WHO WE ARE

The Naval, Military and Air Forces Club (NMAFC) is a club in transition. Currently it has no fixed abode rather choosing premises appropriate for the event concerned taking into account access, public transport, parking as well as members location and feedback. The Club is considering alternatives for a home location.

The genesis of the Naval, Military and Air Forces Club in 1905 was primarily due to the efforts of its first president, Lieutenant Colonel George McWilliams AAMC PMO OM

Formed only four years after Federation, it is likely that many of the first Club members had been members of the First Battalion, Western Australian Volunteers and of the Western Australian Contingents that served in the Boer War. Other clubs in Perth at this time included the Weld Club and The Western Australian Club, but they did not restrict their membership to officers and former officers of the armed services.

The Club was originally called The Naval and Military Club of Western Australia (Inc) but the name was changed to include the Air Force in August 1938.

The Club was formally opened by His Excellency, Admiral Sir Frederick G D Bedford GCB, on Saturday 22 December 1906. The known members of the first committee were Lieutenant Colonel McWilliams (President), Lieutenant W C Mills (Secretary) and Major G T Wood. Other members of the original Committee are not known but it is likely that many of the original committee later succeeded to the position of Club President such as Brigadier General Bessell-Browne, Colonel Courtney and Colonel Collett.

The Club has either used rented or leased premises during its long existence. The first location was in the Viking Building (now demolished) in William Street. The next location was at Newspaper House, 127 St Georges Terrace (1932-1938). Subsequent locations were within the Central Business District until 1983 when the Club moved to West Perth with the Commercial Travellers Club, and then to Shenton Park with The Victoria League. The Club returned to St Georges Terrace in July 1996 when it co-located with The Western Australian Club.

Interestingly, in January 1931 and again in 1976, when the fortunes of the Club were at low ebb, there were proposals to join with The Western Australian Club. The Club has seen changing fortunes over ensuing years with hard times during the Depression and later a larger and broader membership following World War II.

A continuing problem was the collection of Club subscriptions and monthly accounts. Club minutes record that one President, Major General Talbot Hobbs directed that outstanding dues should be regarded as debts of honour. The traditions and the atmosphere of the Club have been conditioned by official and social life in the armed services from which its members are drawn.

The Naval, Military and Air Forces Club continues to adjust to changing conditions hence its decision that from July 2012 it would become a virtual club. The Club maintains a unique position of influence and importance in the social and service life of Perth as an organisation providing a means whereby military and civilian elements can come together in a private environment.