Wollongong public forum shows support for bars, small venues

A public forum held by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) in Wollongong yesterday might be a game-changer in the city’s long running debate over liquor licences for its bars and small music venues.

The forum was initially called over an application for a liquor license for the Humber bar, which was delayedlast October.This followed a refusal of a bid by Sifters.

The reason given, that there were too many bars in Wollongong already, ignited heated public debate. About 1500 signed a change.org petition.

The forum, attended by 100 at the Wollongong City Gallery, showed strong across-the-board support for the Humber. Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery stressed the need for a vibrant night economy for the ‘Gong and that club patrons were better behaved these days. Ten community leaders who addressed the meeting stressed the importance of small venues. Wollongong Police Superintendent Kyle Stewart offered his “unconditional support”.

Even the Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing (OLGR) did a turn-around after recommending that the ILGA reject the application because of bar numbers. Its Executive Director, Paul Newson, who toured the Humber before the forum, revealed he was taken up with the venue.

The Illawara Mercury quoted him as saying that the OLGR’s report had omitted research suggesting a mix of venues could have a positive influence on an area. ‘‘There is absolutely a cumulative impact, but every licence does not have the same effect,’’ he admitted.

An official assessment has still to be made b authorities before Humber owner Adam Murphy is given a decision.

The debate saw venue owners and music lovers argue that bars and music gigs had reignited the vibrancy of the area in the past 18 months.

Music promoter Ben Tillman of Yours and Owls posted, “The small bars and smaller licensed venues are something positive, because every good city in the world has a massive night culture and that’s often focused around these type of venues. While the culture is changing, there is still a long way to go before Wollongong [becomes] renowned [as a] 'culturally diverse and enriched' area, which, as a local is something I believe should be the goal.”

Promoter Warren Wheeler observed there were less places for local music acts to play as the major bars turned to pokies and karaoke.

Wollongong City Council’s ten-strong Live Music Task Force is to release a report this year on how the ‘Gong could have one of the strongest music scenes in Australia.