If you’ve ever spent any time in Canberra, you will know that the north/south rivalry runs deep, those North of the lake don’t like to venture South and vice versa. When the two existing chapters in town, both on the North side, started getting some big numbers each week we thought it was about time to expand into the deep south of the city. A call was put out for someone to take on this new chapter and new president Simon Hruza put up his hand, “I’d been in Tough Guy Book Club since Canberra first opened a Chapter, so I thought I should give back.”
Finding a pub to call home proved to be a bit of a challenge, the south side of Canberra is awash with clubs, but not many pubs. The Kambah Inn in Tuggeranong, however, fits the bill – but it wasn’t long ago that it might not have been such a good fit for a book club. Simon describes the Kambah Tavern, as it was previously known, “Picture yourself on any day of the week and this pub was rocking – rocking with fights, sirens, police, and the roar of Harleys.” At the time the pub was headquarters of a prominent outlaw motorcycle club, running business from the site in full colours. Luckly, due to a clean-up by law enforcement, or possibly competing motorcycle clubs, the venue was sold and has since been refurbished into what it is today, a welcoming community hub, with great bistro, outside seating and kids play area. “Tom the manager is enthusiastic about the club,” Simon says, “He even asked for TGBC posters to put up in the bar.”
Canberra South got off to a great start, with 8 goons in attendance at the first meeting, 5 coming down from existing chapters and 3 new to the club. So far, the discussions have been quite respectful, with the goons giving space to hear what the others have to say and getting to know each other. “There was some great discussion about Still Life, that took us out of the box and exploring things like our favourite art pieces.” Says Simon, referencing the TGBC March book, Still Life by Sarah Winman. Still Life - Sarah Winman (2021) - Tough Guy Book Club
Only two meeting in and this chapter already looks to be hitting its stride, with everyone coming back for a second time, and more lined up as the word spreads. And the group is already forming bonds. “People keep to themselves a lot in Canberra, but one thing I noticed over the last few years is a group of guys getting together in a pub having a few beers will start talking about stuff” Simon reckons. That talk has started to encourage members to participate in the monthly challenges, got some together for Friday drinks outside club nights, and there are plans underway for a Bourdain Day event. Great Stuff!
If you want to join the conversation, look up the Canberra South chapter of Tough Guy Book Club. Meetings are at 7pm on the first Wednesday of every month. Canberra South ACT - Tough Guy Book Club.
