Commonwealth Club: Canberra, AUSTRALIA

There used to be a time in the past when private social clubs were more of a common thing. Usually the membership were restricted to men and those of a certain "quality".. and membership would be restricted to those who were especially invited by the existing membership... and those who could afford to pay the dues.

These days, these clubs do still exist... but they are a little bit less obvious... and most of them still have storied traditions and a legacy that is proudly traced through the centuries.

Australia is a relatively young country, and Canberra is a pretty new town as well... so, there isn't quite the depth of linage that other clubs in Australia and around the world have.

Oddly enough, the main entrance is down the back... it does make more sense that it is near the carpark I guess... but I'm more used to have the service entrance down the back.

Now, I've only ever been to this club a few times in my life... mostly to play background music and to give talks as a guest presenter. I'm not a member... and have never been nominated to be a member. Honestly, I'm not sure that I would be spending 1500 or 3000 Australian dollars to be a member, but on the other hand... perhaps the access to the elite class of Australia might just be worth it?

The private and exclusive nature of these clubs has definitely led to the idea that these places and their membership ran the world from darkly lit backrooms... not sure if that was the case, but in Australia the rooms are pretty brightly lit!

A beautiful morning on the day that I was here... if a little bit early in the morning! A lovely overlook into the heart of Canberra... and right after taking this photo, I had someone come to "escort" me to the place that I was actually supposed to be at!