Melbourne’s bear community group, the VicBears, is celebrating 30 Years!
Introduction:
The Melbourne-based bear kindred community group, VicBears, are celebrating their 30th anniversary.
They are celebrating their 30th year as a well-established community club. They still have members coming to Den Nights today who have been with them from the very beginning. For many in their community, the VicBears are more than just a club; it is a friendship circle and a family. Reaching 30 years with the VicBears is truly an honour for them.
In their 30th year, they are bringing back some favourite events from VicBears’ past! This year, they are bringing back their Grampians camping trip! From October 16th to 19th, 2026. It’ll be a chill weekend of camping with the Bears and a very relaxed vibe.
Check out their social media pages for more information. Facebook, Instagram, Website.
Who are the VicBears?
VicBears is a down-to-earth community for male and male-identifying individuals of all shapes, sizes, races, and ages based in Melbourne and Victoria. We offer a wide range of activities for our members, from our monthly Den Nights at the Laird to aqua aerobics, all the way to underwear dance parties. There is truly something for everyone. Our calendar features two major annual events: Bearfest in January, where we crown our new Mr VicBears, and Southern Hibearnation in June, where bear titleholders from across Australia and New Zealand compete for the prestigious Mr Australasia Bear title.
Who are the current VicBears Executive Committee Members?
The current executive committee members of the VicBears are:
- Neil Harvey – President,
- Joenas Galinato – Vice President,
- Billy Haddad – Treasurer,
- Mike Walter – Secretary,
- Brendan – Ordinary Committee
- Cheyne – Ordinary Committee,
- Jack – Ordinary Committee,
- James – Ordinary Committee,
- Larry – Ordinary Committee,
- Terence – Ordinary Committee.
For the updates and more information with the VicBears committee members, check out their webpage.
Mister VicBears Honour List:
The winners of the past Mr Vicbears are:
| Year: | Name: |
| 2014 | Erin |
| 2015 | David |
| 2016 | Patrtick |
| 2017 | Mick |
| 2018 | Freddie |
| 2020 | Josh |
| 2022 | Damien |
| 2023 | Jonny |
| 2024 | Joenas |
| 2025 | Billy |
| 2026 | Justin |
Additional Resources:
If you want to learn more about the VicBears, please check out the links below:
*Bear World Magazine – Melbourne Guide: https://bearworldmag.com/bear-world-guide-to-melbourne/
*VicBears Webpage Home Page: https://vicbears.wildapricot.org
*Vicbears – Social Media – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VicBearsInc
*Vicbears – Social Media – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicbearsinc/
Special Thanks:
I would like to thank the following people for their support for the article:
*Neil Harvey for providing me with the relevant information and pictures that you see above.
*Richard Jones – for his ongoing support for the bear kindred communities in Australia.
