CHAPTER MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE FOURTH MONDAY OF THE MONTH AT THE CLAYTON RSL FUNCTION ROOM AT 1900

The Clayton RSL is located at 171 Carinish Rd, Clayton and is conveniently situated near the Clayton railway station. There is ample parking adjacent to the railway station.

Guest Speaker on Monday 27 April 2026

 Dr John Basarin OAM

“Tragedy & Triumph of AE2”

Dr Basarin brings a unique and deeply researched perspective to the history of the Gallipoli campaign. Born in Istanbul and trained as a chemical engineer, John migrated to Australia in 1973 following an international career in the offshore oil and gas industry that spanned Norway, the United States, Brazil, Germany, and the UK.  He established his own engineering consulting firm in Australia 2002.

After retiring from engineering, John dedicated himself to military history and the promotion of mutual understanding between Australia and Türkiye. He completed a PhD at Deakin University, focusing his thesis on “Battlefield Tourism: Anzac Day Commemorations at Gallipoli”, investigating the motives of the thousands who travel to the peninsula each year.

To naval historians, John is perhaps best known for his work regarding the Dardanelles campaign. He participated in the significant AE2 expedition in 2007 and authored the acclaimed book, “Beneath the Dardanelles: The Australian Submarine at Gallipoli”. This is one of nine books he has published—seven in English and two in Turkish—providing what many describe as a vital “Turkish View” of the conflict. His other notable works include “Gallipoli – The Turkish Story” and “The Turks in Australia.”

John’s tireless work in enhancing relations between our two nations has been recognized at the highest levels. In 2005 he received the Victorian Premier’s Award for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs.  In 2010, he was awarded the ANZAC Peace Prize, and in 2015, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his decades of service to military history and the Rotary community in enhancing relations with Türkiye.

As the founding Chairman and current Secretary of Friends of Gallipoli Inc. (FOGI), John continues to lead projects which bridge the Australian and the Turkish communities, ensuring that the shared history of the 1915 campaign serves as a foundation for enduring friendship.

Members and Guests are most welcome

A relaxing meal and drink beforehand in the RSL’s delightful Sovereign Bistro provides a pleasant prelude to the 1900 meeting.

Membership of the NHSA automatically entitles you to be part of the Victoria Chapter and to share in its activities.

We hold our monthly meetings in the Function Room which is on the ground floor.  Our program is listed on the website, and we either have a Guest Speaker or show a film.  Meetings start at approximately 7.00 pm and finish by 9.00 pm.

Please be seated by 5.45pm if you are staying for dinner to ensure the meeting starts on time.

Our Secretary Lynda Gilbert coordinates the booking of tables, so please let her know in advance by email lynda.gilbert@aol.com if you are intending to join us for dinner.

If joining us for the first time, please let us know when you plan to visit by contacting Andrew Mackinnon and we will ensure you are made welcome.

The Chapter produces a monthly newsletter called the ‘Three-Headed Dog’, containing a variety of articles of interest.  Edited by Andrew Mackinnon, this is published 11 times a year and is distributed by email to Victorian members free of charge.  Copies of the latest and previous ‘Three-Headed Dog’ newsletters can be found on the Navy Victoria Network

Future meeting as follows: