On the 20 August 1889, a Danish employee with a Melbourne-based ship chandler invited 25 Danes to discuss his proposal to form a Danish association – a club that could be a means of mental and cultural enrichment for Danish settlers in Melbourne. Making it one the oldest Anglo-Celtic clubs in Melbourne.

The Danish Club Dannebrog – named after the Danish flag – was born, complete with a constitution, president and vice president. Members were invited to a lecture evening where the topics were chemistry and a North Pole expedition. Not long after, the Club began hosting social nights and became a gathering place for Danish expats to sing Danish songs, dance and socialise with other members.

Throughout its history the Club allowed members from other countries but in the 1900s only Danish expats were allowed to join. Dannebrog was housed on Beaconsfield Parade in St Kilda after the building was purchased at a public auction in 1938 until 2007, when the Club relocated to its current residence, the public restaurant Denmark House on Lt Bourke St in Melbourne’s CBD.

The purpose of the Danish Club Dannebrog remains to uphold Danish traditions fitted to the Australian way of life. Today, members of the club include Danish expats, second or third generation migrants from Denmark, Australians with a Danish connection or simply social members who enjoy the benefits of club membership at Denmark House.

The Danish Club hosts member’s dinners once a month at Denmark House and throughout the year as well as monthly lunches with the president of the Danish Club or a Committee member. During the year, our reoccurring events take place, such as the traditional Bird Shoot competition and Queen’s Birthday Luncheon in celebration of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

Denmark House acts a club house for the club, whose members participate in the many events and create the foundation for the club’s future existence.