The Great Club in Marrickville has noise complaint case dropped

After 12 months of NIMBY neighbours and constant noise complaints, the Inner West Council has dropped all complaints against Marrickville’s The Great Club.

Alison Avron pictured in the carpark at The Great Club in Marrickville. Picture: Daily Telegraph/ Monique Harmer

After 12 months of NIMBY neighbours and their constant noise complaints, the Inner West Council has dropped all complaints against Marrickville’s The Great Club.

The historic Sydney music venue, which has been in operation since 1952, was under threat of closure with licensee, Alison Avron forced to spend more than $30,000 in legal fees to fight a small group of NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) noise complaints.

In January she was threatened with criminal proceedings and she warned she may have to pay a $250 000 bill to upgrade sound proofing at the venue.

However in May, council dropped any threats against the venue.

The Great Club in Marrickville was forced to cancel events because of ongoing complaints from neighbours. Picture: Daily Telegraph/ Monique Harmer

In a letter it stated the notice of intention/draft noise prevention notice had been “withdrawn.”

While the notice was still lingering, Avron had been running the venue had “half mast” and was forced to cancel her “wholesome” Anzac Day celebrations because of fear of repercussions.

“I cried for three days straight,” Avron said of hearing the news. “It’s hard to believe a small group of grumpy neighbours could do this.”

Owner of The Great Club Alison Avron (centre) with supporters (left to right) Mick Rego, Marcus Hadnum, Jack Haycroft and Cassie Benco. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“By dropping the notice, it means Council will now follow its Good Neighbour Policy and hopefully the neighbours will start to realise the reality of living next to a club.”

Avron adds she’s been overwhelmed by support from the community, many of which are her neighbours.

One such neighbour, who lives directly opposite the club, has become her groundskeeper.

“It’s been so heartening that so many people have come to The Great Club and told me to keep fighting,” she said.

Promoter Love Police, who has organised band performances at The Great Club said the venue was essential to the “ongoing live music scene of this city.”