Club History

The Beer and Beef Club Perth was formed in 1987 when Bryan Bissaker, a member of the Beer and Beef Club Canberra and the then Collector of Customs, came to Western Australia. Soon after his arrival, he questioned Carlton United Breweries (CUB) about the absence of a Beer and Beef Club in Perth. With the help of Jeff McDonald, CUBWA took up Bryan’s challenge, and the club was established in Perth. During this period, CUBWA did not enjoy the market share it has today, and arguably, the Club played a pivotal role in this achievement. With the financial, product, and administrative support of the state CUB division, the Club went from strength to strength.

The early membership of the club included male consular and government representatives, managers of major hotels, senior executives, and business professionals. This diverse group enjoyed good lunches, tastings of various beers from around the world, and entertainment from interesting and informative guest speakers. Proceedings were noted for their jokes and good humor. The Club has been and remains today a great place to bring friends and colleagues.

In 2001, due to changing times, CUB sponsorship was phased out, and the club established its own committee supported by a secretariat. Despite these changes, the Club has preserved its original spirit and conviviality.

From 2006, the club began introducing alternative sponsors from breweries interested in promoting their products at Beer and Beef monthly lunches. This format, well-accepted by members, is supported by various WA/National breweries such as:

• Gage Roads Brewing Company
• Bailey Brewing Company
• Feral Brewing Company
• Otherside Brewing Company
• Rocky Ridge Brewing Company
• Thorny Devil Brewing Company
• White Lakes Brewing
• Little Creatures Brewery
• Running With Thieves
• CBCo

In late 2007, Treasurer Paul Mackell informed long-standing committee member and newly elected President Warrick Welsh of the club’s dire financial position, estimating it would collapse financially within 18 months. In early 2008, Warrick restructured the club’s management, increasing committee members’ responsibilities and removing the secretariat. He also established the three-club pillar concept to support and strengthen the club’s future direction:

1. Support WA-based brewing organizations.
2. Support Food and Beverage educational programs.
3. Raise funds for needy charitable WA organizations via an annual event.

While maintaining the club’s camaraderie and fellowship, this new direction was favorably received. The club began supporting local breweries, and running numerous fundraising activities, supporting many WA organizations and individuals. The club also started supporting the Hospitality Industry through the Chef Apprentice program. As a result, the club grew in both membership and finances.

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CLUB OPERATIONAL INFORMATION

The Club’s affairs are managed by a committee elected annually. The Club has a simple Constitution allowing for three types of membership:

1. Ordinary
2. Life
3. Honorary

Ordinary members currently pay an annual membership fee of $180.00, which helps with administration costs and covers luncheon fees of $90-$120.00 per monthly meeting. Major hotels and local restaurants are usually prioritised for luncheon venues.

Luncheon meetings are usually held between February and November, starting strictly at 01:00 pm with seating at 12:50 pm.. 

The Club holds one major fundraising event annually in October, which is an Open Lunch, meaning members can invite spouses, colleagues, and friends to come along and enjoy the afternoon while assisting with our fund-raising efforts with several live auctions and some fun games with awesome prizes up for grabs.

Regular attendance at lunch meetings is encouraged, and prolonged nonattendance may result in a review of membership.

For further details, please contact the club.

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PAST PRESIDENTS

1. Bryan Bissaker (Inaugural President, Collector of Customs) - Commenced Perth club on 28th October 1987
2. John Syme (Liquor & Licensing Magistrate) - 1988
3. Jeff McDonald (CUB) - 1988-1989
4. Frank Hedges (WA Asst Ombudsman) - 1989-1995
5. Walter Stanwyck - 1995-1996
6. Peter Fitzpatrick (President of WA Law Society) - 1996-2003
7. Walter Stanwyck - 2003-2005
8. John Taylor - 2005-2006
9. Turk Ellis - 2007
10. Warrick Welsh - 2008-2009
11. Wes Lawrence - 2010-2015
12. Rod Dunston - 2016-2020
13. Mike Deegan - 2019-2021 (Immediate Past President)

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LIFE MEMBERS

1. Peter Fitzpatrick
2. Warrick Welsh
3. Paul Mackell
4. Jamie Duff
5. Rod Dunston

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2024/25

1. PRESIDENT: Matt Cooper
2. VICE PRESIDENT: Brendan Fowler
3. SECRETARY: Josh Cook
4. TREASURER: Shannon Patterson
5. IMM. PAST PRESIDENT: Michael Deegan
6. EVENTS MANAGER: Rod Dunstan
7. BEER MASTER: Shaun Howie
8. MEMBERSHIP MANAGER: Ollie Leeb
9. COMMITTEE: Jessica Patterson
10. COMMITTEE: Paul McKinley

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MONTHLY MEETING DAYS 2024

1. February 23rd - The Raffles Hotel
2. March 22nd - The Stables Bar 
3. April 24th - Juniper & Bay
4. May 22nd - King Somm Bar
5. June 26th - Boston Brewing Co.
6. July 26th - Paddington Ale House
7. August 28th - Henry’s Loft 
8. September 25th - Kitsch Bar
9. October 25th - The Camfield (Fundraiser)
10. November 22nd - Besk

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