Club History

“A Club is a haven of refuge and accord in a world torn by strife and discord.  It is a place where kindred spirits gather to have fun and make friends; a place of courtesy, good breeding and good manners.  It humbles the mighty, draws out the timid, and casts out the sorehead and it is one of the noblest inventions of mankind!” 

The WA Club was founded as the Exchange Club in 1893 and became The West Australian Club in 1897, and in 1979 became The Western Australian Club Inc. For 73 years The Club was situated on the site of the current St Martin’s Tower office complex, 46 St George’s Terrace. In 1970 The Club moved "off the Terrace" for the first time in its history to 18 The Esplanade, Perth where it remained for 26 years. In 1995 the Esplanade site was sold and The Club is thrilled to have moved "back on the Terrace" in the heart of the central business district at 101 St George’s Terrace.

In 1897 The WA Club moved from Samson House and leased next door, 46 St Georges Terrace, from Sir William Loton, a Liberal politician, Mayor of Perth several times and the only Life Member of The Club at that time.

In 1926 the President and Committee resigned as a body over lack of support to purchase either Loton House or another property on the corner of William Street and The Esplanade. A new Committee levied all members thirty pounds to assist with the purchase of Loton House, and members resigned in droves. After a lengthy battle spanning several months a special interest loan from J S Duffy helped secure Loton House and the committee resolved to cease the levy payment.

The WA Club's solicitor in 1948, Quinton Randolph Stow, a senior partner in Parker and Parker, successfully partitioned Parliament for a private Bill called The Western Australian Club Act to change The WA Club to an association. Brian Walton served his articles under Quinton Stow and went on to become Club President in 1967-68.

The Committee of 1954 bid for The Esplanade site without consulting the members! It announced its decision three days later to an unprepared Annual General Meeting attended by 61 members who supported the decision.

1995 marked enormous changes in the direction of the Club with the move to 101 St Georges Terrace and the opening of membership to females.  Ms Susan Robertson was the first female to join in 1995 and 8 years later would become the first ever female president in 111 years.  This was an exciting shift and created the opportunity to change the old perception and ensure that the new growth of The WA Club continues strongly in the future.