Lismore’s Sasha’s – ‘women’s secret sanctuary’ – to close

For the past 12 years, Sasha’s has been more than a brothel, it has been a “safe space”. Now, in a final week of trade before closing its doors, workers have reflected on it being a “women’s sanctuary”.

Last call for Lismore's only brothel Sasha's as it closes its door for the last time this week.

Workers at Sasha’s in Lismore know their workplace is so much more than a brothel, it has been a “women’s secret sanctuary”.

Now, in a final week of trade before closing its doors, workers Stella and Lila described the business as like no other they have seen in the industry, and that the closure would leave a hole in the community.

For Stella, 38, who has been in the industry for over 20 years, the close of the business also will mark the end of her life as a sex worker.

“It’s really sad that it’s closing because I wouldn’t work anywhere else,” she told this publication.

The workers at Lismore's last brothel Sasha's say it’s been the safest place they’ve worked.

“I’ve worked in every state and territory, privately and in brothels and strip clubs and only at Sasha’s is worker safety prioritised above all things.

“It’s the only brothel I’ve worked in where the owner invites health organisations to come in and talk to us.”

One of several rooms at Sasha’s on Cook St, Lismore.

For Lila, 23, the Lismore brothel is also the “safest” workplace she’s experienced.

“In three and a half years, I’ve only had to end one booking prematurely which for our industry is pretty great,” she said.

Lila has relished in the “comfortable and supportive” workplace but unlike Stella she will move, perhaps to the Gold Coast, to continue to work in a brothel.

Last call for Lismore's only brothel Sasha's before its last day of trade on Sunday.

“For the girls, it’s a real loss of community because we’ve got a really wonderful group of people that work here and support each other inside and outside of work,” Lila said.

Both workers credit business owner Sasha, for creating that community for them and for the more than 350 workers over the last 12 years.

Sasha herself said that the decision to close the Cook St business was “heartbreaking” but a combination of crippling rents, recent changes to disability client’s funding options, the cost of living crisis and flood recovery was the final nail in the coffin.

Sasha's shut down in Lismore on Sunday will leave a legacy behind for the community.

As the last week is underway and final services are being dished out until the doors close on Sunday, the heartbeat of Sasha’s in Lismore will fade.

But workers like Stella and Lila know, the impact of having enjoyed a safe working sanctuary will remain with them forever.

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Originally published as Lismore’s Sasha’s – ‘women’s secret sanctuary’ – to close