Big Surfers nightclub planned

Plans for the Gold Coast's biggest nightclub have been unveiled in a bid to spruce up Surfers Paradise's nightclub precinct.

Gold Coast developer Elvio Pugliese has revealed his intention to build a 1100sqm club in the heart of Surfers Paradise and attract an international entity such as Planet Hollywood.

A conceptual plan is before the Gold Coast City Council to transform the first floor and front facade of 21 Orchid Avenue into a landmark club that would attract high-flyers staying at the soon-to-be completed Hilton Hotel.

The space above Club 21 is leased as office space and was occupied by Opal Duty Free from 1993 to 2006.

Mr Pugliese, who owns multiple properties in Orchid Avenue, said he intended the venue to become a classy hot spot for celebrities and 'neutralise the stigma' of Surfers Paradise nightclubs.

"There is a bright future ahead of Surfers Paradise and I hope this venue will prove to be a catalyst for positive change," he said.

The plans propose a massive renovation of the 21 Orchid Avenue building to create a geometric facade complete with waterfall, light show and lift access from the street to the new club.

Inside, the roof would be raised 2.6m to accommodate a stage area for cabaretstyle performances, two wet bars and a VIP lounge.

The application also proposes extending a slab across the existing laneway between 21 Orchid Avenue and 19 Orchid Avenue -- home to Hollywood Showgirls.

If approved, this would increase the club's width and create a total floor space of 1100sqm.


The redevelopment plan has caused a stir in Surfers Paradise. A group calling themselves 'Surfers Paradise consumers' fear another club on Orchid Avenue will only increase bad behaviour.

They put out a public plea via an ad in the Weekend Bulletin for people to complain to the council, however a representative did not return calls yesterday.

Area councillor Susie Douglas has previously supported a cap for nightclub development in the area with 15 venues already operating in Surfers Paradise.

But she said any move to clean up the precinct and attract high-end clientele was welcome.

"The number of nightclubs in Surfers Paradise is a real issue and I think we're just about at saturation point," she said.

"However I think this club might be a cut above the usual and if it encourages people to dress up and behave themselves then it can only be a good thing for the area."

The application is expected to come before council during March.

Published in Gold Coast News 1 February.
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2010/02/01/183841_gold-coast-news.html

Barmaid given $500,000 over bullying boss

A barmaid was awarded more than $500,000 in damages after she was subjected to a campaign of workplace harassment and bullying by her boss at a Sydney bowling club.

Carol Anne Bailey suffered ''mental trauma'' and is now incapable of working after the treatment by her supervisor at the Peakhurst Bowling and Recreation Club.

In his judgment, District Court Judge Leonard Levy said the 52-year-old mother of two suffered severe psychological injury and was now a recluse as a result of ''harassment, intimidation and bullying'' behaviour by her supervisor, Tony Riley, between 2004 and 2006.

Mr Riley, who had a cleaning contract with the club, was also its chairman. He no longer holds any position there.

''Although liability was admitted, the defendant [the club] did not call Mr Riley to give evidence on the critical matters described by the plaintiff in her evidence,'' Judge Levy said.

He also found that Mr Riley repeatedly told Mrs Bailey her job was precarious and that the club would ''get rid of her''.

''Mr Riley also used extremely vulgar language both directly to her and in her presence. He also placed her in untenable situations where, as her direct supervisor, he pressured her … to bend or break the liquor licensing rules regarding the service of alcohol, gaming and accounting for her sales.

''He also demanded that she resign her membership of the trade union to which she legitimately belonged.''

Judge Levy said Mr Riley's behaviour was noticed by a club patron who advised Mrs Bailey to keep a diary, and that other patrons and staff had complained about his treatment of Mrs Bailey, whose shifts were changed unexpectedly and her pay reduced.

He said Mr Riley also ''wrongfully implied that she was responsible for a $2000 shortage in the cash float when in fact there was no such shortage''.

Judge Levy said evidence was given that the club was in ''dire financial straits'' and might have to close.

In awarding Mrs Bailey damages totalling $507,550, Judge Levy said this included $334,305 in lost future earnings.

Published in Sydney Morning Herald 31 January.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/barmaid-given-500000-over-bullying-boss-20100130-n5hl.html