A small group of quiet achievers at the Navy Association’s Geelong sub branch in Newtown are trying to build stronger connections and support for local veterans and their partners.
Committee member Murray Turner grew up in Geelong, served in Timor Leste and left the Navy in 2004.
He is now coordinating the Navy Club Committee’s Grand Final Day BBQ as a Veteran’s Health Week event.
The club’s ‘Almost Healthy BBQ” on 29 September will feature the standard burgers and sausages, along with salads on the side, and interested veterans, families, members and guests are welcome to join in the fun.
“This is the first time we’ve done this event with a focus on social connection and healthy eating,” Murray said.
“We want to get the younger generation veterans in with recreational activities – that’s the grand vision. We think the Navy Club can be more than just a place to go have a drink together.”
The Navy Club in Skene Street, Newton will be open from noon and there’ll be plenty of healthy BBQ options including gluten free and vegetarian food, salad “with a hint of traditional favourites”.
Murray said the Navy Club in Geelong has a fresh look after a coat of paint inside and had acquired a second-hand projector and screen in time for the coming Grand Final Day BBQ celebrations.
The Grand Final will be screened live with a half time raffle and sweeps. For bookings call (03) 5229 4148 from 2pm-6pm weekdays.
Murray said Geelong’s Navy Club already hosted several traditional annual events such as our Rats of Tobruk commemoration, ANZAC Day, Grand Final Day and on Melbourne Cup Day.
“We’re planning a few more meet and greets and we encourage local community groups to use our facilities.
The Navy Club has 27 full members – mainly ex-Navy personnel “with a couple of ex Army and Air Force,” he said. In total we have 35 club members or associates – like-minded people.
“We call it a small family and providing a social avenue for veterans is our first priority.”
