests are travel, dining, walking, books, sport, arts and culture, learning something new or simply enjoying good company, there is a place for you.
"This Probus Month, we encourage people to look out for a landmark lit up in their community, celebrate with us and, if they're curious about Probus, find a local Club and come along."
Find a Probus Club
Retirees and or semi-retirees interested in joining Probus can find their nearest Club at: https://probussouthpacific.org/find-a-probus-club/
Probus Clubs are run by members for members and provide regular opportunities to connect through meetings, guest speakers, activities, interest groups, outings and travel.
