Probus Clubs exist to fill a need of retired persons in the community who have been accustomed to high levels of vocational activity and decision making in their working lives. The principal objective of every Probus Club is to create and maintain a homogeneous group that provides the fellowship and intellectual stimulation.
History of our Club
Melbourne Sunrise Probus Club is a member of the international Probus organisation and is accredited in the South Pacific region. MSPC is non-political and non-sectarian.  It is a "not for profit" organisation and has no fund raising activities. The emphasis is on the club being free from the constraints and obligations of service clubs and on allowing members to participate at minimum personal cost. MSPC has a number of activities and interest groups designed to promote active minds and bodies, with an emphasis on social interactions. Members are encouraged to enjoy the fellowship of new friends. The club membership limit is 130.
Club Executives & Directors
President
Philipa Bergman-Hill
Vice President
Hank van Herk
Immediate Past President
Tom McNair
Secretary
Stephen Edwards
Treasurer
Sarah Taylor

Upcoming Events

Contact Us

POSTAL ADDRESS 
PO Box 23308,  Docklands 8012 

Secretary-Steve  
Mobile: 0419 398 780
email: speprobus@gmail.com

Membership - Michael
Mobile: 0419 348 191
email: michaelpepi@bigpond.com

Governance Documents & Downloads
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Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
WELCOME!
Greetings to old friends, new friends and potential friends, and welcome to the Melbourne Sunrise Probus Club website!  The Club provides an important platform for senior members of the Melbourne community to enhance their vitality through a general friendship and fellowship with others and an engagement in the interest groups and special events listed on this home page.  Members may log in and read the Newsletters and make contact with other members.  If you are not a Member and would like to be introduced to the Club, please see the details in the “Contact Us” section or use the message field at the bottom of the page.
Meeting Venue and Date

Melbourne Sunrise Probus Club


March General Meeting and Annual General Meeting

Thursday 5th March 2026 10.00 am (for 10.30 start) 

The Performance Space & Meeting Room

Library at the Dock 

107 Victoria Harbour Promenade

Docklands 3008

Speakers
Upcoming Speakers
Kristian Connelly
Apr 02, 2026 11:00 AM
Movies
Movies

Despite countless technological developments since their invention over 130 years ago, the practice of going to the movies is still the #1 entertainment pastime in Australia – more popular than AFL! What is made for cinemas is now more diverse than ever before, and Cinema Nova Carlton can be counted upon to bring the movie lovers of Melbourne the widest selection of quality films from around the globe. Cinema Nova’s CEO Kristian Connelly will discuss the power of the movies and why now is the time to rediscover their magic.

Past Speakers
Chrissy Fletcher
Nov 06, 2025 11:00 AM
History of Yarra’s Edge
Graham Patterson
Oct 02, 2025 11:00 AM
Nature and history on the Port Phillip coast
Steve Roberts
Sep 04, 2025 11:00 AM
Astronomy
View entire list...

STORIES

MELBOURNE SUNRISE PROBUS CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
Posted by Steve Edwards
Congratulations received from Probus South Pacific Limited on our club reaching its 15 year milestone.
 
26 September 2025

Dear President Philipa,

On behalf of PSPL, I would like to extend our congratulations to the members of Melbourne Sunrise Probus Inc (C) on celebrating the Club's 15th Anniversary. This is a great milestone for your Club and is a true testament to the Probus values of Fun, Friendship and Fellowship. It is widely accepted that when retirees are members of social groups, they are less likely to develop the mental health issues associated with isolation and loneliness. Probus helps retirees stay engaged and connected which is so important in today's world.
I have pleasure in enclosing your Club's anniversary certificate. I hope that your Club has a great celebration and encourage you to share any photos of this milestone with us for inclusion in Probus publications. 
Please pass o n my best wishes to your members.

Yours in Probus Friendship

Silvana Martignago
Chief Executive Officer

PROBUS SOUTH PACIFIC LIMITED. ACN 152 374 395
Australia: 1300 630 488 New Zealand: 080014776287
Email: admin@probussouthpacific.org Website: www.probussouthpacific.org
 
Cranbourne Botanical Gardens Visit
Posted by Elizabeth Markwell
Twenty members enjoyed a lovely sunny Thursday outing to the Cranbourne Botanical Gardens. Although the bus was delayed by traffic and we found ourselves waiting a little while, everyone was glad to finally step into the warmth of the bus. On arrival, we were greeted by sunshine and the beauty of the Australian native gardens, followed by a most enjoyable lunch together in the café. It was a wonderful day shared with good company — sunshine, smiles, and not a wilted flower in sight!
Club 31
Posted by Barbara Hanisch
 
 
Around 28 Probians celebrated Halloween for October Club 31.
Many stayed on for dinner afterwards… which wasn’t too scary!
Dinner at 6
Posted by Warren Adderley
Phillipe, Tuesday November 18th.
We dined at Phillipe Mouchel’s restaurant in Melbourne which is a contemporary French bistro.  Our three course menu showcased traditional yet innovative French cooking with high quality seasonal produce. Twelve members enjoyed a delightful meal, consumed some impressive French wines, cocktails and celebrated our last Dinner@6 together for 2025. A wonderful night was enjoyed by all.
Grand Day Out at Portarlington
Posted by Elizabeth Markwell

Fifteen of our members enjoyed a grand day out in Portarlington, blessed with absolutely perfect weather. We explored the foreshore, browsed the local shops, and soaked up the relaxed coastal atmosphere. The food was excellent, with several members happily tucking into the famous Portarlington mussels. Lunch was served in the beautiful atrium at the Grand Hotel, making for a relaxed and cheerful dining experience. All in all, it was a wonderful outing filled with good company, great food, and plenty of sunshine.

Walking Group
Posted by Tom McNair
This month we walked from Clifton Hill down the Merri Creek to its junction with the Yarra, then upstream, over a suspension bridge to the Studley Park boat house. Six km, just for a cup of coffee!
Crafty Sunrisers Group
Posted by Elizabeth Markwell
Crafty Afternoon at the Wharf - A few of us met for lunch at the hotel first — always a fantastic way to start the day — before heading off to our afternoon of craftiness! Ten members joined in, with plenty of chatter and creativity flowing. Some worked on embroidery while others were busy knitting or making poppies for Remembrance Day. We also packed up a lovely bundle of handmade items to send to Cottage by the Sea — many thanks to Tom for kindly offering to deliver them later this week.  
and an update....all the Crafty Sunrisers wonderful stash of knitted goodies was delivered to The Cottage by the Sea. Sandra gratefully received them and said how the kids will adore them. We were also told that they had been told of children keeping gifts into adulthood as a moment of their life changing visit. Well done Crafties!
Walking Group
Posted by Tom McNair
A record number of our MSPC walking group joined Tom on a walk from Middle Brighton to Sandringham on Thursday morning. After admiring the bathing boxes on Brighton Beach we headed to Brighton Beach Station where we paused to admire a mural of the steam train that once serviced a jetty here. Tom knew that keeping the group together would be difficult, and as the idea of walking hand in hand for 6km was rejected, Garry Oxley led an advance party to the cafes at Sandringham station, and Kim led the rear party. Who knows where Tom was! Somewhere in the middle. We all made it for coffee and the train back to Flinders Street, but a few were distracted by the nearby second hand shops!
Archibald Prize 2025
Posted by Kim Rea
Art appreciation by 24 Probus members was followed by delicious meals at Mav’s Greek Restaurant. For the cost of a standard day’s MYKI charge, this was an amazingly cost effective visit to the Archibalds. OK, lunch and Gallery entry were extra costs but still much less than a similar experience with a Melbourne CBD restaurant.  
Visit to the Police Museum
Posted by Joanmary Adderley
The Police Museum presented members with insights into Victoria’s social and cultural history and an immersive experience that detailed the establishment of Victoria Police. We uncovered some of the major investigations including forensics and major crimes. Afterwards we enjoyed lunch at the Royal Melbourne hotel and dined outside the old prisoner cells.
Pub Grub
Posted by Kim Rea
Pub Grubbers in the beer garden of the Garden State Hotel which was safely covered by a glass roof. All of the benefits of sunshine without Spring showers. Great variety on the menu and most managed to operate The Pass app by the end of the meal.
Crafty Sunrisers
Posted by Elizabeth Markwell
Crafting, Knitting and Learning Together  
Several members met and dined at the Wharf hotel before gathering for an afternoon of creativity and craft. Bearbrass member Spike even brought along a shirt, keen to learn the art of sewing on a button. With Sue’s patient and thorough guidance, Spike soon mastered the technique and left brimming with new knowledge. Meanwhile, several members brought out their knitting needles—no doubt inspired by the chilly weather. A large bundle of cosy winter woollies is well underway (photo shows just a few) that will be packed up to send to the Cottage by the Sea in October.
  
High Tea at Overnewton Castle
Posted by Joanmary Adderley
Seventeen members participated in a delightful High Tea at Overnewton Castle on Wednesday 20th August. Finger sandwiches, brisket pies, assorted quiches, petit fours, freshly baked scones with lashings of jam and cream were served with a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice.                              
Mahjong
Posted by Ros Mancer
Mahjong players are happy to have discovered a new venue with a lovely outlook across the Yarra River and the occasional glass of wine or cup of coffee to assist the call of "MAHJONG"! Come and join us on the second and fourth Monday of each month - 2:00 - 4.30pm at 1 Hotel Melbourne, 9 Maritime Place, Melbourne right behind Mission to Seafarers.
  
Government House Tour
Posted by Tom McNair
On Monday 23rd June eighteen members braved the cold and windy conditions to tour Government House in Kings Domain which is situated next to the Royal Botanic Gardens. It was officially opened in 1876, on land that had originally been set aside in 1841. Government House is the official residence of the governor of Victoria, currently Margaret Gardner. The main building consists of three parts: the south wing with its extravagant single storey State Ballroom, the formal State rooms, and smaller dining and drawing rooms to the north. Rising from the building is a belvedere tower. The nearby mews are a paved area surrounded on three sides by stables and coach houses.
We were all impressed by the billiard room and photographic display of former Governors and their spouses. The long table of the State Dining Room sits 54 people and the State Ballroom was once reputed to be the largest in the British Empire. We walked through the kitchen garden and learned of the programme that exists to help isolated women make friendly connections. The kitchen garden horticulturalist is one of about 50 staff needed to keep the Governor supplied with fruit and vegetables. It was a most interesting and informative morning.
Day trip to Mordialloc
Posted by Elizabeth Markwell
Our Tuesday outing was a refreshing escape from the city. A group of 15 members took the train down to Mordialloc, followed by a pleasant walk to the Bridge Hotel where we enjoyed a lovely meal while clouds rolled across the sky. By the time we finished lunch, the weather shifted - clouds gave way to patches of blue sky, setting the scene for a brisk walk by the swollen creek. The water was lively, tossing small fishing vessels about, while waves were crashing over the rocks near the beach. It certainly blew away the cobwebs!  We wrapped up the afternoon with more enjoyable conversation as we made our way back to the city, feeling refreshed and recharged.  Thanks to everyone who came along and made it such an enjoyable day.
 
      
Table Tennis Group
Posted by John Freeburn
Enjoying a spot of sunshine at the weekly table tennis meetup.
Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary Visit
Posted by Elizabeth Markwell
On March 31, 13 members travelled to Ballan Railway station and a week later another ten members took the same trip.
We were met at the Station by Judy and Michael Pepi and Emma who took us to the Sanctuary.  There we were met by Anne who managers the Sanctuary. We were given a tour of all the animals that are sheltered there and heard some of their stories.   Anne and her team do a wonderful job in homing these animals who have been either neglected or found wandering homeless.  Some of the stories were heartbreaking, especially the story of the latest addition to the farm, being little foal Cindy, who had been brought to the shelter a few days before group 1 visited.  She stole all our hearts - the sad look in her eyes. Anne gave her a whisper of hope, however, a few days after group 2 visited, we were saddened to hear they had to put Cindy to sleep. Among the many animals we encountered were birds, roosters, a fawn, giraffes, horses, goats, and pigs. Anne knows the name of each one and treats them all with great respect and care.
 
After our tour, we were again met by Michael, Judy and Emma and taken back to the Pepi's where Judy had prepared a delicious 3 course meal for us all. Great conversation took place and we all got a tour of Judy's lovely garden while Michael explained the huge dam construction in progress.  
 
We all ventured back to Melbourne with a deeper understanding of the incredible work being done at the Sanctuary, touched by the stories we heard, and grateful for a day filled with compassion, learning, and warm hospitality.  
     
     
    
 

Links

Interest Groups

Golf:
Every Monday - Royal Park Golf Course
Old Poplar Road, Parkville
Tee off at 9.20 & 9.30am - Cost $15.00
Players are encouraged to arrive @ 9.00 am and arrange their parking ticket.
Interested players should download the Team App from https://teamapp.com/
Contact Kim

Cards- 500:
Wharf Hotel

18/38 Siddeley St Docklands
2.00pm start ends 4.00pm
2nd Thursday each month
Contact John Markwell

Walking Group:
Meets fourth Thursday of the month.
Email notification of route
 
Mahjong
Second and fourth Mondays.
2.00pm to 4.30pm
Hotel 1 Melbourne
9 Maritime Place  Docklands
Contact Ros
 
Book Club 1.
First Tuesday of the month
11.30 am - 12.30pm
Boyd Centre Library, 2017 City Road, Southbank
 
Book Club 2.
Third Wednesday of the month
1.30pm to 3:00pm
 
Movies at Kino
Monday after monthly Probus meeting.
45 Collins St, Melbourne.
Cost $7.00
Contact Louise Swift
 
Coffee Club
Second Tuesday of the month
At a venue to be advised by email.
 
Footy Tipping
It doesn't matter who you barrack for or how much you know about Aussie Rules, it's about joining in the fun with your Melbourne Sunrise Probus ‘Footy Tipping' friends. Competition commences with the opening game of the AFL Season in late March. The competition runs for the full AFL Home and Away Season. It can be accessed by computer, mobile phone or iPad. The system is user friendly. 
The cost is $30.00 per person, per season.
 
 
Table Tennis
Table tennis, get into the action, a fun game with plenty of laughs. Catering for both beginners and experienced players.
EVERY Wednesday
10.00am to 11.30am
THE TERRACE, DOCKLANDS LIBRARY.
Contact: John Freeburn
 
Club31
A Social Get Together
On the 31st of Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Aug, Oct only
5.30pm - 7pm
Venue will be advised prior to the event.
 
Crafty Sunrisers
1.30 pm to 3.30 pm 3rd Monday of the month Wharf Hotel 18/38 Siddeley St Docklands. Come along and
bring your current craft project to work on.