This year marks a truly significant milestone for our community: 60 years of the Energy Club WA.
Founded in 1966 by a group of pioneering explorers as the Petroleum Club of Western Australia, the Club was established with a clear and enduring purpose; to create a professional community where people connected to energy can come together, share knowledge, build relationships, and collaborate and contribute to the growth of our industry.
The first official Petroleum Club dinner was held on Tuesday 10 January 1967 at the Ocean Beach Hotel, with tickets priced at just $3.00 per person. While much has changed in scale and sophistication since then, the essence has not. Today’s diverse program of industry functions, networking events, gala celebrations and educational initiatives continues to serve the same purpose: bringing people together to connect, learn, collaborate and build lasting professional relationships.
When I arrived in Perth in 2018, I was immediately struck by the unique role the Petroleum Club WA played within the industry. I joined in 2019 and quickly experienced what so many members value; a welcoming atmosphere, genuine camaraderie and access to thought-provoking discussions at the forefront of energy development. The connections I built through the Club have been both professionally valuable and personally rewarding.
In my inaugural President’s address, I spoke about stewardship and about our responsibility not only to preserve what previous generations built, but to strengthen it for those who will follow. This 60-year milestone is a reminder that we are custodians of something far greater than any one Board or individual. Our task is to ensure the Club remains relevant, professional and impactful in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
We officially launched our 60th Anniversary celebrations at the January Sundowner last month, marking the beginning of a year that will acknowledge our history while looking confidently to the future.
Our major celebration will be the Energy Club WA 60th Anniversary Party on Friday 23 October, an evening that will bring together members past and present to recognise the people, partnerships and progress that have shaped our Club over six decades. We invite you all to join us.
Over sixty years, the Club has evolved alongside the industry it serves. Originally focused on oil and gas networking and information exchange, the organisation broadened as the sector matured and diversified to encompass decommissioning, energy transition, carbon management and emissions reduction, hydrogen across all colours of the spectrum, and emerging technologies shaping the future of energy.
In 2021, members chose to rebrand as Energy Club WA, reflecting both the diversification of the sector and our commitment to a more inclusive, sustainable and low carbon energy future. Today, we bring together professionals from all areas of energy and associated services, creating an environment where members can mix both professionally and socially to build long term associations, share insights and support continued professional development.
At the heart of Energy Club WA is our purpose: Connecting People with Energy. This is evident in everything we do, from our regular industry events and sundowners, to our flagship gala and networking activities, through to education and community engagement initiatives such as the Next Generation Schools Program, which continues to inspire future energy professionals and strengthen the talent pipeline and community support for our industry.
This anniversary is not about looking back alone. It is about recognising the role Energy Club WA continues to play as Western Australia’s premier energy industry network and educational resource for the energy sector, connecting people across disciplines, generations and technologies.
Our strength lies in our people: members, sponsors, speakers, volunteers and partners who give their time, expertise and commitment to ensure the Club remains relevant, credible, independent and forward-looking.
As we mark 60 years, we do so with confidence and ambition. The energy sector is undergoing profound transformation, and the Club is well positioned to remain a trusted forum for discussion, a platform for professional growth and a community that supports the sustainability and prosperity of our industry.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, thank you for being part of this milestone year. I look forward to celebrating with you throughout 2026 and to continuing the important work of connecting people with energy for many years to come.
Jop van Hattum
President,
Energy Club WA