Bears Perth (formerly known as W.O.M.B.A.T.S.) had its first event on Sept 13th 1993 and became incorporated as a club in 1997. The introduction of themed Den Nights in mid 2002 saw the beginning of a new era for the club with the already casual, friendly atmosphere of the Bears developing an even more social, party feel. Subsequently, the popularity of the club has grown on an exponential scale, with the membership base expected to exceed 200 in the not to distant future.
Bears Perth now runs more than 35 events annually. This includes our licensed ‘Den Nights’ at ‘The Den’, 1 Vincent St Mt Lawley, on the second Saturday and fourth Friday of each month, from 9pm till late. There are door prizes and raffles, with the Den Nights often having a theme, like our Anzac Tribute Uniform Den Night held last Friday. While taking part in the theme is not compulsory, we encourage the guys by having a prize for the best dressed, helping to just add to the fun of the night. Other themes include such things as the ‘Western Night’ to be held in May; a ‘Leather Night’ in June; and our ‘Xmas’ in July. Meetings are also held on the second Sunday of each month at a member’s residence or other venue, as notified, and are a BYO affair. Depending on the season, it may be a pool party or river cruise, a car rally or train trip, or even an afternoon of tenpin bowling.
Over the past few years, Bears Perth has also become a lot more involved within the gay and lesbian community at large, taking part in the annual Pride Quiz Night; having a bigger presence at Fairday and the Pride Parade, winning the best float award in 2005. Then in late 2006, Bears Perth became involved in the great work being done by Club West, with several of the guys taking part in both the August & November shows. This also led to a greater presence of the Bears in the audience, and we hope to have the opportunity to be able to do it all again.
Our strengths include the generally warm and friendly nature of all our members; a strong, focused and dedicated committee that works together with the club’s best interests at heart; and finally, the benefit of a stable meeting venue courtesy of Mr. Victor Francis. In addition to these factors in our success, in 2007 we have a new and somewhat extended committee, meaning that the club can look forward to an even bigger and brighter future in terms of what it can provide for its members and its role in the community at large.
So what is Bears Perth and who is welcome? Bears Perth is a social club for men with body and/or facial hair and their admirers. Generally, bears are just regular blokes; Bears Perth membership is available to men of any build, any level of hairiness and any age above 18. You don’t have to be big, hairy or bearded to be welcome!
For information regarding coming events, visit www.bearsperth.org or contact Paul on 9271 1685 or president@bearsperth.org
Bears Perth Profile written by Paul H.
