End of an era for Treasury Casino Brisbane following closure

After nearly 30 years, the Treasury Casino in Brisbane closed its doors for the last time on Sunday, ahead of The Star’s staged opening.

Simone Gulliver, Fiona Potter and Gerrica Vo have each worked 30 years at Treasury Casino & Hotel, Brisbane, Friday, August 23, 2024 – Picture: Richard Walker

After nearly 30 years, the Treasury Casino in Brisbane closed its doors for the last time on Sunday, as a staff member who has been there from the very beginning reflected on the end of an era.

Since opening its doors in April 1995, Brisbane’s only 24-hour casino has rarely stood still, providing entertainment for punters and visitors within its iconic heritage buildings.

About 70 staff members have been there from the very beginning including

Simone Gulliver, Fiona Potter, and Gerrica Vo.

Ms Gulliver, who worked her way up from guest services attendant to Gaming Events marketing manager for Queensland, described the closing of the Treasury Casino as the end of an era.

“I feel a little bit emotional about it because it’s the end of an era, it’s been my whole life,” Ms Gulliver said.

“I started at the casino when I was very young, I’ve been there for 30 years, so everything in my life has revolved around that property.”

Ms Gulliver said some of the biggest moments in her life have happened at the venue.

“When I started out I was engaged then I got married there. It was the first wedding that they held at the hotel that was pretty exciting,” she said.

“I’ve met beautiful people that will be lifelong friends, a few of us went in to have a drink and just to say goodbye, it’s quite nostalgic.”

While she holds many treasured memories, Ms Gulliver said she will miss the iconic-heritage building the most.

“She’s just beautiful, the heritage building, she’s always been graceful,” Ms Gulliver said.

“She has changed on the inside, but nothing much has changed on the outside.”

Ms Gulliver, who will be working in the new The Star Brisbane casino, is excited about the opening of the venue.

“It’s not just about it being a casino anymore, it’s an integrated state of the art venue,” she said.

“Everything’s new, it’s high tech, it’s bright, there’s natural light, there’s floor to ceiling glass, you can see out to the river.

“It’s iconic, it’s just putting Brisbane on the map as a city.”

The closure of the Treasury Casino comes ahead of the staged opening of Queens Wharf precinct, which features the new The Star Brisbane casino, from Thursday.