Probus was started in England by the Rotary Organisation in the middle 1960s. The Manly Probus Club Inc was founded in 1980. 

Probus in Australia has currently over 141,000 members in more than 1800 clubs. Our club was the first in the area from The Spit to Palm Beach and the 29^th in NSW.

Probus (derived from Professional  and Business) is open to retired and semi-retired professional and business people and others from any worthy vocation who appreciate and value opportunities for social contact with others in similar circumstances. The organisation aims to stimulate thought, interest and participation in activities at a time of life when horizons are narrowing and opportunities to make new friends are often limited.  

Clubs are non-political, non-sectarian, non profit and non fund raising.

Our 2011/2012 individual membership fee is $30.00 per annum ($50.00 for couples) and there is an additional joining fee of $25.00. Probus name badges are supplied to members.

At our monthly meetings, there is an entrance fee of $2.00 per person to cover the cost of tea, coffee and biscuits.

Our club meets at the Balgowlah RSL Club on the third Thursday of the month at 10.15am.   We have 30 minutes of business then a coffee break followed by 60 minutes for a Guest Speaker.  Many of our members also have lunch in the club bistro afterwards.

We have a Bowls Group, a Golf Group and a Social Walking Group.  Outings to places of interest are usually held on the fourth Thursday of each month, and on the first Thursday each month there is a walk followed by BYO morning tea.  The club also holds several BBQs per year at Clontarf reserve. These walks & BBQs are one of the best ways for new members to get to know other club members. Once a year we have a 5 day Coach Tour to various places like Cooma, Yarrawonga etc.

Those who are interested in becoming members should forward a written expression of interest in Manly Probus Club to our secretary and must first attend at least two monthly meetings or walks as guests and meet some committee members.

Membership nominations on the prescribed form are considered at a Management Committee meeting. 

New members are encouraged to be nominated for a committee position after a year or two of membership.