For more than 50 years, Hoppers Club has been a central part of the Hoppers Crossing community — a welcoming place where locals come together to dine, relax, celebrate, and connect. Our story began in 1973, when a small group of tradespeople, factory workers, wharfies and young families met to create a community social club close to home, avoiding long pub trips after work and building something meaningful in a growing suburb.
From that first meeting at John and Carole Burns’ home, the vision was clear:
A club built by the community, for the community.
In the 1970s, Hoppers Crossing was a new and rapidly expanding suburb. The Club began humbly, holding meetings in community halls, schools and borrowed rooms, while members worked tirelessly — building ramps, painting halls, running bingo nights, and growing social groups from darts to youth activities. The Club officially became the Hoppers Crossing Club after its first constitution was adopted, with men and women given equal membership from the beginning.
Securing land became a major focus through the late ’70s. Thanks to the support of developer Baden Powell, the Club was granted a long-term peppercorn lease and two adjoining freehold blocks — support that would shape our future. By 1980, the land at Pannam Drive was confirmed as the Club’s permanent home, and members proudly erected the first shed on site — still in place today.
Throughout the ’80s, members worked tirelessly with architects, banks and council to design and construct our first permanent clubhouse — an H-shaped building of 383sqm, officially opened in 1986 by Mayor Pat Goodwin. It became a vital local gathering place, hosting bowls, bingo, social committees, events, and the Club’s rapidly growing membership.
This era also saw:
The launch of our Bowls Club (1985)
The incorporation of the Club
Growth in indoor bowls, darts, social activities and youth programs
Strong community volunteerism and governance structures taking shape
The 1990s were transformative. The Club grew from a small community venue into a major social hub for Hoppers Crossing. Key developments included:
Introduction of poker machines (1993)
Expansion of membership and facilities
Major building upgrades
Formation of new sub-clubs including netball, golf, master swimmers, and more
Community events and fundraising for local organisations
Club Manager Des Kremkau honoured with multiple awards before his passing in 1998
By the year 2000, the Club had gained recognition and accolades, including local business awards.
From 383sqm in the early ’90s, Hoppers Club expanded to more than 4000sqm, becoming one of Wyndham’s largest hospitality and community venues. During this period:
Gaming machines increased from 25 to 91
Tennis and basketball courts were built
The Club supported nine sub-clubs and numerous local sports groups
The Club earned “Large Business of the Year” from Wyndham City
Major renovations, new TAB facilities and bistro expansions were completed
This decade transformed the Club into a regional hospitality leader.
The 2010s brought big challenges and bigger ambition. The Club undertook:
Master planning and debt recovery initiatives
Significant financial reform and governance strengthening
Major upgrades including The Crossing Bar, alfresco dining, and modernised gaming facilities
A renewed community mission: “To be the best Community and Sporting Club in Victoria.”
This period reaffirmed the Club’s commitment to serving Wyndham through financial strength, sustainable operations, and community-first values.
COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges. The Club closed temporarily, pivoted operations, supported staff, and navigated uncertainty with resilience. During this time:
The Board met for 7 months via Zoom
A COVID Steering Committee guided safe reopening
Staff worked tirelessly, many without pay
The Club diversified, acquiring and managing Bacchus Marsh Golf Club under the Pannam Group model
This era proved the Club’s adaptability, strength, and commitment to its community.
Today, Hoppers Club stands as one of Wyndham’s most enduring community venues, offering:
A modern bistro serving great meals for families, locals, and visitors.
A relaxed, welcoming place to enjoy drinks, live sport, social gatherings and club activities.
Multiple function spaces for birthdays, corporate events, celebrations and community gatherings.
Proud home to bowls, netball, golf, pool, swimming, darts, carpet bowls, social travel groups and more.
Decades of contributions to local clubs, charities, sporting groups, and essential services.
Through all its evolution, one thing has remained constant:
As we move beyond our 50-year milestone, Hoppers Club is committed to:
Sustainable operations
Responsible gaming and harm minimisation
Continued community support
Financial strength and stability
Delivering the best dining, bar, function and community experiences in Hoppers Crossing
We look forward to welcoming you into our next chapter.
