Probus Clubs around the world have been set up at the initiative of the Rotary Club. A need was seen to provide an organisation for retired and semi-retired business people that follows on from Rotary.

Previous membership of Rotary is not a prerequisite to membership of Probus, though, and "business people" is usually taken to include people from a very broad range of professions and community areas. Probus Clubs are very 'social' in their activity. The Probus constitution states that clubs shall be non political and non sectarian, will not endorse any candidate for public office and shall not attempt to influence the policies or decisions of governments. Neither are clubs a fund-raising body for social benefit. This tends to make members sound very insular perhaps; but this is not so. Members are free to, and do, pursue a great number of interests and many are very active in their community. Clubs do not push any political barrows or work towards any end save the well-being of members through a caring interaction and fellowship within the Club.

The Probus Association of Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Inc.

The Probus Association of Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Inc was formed in 2002 as a vehicle for the exchange of ideas and information and the discussion of matters of mutual interest between member Probus Clubs. The primary function of the Association is to assist, co-ordinate and advise on social activities to the benefit of all member clubs. The Association has no policy making role, but does work closely with Probus Centre-South Pacific Inc. in fostering the ideals and aims of Probus.

Activities
The Probus Association of Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Inc. arranges a calendar of events each year which includes day coach trips, golf and bowls days, a race day, ecumenical church service and extended tours. Events are designed to complement the activities of the members clubs. A Friendship Day is held to close the calendar year in the true spirit of Probus.

Committee meetings are held monthly with Delegates meetings held every three months at the Gold Coast Arts Centre (Contact the Secretary for the date of the next meeting). Minutes of committee meetings and details of Association activities are circulated to member clubs monthly.