Pink Flamingo Brisbane outrages future guests with shock immediate closure

Outraged hens and party planners have taken to social media sharing their frustrations as mystery surrounds the future of a popular Brisbane venue.

The future of Pink Flamingo Brisbane is up in the air. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Outraged hens’ groups and party planners have taken to social media after the shock closure of a vibrant Brisbane entertainment venue, saying they have been left in the dark over intentions to refund bookings.

Pink Flamingo Spiegeland Brisbane, a cabaret, burlesque and circus performance “spiegeltent”-style venue that opened in Hamilton in late 2023, entered voluntary liquidation on February 28, after taking to social media last week to share the news it would be closing its doors for good, effective immediately.

The posts were flooded with countless future guests expressing their outrage at being sold tickets and large bookings as late as a single day before the closure was announced.

“Very pissed off, I only paid for my hens night this morning,” one commenter said.

“We better be getting refunded … can’t tell me (sic) had no idea about this over the weekend when I spoke to the team and got the invoice.”

Some comments suggested future guests had received an email indicated they would be offered a transfer of tickets to the Pink Flamingo’s Gold Coast venue, and had been left, so far, without a response to requests for a refund.

Speaking to the Courier Mail, one future guest, Stacey Sumner, described the situation as a ‘nightmare’, saying she had paid for over $1600 for a hen’s party for her friend, just five days before the closure, but was still waiting for a response regarding the return of her money.

Pink Flamingo has long been a popular spot in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Picture: Richard Walker

Ms Sumner received an email from Pink Flamingo Brisbane on Tuesday night informing her of their immediate closure, and offering her a transfer of tickets, and has since made several attempts to receive a full refund, which she says have been unsuccessful.

She then received a reply email from a guest service manager at Pink Flamingo indicating someone would be in contact at an undefined time to provide an update.

“I’ve tried contacting them via phone and revived an automated text message after the phone rang out- which I thought was odd. I have also tried calling the mobile number it was sent from,” Ms Sumner said.

“I just want everyone’s money back so we can book another event for (that date) to celebrate our hen.”

She has not received further contact, and has threatened to issue a complaint to the ACCC and Queensland Office of Fair Trade.

Several other guests have also confirmed a very similar lack of response, both speaking to the Courier Mail and in dozens of comments on social media.

Another woman, who had been met with the same days-long run around of automated and vague messages, this morning received an email indicating the company was working to provide updates.

The email stated Pink Flamingo Brisbane was “currently awaiting official updates before we can proceed with customer requests” and promised to “maintain clear and consistent communication.” however at the time of publication, both women had not received any confirmation of the liquidation from the company.

The woman said she had originally been offered a transfer along with a “complimentary drink”to account for the situation.

“Now can’t book anything until we receive everyone’s money back, so it’s very frustrating as everything is booking out,” she said.

“I have booked and paid for an event that is happening this Saturday. Children are involved so they are going to be devastated,” one comment read.

“The email wasn’t clear, are we getting refunded?? An evening Gold Coast show is not suitable for my children.”

“I was hoping the email I received was fake. I legit flew from Darwin just to see Suave,” said another commenter.

In a statement shared with the Courier-Mail on Thursday, Pink Flamingo Brisbane said while they were not in a position to comment on their “overall financial position”, their hands had been forced due to a range of mounting, and devastating challenges.

“It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of regret that we announced the immediate closure of Pink Flamingo Brisbane,” the statement said.

“As a small business fighting to navigate a challenging economic landscape, we have been severely impacted by rising operational costs, mounting ATO taxes, and the current state of our country’s economy.

“These pressures – combined with shifting consumer habits and an ever-rising cost of living – have forced our hand despite our every effort to turn the tide.”

Pink Flamingo has left some customers confused.

The spokesman was quick to indicate that the closure would only affect the Brisbane venue, as it operates as an independent entity under an intellectual property license agreement, quickly quashing concerns the Gold Coast flagship venue would be affected.

In response to guests concerns over refunds, the spokesperson said that their team had not advised guests that refunds would be unavailable.

“We have offered ticket and voucher holders the option to transfer their purchase to The Pink Flamingo Gold Coast venue, which has generously stepped in to support us during this challenging period.”

They did not confirm whether refunds would be offered.

The Pink Flamingo Gold Coast venue has seen its own fair share of financial strife in recent years, after its operator Project 88 TPF was put in voluntary liquidation in July 2024, with a debt of $3.7 million, before selling to the KSAJ Group, which was formed at the time by then-owner Tony Rigas’ partner, Louise Huxham.

The Brisbane venue lists Tony Rigas and former Project 88 TPF co-owner Sue Porrett as the directors of Project 303 TPF, which operates Pink Flamingo Brisbane, as well as Peter J Snee, however according to documents lodged with ASIC, and Snee’s LinkedIn, he resigned from the company in early February.

Both the Brisbane and Gold Coast venues have continuously stated they are separately operated, with KSAJ Group listed as the operator of the Gold Coast, and a Project 303 TPF as the operator of the Brisbane venue.

What does the future hold for Pink Flamingo? Picture: Scott Powick

Project 303 TPF is directed by both Susan Porrett and Tony Rigas, while KSAJ Group is listed as being owned by Louise Huxham, who is listed as living at the same address as Rigas.

According to ASIC, the members of Project 303 TPF held a general meeting on February 28, where they resolved the company would be wound up and a liquidator be appointed.

Jason Walter Bettles of Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accounting was appointed as the liquidator, and has been contacted for comment.

A spokesman from the Pink Flamingo Gold Coast stressed their venue was still open and had recently launched a new show and that the Brisbane closure did not affect them at all, but shared their sadness at the closure of their sibling venue.

“We are very sad to hear the news of Brisbane, it was a venue that all who were involved were passionate, talented, driven, and exceptional at what they did,” the spokesman said.

“The management team, wider venue team and production will be very missed, and we wish them every success in the future.”

The business was met with an equally large out outpouring of support from the community and other businesses, including Hudsons Circus, who said the closure was a ‘huge loss’.

“Devastating to hear for the live entertainment industry. Congratulations for creating world class shows and an event space,” the comment said.

“We applaud you all.”

“You guys are sublime entertainment. I’m sad to see you go. Thank you for the fun and the laughs,” another comment said.