SOLDIERS might joke about the “diggers’ boozer” but the Borella VC Club at Bandiana is definitely a piece of luxury for the men and women in uniform.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With a $7.2 million cost and contemporary design, the club opened its doors last week, more than two years after the former club was demolished.
Commandant of Training Command Major-General Ash Power officially declared it open yesterday during a visit to the Army Logistic Training Centre.
Its name honours Captain Albert (Bert) Borella VC, a veteran of two world wars who lived in Albury from 1945 until his death in 1968.
A grandson, Ross Bor-ella, was present yesterday in a group of senior people from Joss Construction, the main contractors for the project.
The club opened in 1955 to provide soldiers and their families with a place of recreation.
These days it is also open to the hundreds of civilians at the base and is much more than a place to have a drink.
The sweeping roof contains recreation areas, a credit union office, internet cafe, Everyman and other welfare services, television and reading rooms.
There are two pool tables, jukebox and an electronic “hunting game” where soldiers used to shooting for real can enter a world of make-believe.
Joss Construction managing director Colin Joss, his construction manager Martin Reid and site manager Terry McCabe were among guests.
Defence civilians staff working closely on the project included acting base manager Ann Martin and Gerard Robertson.
Major-General Power, a veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor and Bougainville, toured the training centre with its commandant, Colonel Michael Batiste.