Taxi Club

Cassie_1 · Posted: Jan 26, 2005 7:05 am Post subject: Taxi Club

Hi all. I'll be in Sydney one Sunday night soon and am hoping someone can point me towards some social or other action there. I'm a complete stranger to Sydney, although I've heard of the Taxi Club. Is it any good?

Wendy_3 · Posted: Jan 30, 2005 10:44 am Post subject: Sunday Sunday Sunday

Cassie,

Hear there are no problems with the Taxi Club although I haven't been there.

I think Friday night is the better night.

Wendy

Tiffany_1 · Joined: 11 May 2005 Posts: 7 Location: VIC Reputation: 6

Taxi club is awesome used to go there quite often when I was in Sydney.

Amanda · Posted: May 25, 2008 10:48 am Post subject:

The Taxi Club has had a change of management.

The following was posted on the stg newsgroup:

An Invitation.
Posted by: "Joanne Norman" leggy_joanne@yahoo.com.au leggy_joanne
Fri May 16, 2008 10:37 am (EST)
Hi to all of you party Gals...

I know there's quite a number of you in Sydney town this weekend for Hellfire.

I just wanted to invite you this Saturday night (17th May) to the 'New Feel' Taxi Club.

We have a brand new show in the NightClub Saturday night. Weekend nights at the Taxi are now a bit more like the good old days...The Atmosphere is Back!

Also come and try the new menu in the restaurant. Gotta be the best value around...

If you can make it this Saturday, I'll shout you a free cocktail from Bar Mystique - in the NightClub on the second floor. Also, cos we know you're special....we will give you a discounted $5 yearly Membership. This will give you those extra cheap drinks...

Just bring a copy of this email with your unique email address on it somewhere...and it's a done deal! You'll need some ID for the Membership if you want one.

Check out our new Website too. Sign up and keep tabs on what's coming up. We're planning some new way-out gigs in the near future. We're also after some feedback or suggestions on what you think would make the Club bigger and better..after all, as a Club, it's there for our community to enjoy.(www.thetaxi.com.au)

Not sure if all of you are aware. The Taxi has changed...there is a T-gal based Management. We are working hard to make the venue something super special. It's still the most accepting and friendly venue in town..

Hey..remember..GLBTI! Gotta Love Being The Individual!

Hope to see you there soon

Joanne,
President

Virginia · Posted: Dec 02, 2008 12:40 pm Post subject: all dressed up and nowhere to go ...

like it or loathe it, the taxi club is one place in sydney where trans-folk are welcomed. sure there are times when you go there and think wtf ... seeing all the ppl in there who you highly suspect are there only to get their rocks off perving on trans-folk. and other times when there is nothing happening there, or the karaoke is just so bad, you would prefer to listen to four hours of barry manilow at very high volumes.

but ... at the end of the day, it's still a place that welcomes trans-folk, and i can't think of any other place in sydney that does that as openly. and last week, the board of the club has sent an email to its members setting out the bleak financial future of the club.

the club is more than likely going to have to sell the land and buildings and lease the premises back as the only way it can continue operating. it doesn't look good. most leases will be based on leases at rentals that the market can generally sustain. so in the case of taxi club, the new rental would be more than likely to be at a rate similar to those that you would be able to get at other clubs along oxford street.

if you notice, a lot of the clubs along oxford street are no longer exclusively gay (let alone trans), and over recent times, there has been a marked increase in straight (or hetero) elements amongst patrons (think slide, will and tobys, palms and some of you would have experienced arq last weekend). i guess these ppl (often young, say, under 25) tend to spend up large and so make it more viable for a person to run a business. the colour of money rules. no business is going to run as a charity so that gays, or lesbians or trans-people are going to be the target market if rent can't be paid.

we have seen the newtown hotel close. the imperial is closed and struggling to meet the requirements imposed by planning and liquor licensing guidelines. deck bar, on taylor square has been closed for goodness knows how long. these places are not even exclusively tranny friendly. are we going to see the taxi club join that band of memories?

i urge you all to support the taxi club by patronage (they have some of the cheapest drinks in town), or by membership (so they require photo id, which usually means have membership in your boy name ... not a big price to pay, surely).

as a group, i would suggest that tranny radio members do all they can to support and use the facilities as much as possible (like hiring the function room for a birthday party, or having dinning events in the very good restaurant, for instance). otherwise you may face the prospect of having to go somewhere else. And that somewhere else may be not so openly trans-folk friendly. even more importantly, a lot of these other places are more than likely to see a creeping influx of hetero customers, some of whom may be less than hospitable to us.

anyway, below is a copy of the email the board of the taxi club has written to members. if you have any feedback on how to help the taxi club stay afloat, please provide your suggestions to them. tell them why you don't go or feel reluctant about going. i am sure they will be more than willing to look at any comment favourably.

apologies about the length of this post ...

Dear Fellow Taxi Club Member.

We wish to convey to you, an update on the current situation regarding the state of trade, at your Taxi Club.

As you all know, there was a major change in the Board of Directors and Senior Management at the Club, during the early stage of

2008. This was a required, long overdue, shift in the Club’s direction. This change was initiated, late last year, to give the Club a final
chance of survival, by means of an active, Member-based Board of Directors. Also, an opportunity presented for all staff and Members to have an input on the Club’s operation and future success.

Our intentions from the outset were to re-establish the respect and interest of our Club Members and patrons, in once again utilising the Taxi as a preferred venue. Over the past few years, excessive time and money were consumed on attempting to re-obtain a POPE (Place of Public Entertainment) license. This combined with the no-smoking policy, increased gaming taxes and the World’s financial woes, have placed the Club business in a precarious situation.

This year has seen an extreme amount of effort, by the new Board of Directors, combined with extreme hard work and dedication from our Club General Manager, Michelle Mancini, in maintaining positive direction and stability in the Club’s current operation. A positive result, attributed to these efforts, is that our operating costs are down in the order of 30%, compared to that of past years.

It was determined by the new Board, earlier this year that alterations were required to the Club premises. This was deemed an absolute priority, in enabling the required enhancement of facility and services to Club Members and guests. As these alterations were the key to our future viability, a priority was placed on acquiring finance in support of these improvements. Our initial intention was to resolve plans and financing as soon as possible, to allow the rapid implementation of these alterations.

Some 4 months ago, we had successfully secured financial support, adequate to enable the required alterations to occur. Once we had received an agreed Letter of Offer from our chosen financial institution, the commitment was made to proceed with this financing. Our subsequent efforts, from this date prior to the proposed date for settlement of finances, were focussed on further refinements to the Club operations. Fine tuning the alteration plans, suggested layouts etc. were also being finalised at this time. The level of detail addressed during this time, proceeded literally to the point of colours and materials having been chosen for new furniture.

However, the settlement of the original agreed amount was not to eventuate. This we believe was a result of the rapid changes to lending criteria, introduced by the major lending institutions. It was solely our financier’s position that changed, not the Club’s position. The timing of these events coincided with the exchange of information, during the course of the loan finalisation stages. As a result of this, a lesser amount was offered to us, which we subsequently were obliged to accept.

This has placed us in a difficult position, whereby the capital required to undertake needed alterations is currently not available, hence, our main reason for writing this letter to you.

We need your support more than ever, to allow the Club the chance of surviving this period, whilst alternative solutions are sought.

Please utilise what your Club has to offer. If you don’t like something, or wish to suggest something at the Club, please doesn’t hold back…make it known! It is OUR Club, here for all of us, run by us. Feel free to contact Michelle at the club or email her

michelle@thetaxiclub.com

We understand times are tough, the Club is surely feeling it, but throughout our full Membership base, it doesn’t take much to keep it alive. Let’s not loose it!

On a very serious note, despite the extensive efforts and commitment by the Club’s Board and Staff, the Club has reported a significant loss for the second financial year running. We are currently at the point, whereby a decision is required to facilitate our continued trading. This pending path is yet to be determined, as it will involve all Member’s input. We currently have three seen options available to the Club, to resolve this real situation. These include Voluntary Administration, Amalgamation with another Club or to sell our core property under a lease back arrangement. It is the Board’s collective opinion, that the sale and lease-back the property is by far our preferred option. We believe it to be the only option, which will enable us to independently continue trading as the existing Taxi Club. It will provide the scope to move forward with the alterations required to enhance trade. Excess funds from the sale will also allow for productive investment, which will assist in securing the Club’s future. The Administration / Amalgamation options both dictate the Club will not be controlled by our GLBTI folk, for the benefit of our community. All Members shall need to vote and agree on the chosen option. Please see the attached notice of General Meeting and associated Resolution. We are required to hold this General Meeting, prior to the Annual General meeting, which is planned to be held on January 20, 2009.

With our current state of trade, combined with tougher lending criteria, the Board and Management have concluded that sourcing the required finance is presently not an option. We can no longer facilitate further time delays in pursuing alternate sources of financing.

Unfortunately, the previously detailed options are the only available to the Club now.

Though the content of this letter may appear to convey nothing more than doom and gloom, please be re-assured the Board and Management are committed to resolve the current situation. Obviously none of the considered options are as good as what we have now. We are determined to keep the Taxi Club alive. Ultimately, this lies with the Club Members and patrons. It is literally a case of Use it…Or Loose It. A little bit goes a long way.

☺

Kind Regards,

Your Board of Directors.

Grosvenor Club Limited (The Taxi Club).

Melanie · Posted: Dec 02, 2008 3:13 pm Post subject:

Hi All,

I have to make a comment on this post. I went to the Taxi Club for the very first time last Saturday just before going to the Transfusion at the Arc down the street. Had a couple of "warm up" drinks there.

Found the place very friendly and the bar person had a fantastic personality. Felt very relaxed straight away after being a bit stressed earlier (I had just had my first walk in a busy street in day-light en femme !) Being called "darling" and "sweet heart" made me feel good ! You get the feel of a place and this place has that feel.

I will be going again proberly on a Friday night with another friend from TR.

Would hate to see those changes. Times are tough. I intend to become a member of the Taxi. Yes Virginia this place definatly deserves our support.

Drinks by the way were cheap, $4 for a schooner - a fair bit under the Arc.

Looking forward to future vists.

Melanie

Penny · Posted: Dec 13, 2008 4:34 pm Post subject: taxi club turmoil

hello everyone

I have just opened the December issue of SX magazine and on page 3 very disheartening story, As we all heard lately taxi club is under financial difficulties low membership a low number of patrons using the facilities.

Like most alternative venues that cater for transgender people the club is asset rich but cash poor, the future of this icon of Sydney is about to vanish into the past.

I am one of many girls who possibly hold this club is a beacon of light, a refuge to transgender people. I also am one of the guilty people who have not at this time gone and got membership, but this is going to change the next time I am in the city I will walk in and register myself as a member. This in no way will help the club but we need to start helping clubs like this opened in 1956 and serving the community so happily for over 50 years.

I see every time I go into the city more and more places battles there way through some of the darkest times of of Sydney's past. I know that people who regularly go to the club say it has changed and some changes are not the best, but the building itself remains.

I hope other members who can make their way to the club or have the ability to register online sign up as members, but when she has gone there we'll be no coming back.

Penny

Jaclyn_Lee_Davies · Posted: Dec 17, 2008 7:49 pm Post subject: The Taxi Club

Hello Ladies...it has come to my attention recently that the Taxi Club is having financial difficulties and could be in danger of closing...i would hate to think that a purposeful venue for all gurls, whether they be crossdresers or transitioning and one that has been around since 1956 could be lost to our blossoming society...it is an institution and whenever i am in Sydney i always visit and enjoy the fact that i can be who i want to be in an ambient and congenial atmosphere...there are good and bad aspects of any premises and or the management but a place catering just for us is better than the alternative...i would urge everyone to support the call to arms, legs and lipstick and embrace the Taxi Club by involving yourselves in a time of resurgence...they need the sisterhood now...kind regards...Jaclyn Lee

Virginia · Posted: Mar 05, 2009 12:00 pm Post subject:

the latest from the taxi club. they have managed to obtain a loan so will not have to sell the premises and lease it back. a great step forward out of the financial mire! please support the grand old lady ...

Tammy · Posted: Mar 24, 2009 4:15 pm Post subject:

Hi girls. I will be in Sydney this weekend,thurs and fri nights. i am coming down from QLD for a couple of days. As a CD myself, i would like to support the Taxi Club while I am there but need to know.
1) Can I get in with my male clothes (No opportunity to get clothes down to Sydney this trip)
2) Where is it?
3) will anyone from here be there Thursday or Friday night?
4) what sort of music???

Answer here or email me wears_lingerie@yahaoo.com.au

Would like to help and would like to catch up with NSW sisters while I am there as I only visit periodically.

Virginia · Posted: Mar 24, 2009 5:42 pm Post subject:

visit the taxi club web site

thetaxi.com.au

1) Can I get in with my male clothes (No opportunity to get clothes down to Sydney this trip)

most people with clothes on are allowed in! they're a friendly mob ... some push the *clothed* rule to the limit, so you should be fine.

2) Where is it?

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&output=html&q=40-42+Flinders+Street%2C+Darlinghurst%2C+NSW

The Grosvenor Club/Taxi Club
40-42 Flinders Street,
Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Opening Times
Monday 12pm - 2am
Tuesday 12pm - 2am
Wednesday 12pm - 4am
Thursday 12pm - 4am
Friday 12pm - 6am
Saturday 2pm - 6am
Sunday 2pm - 4am
Tel: 9331 4256
Fax: 9331 7252 (just in case you wantr to fax them)

3) will anyone from here be there Thursday or Friday night?

there are people there every night

4) what sort of music???

karaoke can be a bit lame, but occasionally, you get some very good performers, otherwise, generally dance music. for karaoke, look out for belinda's performance of you're the one that i want (singing both male and female parts) from grease.

OzJoanne · Posted: Jun 13, 2009 2:09 pm Post subject: The Taxi update - June 2009.

Hi Everyone,

Just thought I'd provide an update on the ol' Taxi Club.

The Club is alive and well. We have been witnessing busy nights recently, particularly Saturday nights, similar to years gone by...finally! Really vibrant and entertaining evenings.

We are soon to be commencing some layout alterations. These to enhance areas that are currently lacking. This includes more socialising / seating areas, also catering for more comfort and space whilst live shows and other forms of entertainment are being provided. The gaming area is being reduced, whilst an outdoor (smoking) gaming area is to be implemented. The Night Club currently on the 2nd level is to be integrated into the first level, allowing for more space and more people. The current plan is to convert the second level into a cosy piano lounge. New forms of entertainment are soon to be provided. The likes of live singers, jazz etc. on the agenda.

Karaoke is still on Friday nights then Disco all night. Saturday night live shows on the first level, with the Disco all night on 2nd level. Still the best value meals and drinks around, especially Sunday night roast Smile

. Regular weeknight promos are on too. Everyone welcome to engage in the likes of Trivia on Wednesday night or Bingo on Monday nights.

We still need community support. As you know, the Taxi is a non-profit registered club, there for our community...we want to see the girls use and enjoy what the Taxi has to offer. Please let me know if you feel there is something you'd like to see, or anything you don't like seeing at the Club.

Visit the website www.thetaxi.com.au for more info or a weekly summary of What's On at the Taxi is at: http://users.tpg.com.au/rmkj/This%20week%20at%20Taxi/index.html

Hope to see you around Smile

Joanne
- President

Frances · Posted: Aug 01, 2009 3:55 pm Post subject:

Certainly they've done the Taxi up a bit although the loss of the area for a smoking area is a little disappointing...but I understand the need to accommodate smokers. Was there Friday when the karoke was on which was a big mistake. Ive been there many times over the years and I dont think I've ever seen it as quiet. It was the most boring night I can ever remember and I left early...few girls in. Perhaps Saturday is the night for the Taxi ..but parking in and around is a nightmare. I would hate to see the Taxi close ..as I really cant think of a similar venue to the tg community.

OzJoanne · Posted: Aug 02, 2009 9:09 pm Post subject:

Hi Francis,

You are right...on a few things you mentioned.
The smoking room is a somewhat popular area, though the damage that was done by removing the lounge area was totally under estimated by the old management. We are now in a position to commence the club alterations which will primarily see the main gaming area converted into a people lounge area. Basically, most of level one will be the main socialising / lounging area with regular entertainment provided.
The Friday night...yep..it's an extremely quiet night. We have not started anything new Friday night to date for a few reasons, but that is soon to change. On the flip side, Saturday nights over the past 2-3 months have been great nights. Lot's of people and an atmosphere that will please anyone.

There is quite a lot that will be going on, in the way of changes and new gigs, over the next couple of months. All I can ask everyone is keep supporting the Club, and it will be a venue worth being at any night...

The loss of the carpark is a real shame, and an absolute sore point with me personally. The prior management had an opportunity to purchase the land, but through their own stupidity (putting it mildly) the chance was lost. That's one of the reasons they're no longer there... Most thought the Club owned the carpark over the years, it was being leased from the owner, the RTA.

The Taxi won't be closing....trust me! We're getting on top of things, though times are tough for just about every business, we're pushing ahead. You won't be disappointed Smile

Joanne.

Frances · Posted: Aug 09, 2009 10:24 am Post subject: Lovely Visit

I would like to thank Joanne for taking the time to sit down and chat with me at the Taxi last night. It was my first ever public outing dressed and as you know it can be a nerve racking experience. Joanne spent time telling me about all the work that has happened and the clubs future intentions. Jo has done the hard fight and undertaken major reform so in time an improved Taxi will evolve. The entertainment on the night was ok and most importantly I felt comfortable..surely the whole point of the venue. It took me a long time to get to this point ..way too long in reality. I don't know if I for personal reasons ever have the opportunity to dress and go to the Taxi again ..but if that is the case thanks Jo for the evening. I'm confident that the Taxi will go on and be what it it used to be... Thanks again Jo

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