The Porky Hawker Story
Private Norman Victor George Hawker was born in Lillimur, Victoria on the 21st April 1945. He served in Vietnam with the 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, from the 8th April 1967 until his death on the 27th November 1967. He was just 22 years old.
After D Company had assaulted and captured an enemy bunker system the enemy counter attacked. During the on-going fire-fight Norman Porky was fatally wounded. Another Australian soldier died and 22 were wounded during this battle.
Pte Norman Victor Hawker was affectionately known as 'Porky'. He was a local farm boy from a his family's wheat & sheep farm at Lillimur, 11 kms west of Kaniva and was called up for National Service on July 13th 1966.
After Recruit Training at Puckapunyal, Porky was sent to Corp training with the Infantry Corp. He was then posted to the 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR). The Battalion was posted to Vietnam on 8th April 1967. They were based at the Australian Task Force Base in Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province. In a fierce battle with the NVA (North Vietnamese Forces) on 27th November 1967 Norman sadly was killed in action. He was given a military funeral at the Kaniva Shire Hall in December 1967 and is buried at the Kaniva Cemetery, grave B21.
Porky is honoured in our beer garden, painted by Melbourne Artist, Callum Warren. You can see the images Callum referenced for the mural in our hallway and at this weblink. Our hallway to the dining room proudly houses a collection of RSL memorabilia significant to the local area.
After D Company had assaulted and captured an enemy bunker system the enemy counter attacked. During the on-going fire-fight Norman Porky was fatally wounded. Another Australian soldier died and 22 were wounded during this battle.
Pte Norman Victor Hawker was affectionately known as 'Porky'. He was a local farm boy from a his family's wheat & sheep farm at Lillimur, 11 kms west of Kaniva and was called up for National Service on July 13th 1966.
After Recruit Training at Puckapunyal, Porky was sent to Corp training with the Infantry Corp. He was then posted to the 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR). The Battalion was posted to Vietnam on 8th April 1967. They were based at the Australian Task Force Base in Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province. In a fierce battle with the NVA (North Vietnamese Forces) on 27th November 1967 Norman sadly was killed in action. He was given a military funeral at the Kaniva Shire Hall in December 1967 and is buried at the Kaniva Cemetery, grave B21.
Porky is honoured in our beer garden, painted by Melbourne Artist, Callum Warren. You can see the images Callum referenced for the mural in our hallway and at this weblink. Our hallway to the dining room proudly houses a collection of RSL memorabilia significant to the local area.
The Selling Houses Australia story
The Club Hotel featured in the popular Selling Houses Australia in 2019 when the pub was given a new-look bar, eating area and beer garden. All up, the film crew spent two weeks filming in Kaniva. The Selling Houses Australia team came up with a design that would appeal to both the locals and travellers passing by. The front bar was considered the heart and soul of the pub, so a dark blue hue and pressed tin were chosen to create personality and mood. The exterior of the property needed a face-lift, whilst also maintaining the history and character of the pub. This was achieved by painting the front facade white, giving it a fresh finish and making it easy to be seen from the highway. The pub had a long standing history with the RSL and so a bold mural was a major statement in the beer garden. Not only did this hold a special meaning for Kaniva, but it would also help lead visitors on the Silo Art and Sheep Art Trail right into the pub itself.
Our History
The Club Hotel Kaniva has been part of Kaniva's history since 1886. Originally known as Bruder's Club Hotel, it was one of the first buildings to appear in the main street in the early years of Kaniva's development. It was then rebuilt in 1927. This was a major period of building for Kaniva with many businesses and buildings being rebuilt. As you go through the main hall way, you'll notice a servery; this was where the ladies were served as they were not allowed in the front bar at the time. The Kaniva Historical Museum sheep located near the GrainCorp Silo Art features a snapshot of the main street including the Club Hotel, painted by local artist Pam Venell and assisted by Lynette Powell. Full details can be found on the Kaniva website.
Club Hotel. Open 7 days.
Where everyone's a local. Meals Mon - Sat 5.30pm - 8.30pm Email clubhotelkaniva@gmail.com 54 Commercial St, Kaniva, Victoria, 3419. © 2022 Club Hotel Kaniva |
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