MUSIC VENUE WINS TOP GONG

GEELONG venue The Workers Club has claimed a top honour at the state’s recent music awards.

The Little Malop St business was named best regional venue in the 50 gigs or more a year category, an award voted on by the public.

The Workers Club was up against venue The Barwon Club, Baha in Rye and The Eastern and Karova Lounge, both of Ballarat.

Owner Steven Nichols said to receive the honour in only its third year of trade was surprising and humbling.

“We were absolutely shocked to win because we were pretty ecstatic to be nominated in the first place,” Mr Nichols said.

“There were over 70,000 people who ended up voting on the awards, which means even more to us.”

The venue is already starting to reap the rewards of the accolade.

“Since the awards we have already had a few things thrown our way, offer wise and gig wise. It was surprising to have an influx (of opportunities) straight away,” Mr Nichols said.

The Workers Club, which prides itself on not being genre specific, has welcomed acts such as Gang of Youths, Paper Kites and the Teskey Brothers in recent times.

“The music industry is healthy,” Mr Nichols said.

“We’ve got the most amount of music venues that Geelong’s ever had, so there is good choice for people.”

Two local groups also had success at the awards, with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard taking home best band, best live act and best song for Rattlesnake, while Client Liaison won best electronic act.

Geelong’s club scene said its final farewell to Eureka Hotel and Uno at the Geelong Hotel at the weekend. But new venue Bloom is preparing to flower.