STRIP’S LIGHTS ARE OFF
The Surfers Paradise night economy is on its knees as shell-shocked staff and operators wonder what the future will hold for the hub.
It’s a weird thing to not be able to say ‘this is our plan’
THE Glitter Strip night scene and the myriad hospitality characters who inhabit it have never been so flat.
Last hurrahs at Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach bars before Prime Minister Scott Morrison shut down all non-essential venues at the weekend were largely aimed at helping staff earn for a few final shifts.
They were like wakes. One normally vibrant bar host, looking shell-shocked as he manned his Orchid Ave post for a final time on Sunday night, told ATG: “I just don’t even know what to do.”
Surfers Paradise Licensed Venues Association president Tim Martin, the general manager of SinCity, The Bedroom and Havana R&B club, says with about 200 staff the uncertainty has been difficult. “It’s such a weird thing to not be able to say ‘this is our plan, see you in two months’,” he said.
“They are waiting on our every communication. We have been researching what they should do and how they should go about it.
“I’ve got people going: ‘I’ve never been on welfare in my life’,” he says.
Martin, a veteran of the Surfers
Paradise night scene, spoke to ATG just after venues had shut for the foreseeable future and staff were emerging from the blur of a last shift.
“Some are completely oblivious and like: ‘Whatever, see you back soon’. Some are panic stations. And it’s not that bad yet. Wait until you are staying at home for a week and can’t leave the house.”
Surfers institution The Avenue simply posted: “Management and staff would like to say thank you for the love & support our amazing patrons have shown us during this difficult time we now all face.
“Over 36 years of running The Ave we have had our fair share of challenges, which we have always been able to overcome with the support of our patrons. We are currently closed, however all our friendly staff look forward to being of service to you as soon as we are permitted.”
House of Brews posted a photo of a packed venue and “#keepintouch”.
Broadbeach’s Love Nightlife posted a thank you to all patrons, staff, DJs, suppliers – and the hopeful: “Our next launch party is set to be our biggest celebration to date. It won’t just be for us. It will be a worldwide unity of ‘LOVE’, as Love is what always bands community, friends, and relatives together.”