Club History

From WOMBATS to Bears Perth

Bears Perth Inc. began in 1993 as West Oz Marsupial Bears And Their Supporters (WOMBATS Inc.) — a social group for bearded and/or hairy men and those who admired them.

Early beginnings (1993)

The idea of a gay bearded men’s group took shape in early 1993 when Bob Hay in Sydney (connected with Oz Bears) encouraged Perth locals to start something similar. With help from Graham Harris, he put Kevin Knighton in touch with others who were interested.

In June 1993, Kevin opened a post office box in Bassendean as a contact point for the new group. Soon after, he connected with Ken Beer and John Davies, who were also keen to get involved.

The first meeting of John, Ken, and Kevin was held at the Northbridge Hotel, joined by Dave Rindos and several others. Interest grew quickly, and personal ads were placed in local papers. The group’s first social event — a picnic at the Pinjar Pine Plantation near Wanneroo — was held on 19 September 1993.

Forming a community

Following the success of that picnic, a caretaker group was formed: Ken acting as President and Kevin as Secretary/Treasurer. They organised social functions and stewarded the group until a general meeting in April 1994, when a more formal structure was adopted.

The inaugural committee comprised a President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, and committee members. Ken became the first President and Kevin continued as Secretary/Treasurer.

Becoming incorporated

On 17 July 1997, the group was officially incorporated. The move even earned a cheeky mention in the business pages under the headline “Herd on the Terrace: WOMBATS take root.”

A new name (1999)

At a general meeting in February 1999, members voted to change the club’s name. West Oz Marsupial Bears And Their Supporters ceased to exist, and Bears Perth was born.