The iconic Woolloomooloo Bay ‘Woolly’ Hotel is in the spotlight for its role in the Sydney Giants’ wild end of season soiree that saw lewd and inappropriate acts, as the NSW regulator picks up after the AFL’s governing body.
Following their loss in the 2024 semi-finals to the Brisbane Lions, the Greater Western Sydney Giants gathered at the pub in Woolloomooloo Bay in October for a post-season celebration that ultimately resulted in suspensions for six players, and senior players fined for failing to demonstrate the required leadership to control the situation.
Although the event was a private function, some of the activities were witnessed by other patrons.
It’s been reported that players took part in ‘skits’ intended to be comical, dressing up to a theme of ‘controversial couples’.
This elicited performances, caught on CCTV, such as by Josh Fahey posing as international league player Jarryd Hayne, who was twice jailed for sexual assault before the convictions were overturned, Fahey simulating obscene acts on a sex doll. He was penalised the hardest by the AFL, disallowed for four matches.
Receiving suspension of two games were Toby McMullin and Cooper Hamilton, who depicted a re-enactment of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York, as well as Harvey Thomas and Joe Fonti, who portrayed a certain Australian basketballer (exonerated) cavorting with a young girl. Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield acted out a scene from the movie Django Unchained depicting slavery.
The cameras also caught Giants skolling warm beer and vomiting, and simulating nudity and masturbation.
The AFL was not impressed, issuing a total of 14 match suspensions and $35K in fines. CEO Andrew Dillon described the party’s proceedings as “unacceptable”.
Investigations by the Giants and the AFL found the players had not committed any illegal activity, and both parties now consider the matter closed.
However, Liquor & Gaming NSW received a complaint about the behaviour and launched an investigation into alleged indecency, and a failure by the venue to prevent potential alcohol abuse, after players were seen pouring their own drinks.
This week the regulator revealed it had completed its enquiries, having reviewed footage and interviewed staff.
L&G determined the alleged breaches would be referred to the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA), to consider two disciplinary measures.
“The investigation considered alleged indecent conduct on the premises and failure by the venue to take reasonable steps to prevent behaviour likely to encourage the misuse and abuse of alcohol,” said a statement.
The state regulator reiterates it is committed to holding venues accountable, reminding operators that “serious penalties may apply for breaches of liquor laws, licence conditions or failures in the responsible service of alcohol”.
Should ILGA uphold the complaints it has the power to impose penalties by way of fines or the suspension of licences, but is most likely to dictate new trading conditions for the large-format pub.
A hearing is expected to take place in the coming months.
Built in 1873, the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel has stood as a sentinel on the shore beside Cowper Wharf for 152 years.
Arthur Laundy purchased the re-stapled freehold going concern in 2015 from Halcyon Group, along with the Woolwich Pier Hotel. In 2022 the group undertook an impressive $14 million refurbishment and rebranded the hotel to The Woolly Bay.
Laundy Hotels declined to comment on the matter before ILGA.
