The Down Under Club of Winnipeg, Inc. (DUCW)
The Down Under Club of Winnipeg (DUCW) has been proudly and enthusiastically operating in Manitoba for 75 years. It came into existence in the 1940s when Australian and New Zealand servicemen, who had been training in this area through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, informally gathered as a meeting of mates.
Evolving through the years, the DUCW is still an active club of Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians who participate in a full slate of both formal and informal events and fun activities. These include the joint celebration of Australia Day and Waitangi Day in late January/early February, our ANZAC Day service in April, the not-so-formal dinner in October, the Annual General Meeting in November, and the family Christmas party in December, which is particularly popular with our younger members who look forward to a visit from Santa. There are also a variety of social gatherings, an annual golf tournament, pool party, brunches and get togethers, and many more.
In the past, we have welcomed representatives from the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions in Ottawa, who visit for official reasons (passport renewals and outreach) and socially so they can stay connected and informed.
We keep in contact with our members through the best little newsletter in Canada. The Southern Yarn is published bi-monthly, with nuggets of news from down under, club news and events, and updates from the Commonwealth. It is mailed to members and available online, and you can visit our website for current and past issues of the Yarn.
Whether you live here permanently, are travelling through, or visiting for a while with friends and family, you are more than welcome to attend any of our events and activities.
And if you need any help, or have any questions about who we are, what we are about, and how to become a member, feel free to contact us by email [info@downunderclub.mb.ca] or through our Facebook page.
We look forward to meeting you soon.
Peter Munn, DUCW President
Meeting info
We have a meeting or event almost every month. Members, guests, and visitors to Winnipeg are invited and welcome to attend. Some of the regular highlights of our year include:
- Australia Day and Waitangi Day (January/February)
- ANZAC Day (April)
- Not-So-Formal Dinner (October)
- Annual General Meeting (November)
- Family Christmas Party (December)
Check out our events calendar. If you would like to join us at any of these events or find out more about the DUCW, contact us through this site — or by phone (204) 228-9959 of email [info@downunderclub.mb.ca].
Our monthly newsletter
The current issue of The Southern Yarn is available for download and includes a schedule of events for the next two months. If you have any suggestions for new club events, contact the club.
Got ideas for the club?
We are always open to fresh ideas for other club activities. Maybe something involving our younger members – a day at the zoo, a movie event, a book reading at McNally Robinson, a slide night – or a special event, activity, or sports event. Let your imagination go wild, then contact us. You can use our Contact form. It’s your club – get involved and keep it active.
Please explore our web site and we look forward to welcoming you as a member of the Down Under Club of Winnipeg.