Buffaloes, welcome to August.
We’ve had one hell of a wet one, but inside the Club it’s been nothing but warm vibes and dry socks. While the storms raged, your humble Club lit up with fundraisers, fuzzed-out guitars, and good old-fashioned Buff spirit.
We kicked things off with a ripper — Postdiluvian Floodproofing — a stacked gig full of Club favourites like Emu Glitter, Symmetrical Dogs, and Didion’s Bible, raising funds and raising the roof. Then came the inaugural Bufflings, our very own members-first night of local rock chaos, headlined by none other than Psychotic Reactions. We wrapped it all up with another mighty fundraiser for international aid, where you legends packed the place and dug deep for a good cause.
So, what now? Flick through the calendar, pray for dry skies — and we’ll see you at the bar.
Flashback to October 1924: the newly opened Buffalo Club lodge room was “crowded to its utmost” for a night that truly had it all: music, elocution, and large men in borrowed dresses.
It was Ladies’ Night, and the Buffs were playing host to “wives, sweethearts, and others of the feminine sex” (the Fremantle Advertiser really knew how to paint a scene). The entertainment, directed by Mr. Percy Coward, included poetry, songs, and dramatic readings — all “highly appreciated,” despite guests being periodically ambushed by what the paper called “eight pretty waitresses.”
Except the “waitresses” were club members in drag, “becomingly attired in costumes borrowed or stolen from members of the opposite sex.” Their sandwich service was described as “tripping about” and their look as “elephantine,” which reportedly brought the house down.
The night wrapped at 11pm, presumably after everyone stopped laughing long enough to drink their coffee. One hundred years later, and we’re still chasing that level of chaos.
Thanks Buffaloes — And More Help Needed
Buffaloism means pitching in — and some of you have gone above and beyond. Big thanks to everyone who’s helped keep the Club humming, from pulling pints to packing down gigs. You’re the reason this place feels like home. A special shout out to Alex Cassie for his kind donation to the Club and to Christian Mauri for his very generous donation to the Community Kitchen.
Got gear gathering dust? Help a humble herd out. We’re chasing:
- Drum bits – Got spare kick drum spurs, a pedal, or mystery hardware? We’ll take it.
- A sump pump – The basement’s had one too many drinks and needs clearing out. Help us send that water packing.
- Stools, stools, stools – More Buffs means more bums. Don’t make the old codgers stand at the bar — donate a stool and earn eternal gratitude.
Got something we can use? Hit us up, and bless you for it.
Food’s Back, Baby!
That’s right — our beloved Fatima is firing up the kitchen once more, serving hearty, homespun lunches every Friday and Saturday at the Club. Think classic parmies, nostalgic spag bol, and all the comfort of a mum-cooked meal (without having to do the dishes after). Come hungry.
And speaking of food...
New & Improved Toasties — Hot, Hearty, and Only $10
We’re now slinging new and improved toasted Turkish rolls at the bar — and they’re dangerously good. Just $10 a pop.
Two options, both scrumptious:
- The Classic: ham, cheese, tomato, and a touch of Dijon mustard to tie it all together like a flavourful neckerchief. A toastie so nostalgic you might tear up.
- The Vegan: a hearty white bean mix with spinach, rosemary, roasted capsicum, and the rich, loving embrace of confit garlic. No cheese, but enough umami to make you forget all about it.
They’re priced with razor-thin margins to keep things friendly for the herd. And anything we don’t sell gets donated to the Buffalo Community Kitchen — no waste, all heart.
Got ideas to make them even better? Ask the bar staff for the suggestion box. We’re toastie amateurs with professional enthusiasm.
Taking it Back to Church
Through unknown and mysterious machinations (some say it simply appeared), the Ladies Lounge now boasts a beautiful antique electric organ. No one’s quite sure how it arrived — but we’re not a Club to question divine mysteries.
Come have a drink and bang out a hymn or two if you’re so inclined. Like most things around here, it’s got a bit of jank — so give that volume knob a good twist ‘til it starts pumping out some heavenly tones.
The Community Jam crew (first Wednesday of every month) will be giving it a proper workout, adding some churchy flair to their already spirited sessions.
Pictured: Head Film Buff Juan at the helm of 'Imaginalia' — our fortnightly Tuesday night dive into cinema. Come down, grab a drink, and watch something weird, wonderful, or just plain good.
Union Strong at the Buff
Huge shoutout to the MUA and CFMEU youth crew for an absolute belter of a fundraiser! The Club was packed to the rafters on Friday July 25th, with union legends turning out in force to raise money for APHEDA — a charity providing vital support to people in Gaza.
We love our deep ties to the union movement, and nothing makes us happier than seeing the Club buzzing with solidarity and song.
Remember: union members get 10% off at the bar — just flash your union card (physical or digital) to the bar staff.
Got a Program? Let’s Make It Happen
The Club isn’t just for gigs and good times — we’re also a home for all sorts of happenings. Right now, we’ve got:
- Yoga with Lily – Mondays at 6pm
- Todrawday Portraiture – Tuesdays at 5pm
- Life Drawing – Tuesdays at 6:30pm
- Community Meal – Thursdays from 5pm (and always free)
But we want more! If you’re a member with an idea — a meeting, a class, a workshop, a bizarre-but-beautiful ritual — get in touch with Club Secretary Ray Grenfell at socialhall@freobuffclub.org and let’s make it real.
Work With Buffs – Co-Working Mondays & Tuesdays
Need a break from working solo or just want to get stuff done in a more charmingly chaotic environment?
Every Monday and Tuesday from 12–5pm, members are welcome to head upstairs and Work With Buffs. Bring your laptop, your sketchpad, your spreadsheets, your unfinished novel — whatever you're working on, you’ll find WiFi, tea, coffee, and the warm hum of communal effort.
Forget WFH. This is WWB.
Tales from the Toolshed: Sweet sounds and staying dry
Big love to our Tech Ops vibration lords who’ve been quietly toiling away behind the scenes, keeping the Club sounding crisp and the stages ready for action. The mixing desks and Ladies Lounge PA have had some sweet upgrades, and we’ve been training up member volunteers to run the rig for smaller shows — so not every gig needs to call in the big-gun noise wizards.
Over in Facilities, the Maintenance Subcommittee is humming along thanks to a fresh crop of hands-on members. A lot of the little jobs — trips to Bunnings, half an hour with a screwdriver — are being picked up by new volunteers, which frees up our veteran fix-it legends for the heavier lifts. Legends, every one of you.
We’ve got aircon quotes locked in and are hunting for an install date soon — not just to keep us cool in summer, but to take the bite out of winter chills as well.
Downstairs, the eternal battle with the damp continues. July’s biblical rain was too much for our humble little pump, so Zane’s back in the gumboots, plotting the next move.
On a brighter note: the Ladies Toilet upstairs has had a glow-up! The terrazzo floors are looking fresh and fancy once more — a lovely bit of vintage flair for our Lady Buffs.
And finally, the pool table in the Ladies Lounge has been levelled, thanks to our dedicated cue crew. Whether you’re a Pool & Cash champion or just sinking balls between beers, it’s now the smoothest table in town.
🌿 BUFFALO MEMBER DISCOUNTS 🌿
This August, the Buff is pumping out a killer lineup of local sounds. Whether you’re feeling delicate acoustic or raw, heavy metal, we’ve got the tunes to keep you moving. Score mates rates with your membership — so scope the schedule, round up your crew, and flash that trusty mint-green card!
OX:EN | Oh Wait! Oh Wait!
Friday 8th August – Members $10 / Non-members $15
A night of unrelenting heaviness. Expect industrial metal, wild alt-noise and a full sonic exorcism.
Bitter and the Sweet Sessions
Thursday 28th August – Members $5 / Non-members $10
An intimate night of original songs and conversation from female and gender-diverse artists.
STIKZ - Lighter - 'Bandit Single' Launch
Sunday 31st August – Members $10 / Non-members $15
Emo grunge energy hits the Buff. STIKZ headlines with support from Marceline, Pretty Pretty & Soulless City.
Upcoming events
See you at the bar!
Nemo Mortalium Omnibus Horis Sapit.