History
The Brisbane German Club was established on 27 May 1883 in the old Bowen Hotel, Stanley Street, South Brisbane by 40 stout-hearted German men to fulfill the longstanding desire to found a German Club in Brisbane. They bought an allotment in Manning Street for the purpose of erecting a Club House. On 24 May 1887, the first Club house was officially opened.
The Club soon became a popular socializing venue for both Germans and Australians. Events staged by the gymnastic team, concerts and other functions became the talk of the town. A choir, theatrical group, bowling team and library were established for the enjoyment of Club members. In the night of 15 February 1889 a fire razed the building to the ground.
A new allotment was purchased in Vulture Street and a new club house built with money donated by the then German Consul, Johann Christian Heussler. On 24 May 1890, the new Club house was completed. The new building became a meeting place to cultivate the German language, customs and music. Charity concerts and collections were held for members experiencing financial difficulties.
An infestation of white ants made the building unsafe, and it had to be demolished in 1932-33. The foundation stone for the third building was placed on 17 June 1933 and after 15 months of hard labour, the current Club building in Vulture Street was officially opened.
More Undergroups have been established in the Club over the years, such as Skat, Fishing, Soccer, Ladies, Carnival, Darts and Dance groups. Unfortunately, not all of them are active today anymore. Boat trips to Bishop Island and bus trips were held for the members and their friends. Also, regular weekly dances on Friday and Saturday Nights were established. The Club Building was extended in 1955 to cope with the festivities held there each week.
In the following years, the kitchen and bar have been renovated to cater for the increasing numbers of visitors to the Club. A beer garden was also established.
Today the Club is a social meeting point for members and visitors offering Australia’s biggest variety of German beverages and authentic German food.
In the years leading up to the Olympics 2032 in Brisbane, the Club building will undergo renovations and upgrades in several stages.