One of PAWA’s important annual events is to conduct a series of Building Better Clubs Workshops across Western Australia.

During this year, PAWA conducted workshops have been held at:

  • Kalamunda
  • Busselton
  • Albany
  • North Beach
  • Rossmoyne
  • Meadow Springs (Mandurah)
  • Floreat

During 2022, PAWA conducted 3 Forums and 4 Workshops in:

  • Joondalup
  • Bull Creek
  • Meadow Springs (Mandurah)
  • Yokine
  • Bunbury
  • Albany
  • Floreat

These workshops are targeted a newly elected Club Management Committee members, as well as other Club members, to educate and enlighten as well as demystify the roles and responsibilities within Club Committees.

Our workshop has two parts.
Firstly several interactive presentations with questions and answers invited from attendees on various topics :

  • PAWA and its role
  • Probus South Pacific and its role
  • Demystifying the real and perceived “rules” that may be applicable to the operation of Probus Clubs.
  • We address:
    • The WA Associations Act (2015)
    • Club Constitutions, Club Standing Resolutions
    • The PSPL Probus Club Handbook
    • Guidelines v rules
    • Privacy – real and perceived
    • Insurance – clarification of what is and isn’t covered
    • Risk Management – being realistic
    • Annual reporting to the Department of Mines, Industrial Regulation and Safety

Secondly, there are breakout sessions where attendees join others in similar roles in a facilitated exchange of ideas on:

  • issues of general concern and procedure  
  • clarification of procedural matters in Committee roles
  • comparison of different approaches
  • financial reporting
  • information dissemination and sharing within Clubs
  • membership management and reporting
  • outings/events/activities and the issue of risk management
  • insurance coverage
  • Generally share experiences and ideas and possible new initiatives to “improve” their Club.

PAWA is very conscious about stressing that a Probus Club exists because of its members. Engaging and including the members requires a thoughtful and intentional approach that takes into account their unique needs, interests, and abilities.

Here are some tips to help you create a welcoming and engaging environment for members:

  • Create opportunities for social interaction
  • Be sensitive to physical limitations
  • Provide opportunities for learning and  personal growth
  • Listen to their ideas and feedback
  • Celebrate milestones and achievements
  • Make sure that you do not lose the fun  factor

By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, less focus on rules and business, less complexity in Committee roles, providing opportunities for social interaction and personal growth, and celebrating member achievements, you can help your Club thrive and get new members.