Ending a stressful year of battles with NIMBY neighbours over noise complaints, Marrickville music hero The Great Club is safe and ready for action.
When COVID-19 restrictions were lifted near the end of 2022, the 350-capacity The Great Club (TGC) in Sydney’s inner west was able to resume regular operations – until a “small but vocal” band of local residents began repeatedly complaining to Inner West Council (IWC), suggesting the venue was “unsafe” for the Marrickville community.
A music venue has been in operation on the site since 1952.
Early 2023 TGC was under fear of closure as licensee Alison Avron was threatened with criminal proceedings. Avron had to spend over $30k on legal fees and faced $10k in fines – atop $50k in lost revenue.
Furthermore, she faced a $250k bill to upgrade sound proofing at the venue.
Late February she began a crowdfunding campaign, calling on the pub’s many fans.
“We are a determined team of live music lovers who have always wanted to keep the dream alive for artists, audiences, and our community in spite of all these setbacks.”
Avron says she’s been overwhelmed with support out of the community, including many neighbours, one of whom now works for the business as a groundskeeper.
The threat has forced the venue to run at greatly reduced capacity, and brought cancelation of Anzac Day celebrations over fear of repercussions.
But in recent weeks the IWC has withdrawn its notice regarding noise prevention and dismissed all complaints against the Marrickville Club.
Avron told the Daily Telegraph she cried for “three days straight” upon hearing the good news.
Retraction of the notice suggests Council will now pursue its Good Neighbour Policy with residents.
