Bookings

Before submitting a request you should consult the Social Calendars above to ensure that the date you want is free. If you wish to have catering support from the Mess you should also liasie with the Mess Manager on (02) 8335 3374 to determine what sort of support can be provided.

Private functions proposed over the Reduced Tempo Period (17 Dec 2023 to 15 Jan 2024) will be subject to greater scrutiny than normal applied due to the absence of supervising Mess Committee members and Mess staff. Generally, all private functions including military-associated (i.e. alumni events) functions will be charged the Mess Heritage and/or Cellar Fees and security bond to ensure the Mess grounds and facilities are maintained to a good standard. 

A minimum of three weeks notice is required.

Fees in addition to catering and labour costs for private functions are as follows:

Mess Heritage Fee:

Weddings* or functions 100 or more pers

$250​

Non-Mess Members​ ​$500​

Functions 50 - 100 pers​

$125​

Non-Mess Members​ - $250​

Functions 20 - 50 pers​

$0**​

Non-Mess Members​ - P.O.A.***​

* Includes Civil Ceremonies

** Cellar Fee. Approval for use of the cellar is granted only in exceptional circumstances.

The cellar fee is used for maintenance and repairs of the cellar. The cost is $2 per person to a maximum of $80 for members. The fee will be advised on application for non-members.

*** Non-member functions under 50 pers will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Committee.

Mess Security Bond for Functions

The details of the Victoria Barracks Officers Mess Security Bond - Booking Conditions

Tentative Bookings - The Mess Secretary will make a tentative booking for all functions. This tentative booking will be held for up to 14 days or receipt of the Booking form, whichever date is the lesser.

Function Approval - The PMC and Mess Committee have the authority to approve a proposed function IAW VBOM Constitution and Rules. Function Approval will be communicated by the VBOM Secretary in writing to the Applicant.

Confirmed Bookings - A booking will be confirmed only upon receipt of evidence of satisfactory insurance (if required) and security bond. If the booking is not so confirmed, the tentative booking may be cancelled by VBOM without notice.

Security Bond - If applicable, a security bond will be charged to the Applicant's credit card by the Mess Bookkeeper on approval of the function. Unless otherwise advised, applicable bonds are:

• Tier 1 - $1500 for Weddings or private functions of over 100 guests,

• Tier 2 - $500 for private functions under 100 guests, or

Payment of the Security Bond - Payment of the bond will be charged to the Applicant's credit card. The security bond is a guarantee for the fulfilment of all conditions of an approved function and as a security against damage to VBOM property or the building, fittings, walls, floors and surrounds of the Mess. Should the Mess Committee assess the cost of any damage as being higher than the amount of the bond, the Applicant agrees to pay to VBOM the full amount in excess of the bond. VBOM will return the security bond to the Applicant within 30 working days after the function, subject to a site inspection undertaken by VBOM to ensure no damage to the Mess has occurred.

Payment of Function - All invoices raised by Compass or VBOM for the approved function will be entered onto the Applicant's Mess Account. If the Applicant is not a current member of VBOM, then an invoice will be sent directly to the applying ADF member. ​