Venues Update: October 14

NEW NAME FOR HUNTER STADIUM

Newcastle’s 33,000-capacity Hunter Stadium has a new name after Venues NSW finalised a sponsor naming right deal with NSW builder McDonald Jones Homes to 2021. It has drawn 1.2 million fans in the past four years. It has not had a naming rights sponsor since 2011 when Energy Australia pulled out.

NO EXTRA HOURS DURING COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The Queensland Government has turned down a push by the Surfers Paradise Licensed Venues Association (SPLAVA) to allow nightclubs and bars to trade 24/7 during the two-week Commonwealth Games. But the Attorney General emphasised there’d be no relaxing of the current 3 am last drinks and the 1 am lockout, which comes into effect in February. She said there were other family-friendly places open until late hours to keep the 100,000 tourists happy.

The Attorney-General also suggested that nightclubs and licensed venues were allowed 5 am openings 12 times a year and they should use these if they wanted to catch the tourism bonanza. The SPLAVA responded this was “unfair” and wanted special dispensation.

DISPUTE OVER NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING

Victoria Police is investigating an alleged drive-by shooting at Boutique Nightclub in Melbourne’s Prahran. Its owner insists it was just a case of someone breaking a window, “a regular occurrence.” But police insist they’ve found three bullet holes and earlier searched for a shotgun in a nearby drain.

THE TRIFFID LAUNCHES ALBUM AWARD

Brisbane’s Triffid club celebrates its second anniversary on Saturday November 5 by announcing the winner of its inaugural Queensland Album Of The Year Award. The five finalists are Halfway’s The Golden Halfway Record, Cheap Fakes’ Modern Vintage, Sahara Beck’s Panacea, The Jungle Giants’ Speakerzoid and Holy Holy’s When The Storms Would Come. The winner is chosen through public vote.

START DATE FOR TOWNSVILLE STADIUM

The Queensland Government announced that building will begin on Townsville’s $250 million stadium in mid-2017. A principal consultant will be announced within weeks, and a design tenderer by the end of this year. The confirmation was made by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk before 800 guests at the North Queensland Cowboys presentation ball at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

VENUES UNPREPARED FOR NEW $5 NOTE

Despite 12 months to prepare for the September 1 introduction of the new $5 note, many venues are losing income because their cash dispensing machines have not been upgraded, reps from companies as Banktech and ecash told the hospitality industry’s The Shout website.

360Q RETURNS AFTER THREE YEARS

After being closed for three years, 360Q on the Victorian coast’s Queenscliff harbour re-opened last weekend. It hosts live music in the outdoor area on Sundays, with Mariachi and salsa bands, and jazz ensemble booked through October. It opened in 2010 but closed three years later.

THE BOTANY BAY LAUNCHES BOTANY IDOL

“Rack off X Factor!” says The Botany Bay Hotel in Sydney. On Friday October 14, he launches a 10-week pub karaoke challenge called Botany Idol. At the end of the tunnel is a $5000 cash prize. The comp runs until every Friday at 9.30 pm until December 23, encouraging vocalists and mic twirlers of all ages.

“We want to bring some real old-school fun to the local pub scene and, at the same time, give patrons with top-notch singing talent a chance to get up and showcase what they’ve got to offer,” said Paddy Coughlan, owner of Bourke Street, who recently re-launched the Botany Bay Hotel.

NEW NYE PARTY FOR SYDNEY

T1000 Events announced the CODE Party for Sydney to ring in the new year at Greenwood Hotel. The soundtrack includes 30 DJs and, so far, international acts Guy Gerber, Mano Le Tough, Alex Niggemann and Audiojack.

CODE NYE takes place at the Greenwood Hotel, Saturday December 31, with more info to be found here.

SUNDAY BLUES AT SATELLITE

The recently launched Satellite Lounge in Melbourne’s outer suburb Wheelers Hill begins a regular Sunday Blues session on Oct 16, from 3 pm. Launching it is Russell Morris, who’s playing stuff from his ARIA winning Sharkmouth and most recent Red Dirt Red Heart as well as the hits.

THE RAILWAY HELPS TWO CAUSES

The Railway Hotel in Fremantle has two causes on its slate. On Sunday October 23 is the Manta Mania fund raiser to assist with research to help the Manta Rays. It features a bill including Salary and Abbie Cardwell. On Saturday October 29 is Rockin’ For West Papua featuring Dilip n’ The Davs and more.

FUND RAISER FOR THE BABUSHKA

Seven local acts played a fundraiser last weekend for Ballarat alternative performing arts venue Babushka Lounge. Owner Garth Horsfield plans to put it on sale in a few months, the Ballarat Courier revealed.

MEN IN COURT OVER PUB BLAZE

Five men, including its licensee, faced the Stirling Gardens Magistrates court in Perth over charges alleging they set fire to the historic Premier hotel in Albany, which showcases live music. The blaze caused $2 million in damages.

LAUNCESTON VENUE ROBBED

Live music venue O’Keefe’s in Launceston had its safe stolen at 4.30 am last Sunday. It contained cash and documents. Damage was also caused to the building’s tiling during the robbery. Police are investigating but no charges have yet been laid.