Things you should know about the VBBOSM

Social Functions
The Mess has an established and successful routine of functions which are detailed in the Mess Social Calendar. Functions are advertised in the monthly newsletter and members need to book a week prior to the function date.

Happy Hours
A Happy Hour is held on the last Friday of each month, generally after a monthly buffet.

Families and guests
Families and guests are welcome in the Mess at any time. While guests should be accompanied, your families are welcome to use the Mess, even if you are not there. Children are always welcome in the Mess unless a function is specifically designed for adults.

Informal use of the Mess
In addition to Happy Hours and other organised functions, I encourage members to make frequent informal use of the Mess for meals including use of the BBQ, drinks (outside hours a bar fridge is available – a key needs to be signed out from security) and cappuccinos/teas etc. The Mess can be accessed seven days a week. If you plan to bring a large group of family or friends to the Mess, please let the Mess Manager know in advance.

Dress
Neat casual dress is required in the Mess. While this generally means no denim jeans for adults, there is some allowance for children and teenagers

Private functions
Mess members may request to hold private functions in the mess. These incur additional staff costs, and the Mess Manager or mess committee can advise you on these.

External use
The Mess serves as a representational Mess for Defence, and it is therefore frequently used by visiting senior officers and by selected groups who are not part of Victoria Barracks. This is an important and legitimate use of the Mess, and it is closely managed by the committee. Such use rarely impedes Mess members.

Meals
Bar meals are available each workday lunch for approx $5 - $6. This price covers food costs, and applies to everyone, regardless of whether they are in Defence or not. Lunch and dinner are also available Monday to Friday however, these meals are subject to different prices, and are subsidised for ADF and Defence APS staff. While families and guests are very welcome to use the dining room, they pay a higher meal charge.

Mess staff
While some Mess staff are new to the Mess (and our customs and traditions), others have worked in the Mess for several years, and we benefit from this special relationship. I expect mutual courtesy between Mess members, Guests and staff.

Honorary members
The Mess has over 150 honorary members, who have gained Mess membership through distinguished service. They are a valued part of our Mess.

Fees and charges
Mess fees are billed each month. If you do not receive a Mess bill, then your membership may not have been properly recorded. It is your responsibility to contact the Mess office on march-in in order to join the Mess. You are also expected to pay your fees promptly and advise the Mess when you march out.

Comments, suggestions and complaints
Your comments and suggestions to improve Mess service and operations are welcome. If you are unhappy with any aspect of the Mess, you should contact the relevant member of the committee.

Mess Timings

The Mess veranda is open from approximately between 7 am until 9 pm every day. This area contains coffee machine, dining tables, TV and in the snooker room apart from a full size snooker table, there is a dart board and out of hours fridge (the key is available from security). It you would like to make use of the veranda and courtyard area including the BBQ please contact the Mess and advise security on regard to any out of hours activities.

The Mess proper timings are:

Open: Monday – Friday 0900h to 1400h

Lunch: Monday to Friday 1200h to 1330h

Dinner: Tuesday evening 1800h to 1900h