AFL legend and self-proclaimed sex symbol Warwick Capper opens up about brothel ownership and the sex industry

Footy legend and self-proclaimed 80s sex symbol, Warwick Capper says he’s ready to “roll up his sleeves and make something awesome” of his Oakleigh brothel.

Both legendary and infamous, depending on who you ask, ‘The Wiz’ continues to leave his mark on Australia’s adult entertainment industry in more than one way. 

Three months into his latest business venture, Warwick Capper opened up on his experience as a brothel owner, after he announced his purchase of Oakleigh’s Westminster Secrets late last year.

Far from being Capper’s first foray into the industry, he said he “has no hang ups about adult entertainment”.

“I’ve always been in adult entertainment, from having my own sex tape, being a sex symbol and working as a stripper to posing for Penthouse,” he said.

“This was a great chance to roll my sleeves up in my 60s and make something awesome.”

Capper said he decided on Westminster Secrets as it was around the corner from his old footy club and where he grew up.

“It was the perfect time, place and position, I jumped at the chance to buy into my old local Oakleigh neighbourhood,” he said.

“With the new laws legitimising adult work it’s a huge chance for brothels, especially for owners.”

Mr Capper said he “stayed out of the way during work hours” and was focused on creating a calm and welcoming place.

“It’s a place of work for the girls, and our clients want privacy and respect,” he said.

“I’ve finished the renovation and will keep up my weekly visits to check in with our team. “I’m there to profile our venue and attract and interview new staff and to support the needs of our workers.”

Capper said a highlight in the business has been getting to know and see the diversity of workers and clients.

“We have some staff who have been with Westminster for over 20 years,” he said.

“We have a lot of regular customers and repeat business. It’s cool to know we are providing an essential and valued service. There’s a lot of need out there.”

He said clients ranged from NDIS customers to “old fellas” who otherwise wouldn’t have the companionship or intimacy.

Behind the curtain, one of Capper’s workers opened up about the lifestyle and working at Westminster Secrets.

Heidi entered the adult entertainment industry on a path commonly walked by sex workers, beginning her career as a dancer, saying she “loved the money and the attention”.

“I’ve always been quite sexually liberal and actually love sex so being a ‘worker’ made sense to me and fit my lifestyle,” she said.

“When I started, there were a lot of offers to take things beyond the strip club and at times when I chose to, it was fun and profitable — starting casually at a brothel was an easy step.”

Now a full time “service provider”, Heidi said she enjoyed the structure without the late nights and “hectic lifestyle” that Westminster Secrets offered her.

“I get to say ‘yes’ to exactly what I want to do and who with, it never feels unsafe,” she said.

“We have good security and lots of regular visitors in a safe suburb, it’s a win-win.”

Heidi said one surprising thing about her line of work was that while sex workers were “performing all the time”, intimacy isn’t always an act.

“Whether it’s a friend or a little more ‘romantic’, being so intimate with people is an opportunity for a very real connection,” she said.

“The client is there usually with real genuine needs and having an honest experience, so we are often part of their secret, a part of their private world.”

Heidi said her clients were a “mixed bag”, from married men to bachelors or older men, some who have difficulty meeting and connecting with women.

She said finding a “respectful and mature” partner was essential for sex workers.

“It’s hard to keep your own relationship when most partners don’t want you working in this area,” she said.

“It can be physically exhausting and you need to find your balance with hours and schedule which is harder than it sounds.”

Balancing her work schedule around the needs of her child, Heidi said she preferred to start working at lunchtime.

“I usually work a three or four days a week, starting at lunchtime with a post-dinner finish, but I do schedule around my parenting hours,” she said.

Despite loving what she does, Heidi does see the day that she will eventually leave the sex industry.

“One day I’ll be a little too old and tired, but first I want to keep saving and funding my lifestyle to suit me and my child,” she said.

“I’d like to be a social worker and use my life skills and experiences in a useful way. I know now that I’m a lot stronger than I ever knew I was.”

Back to Capper, he said it was important to him that sex workers were recognised the same way other workers were.

“For our girls, it’s an acknowledgment that their work is being of value,” he said.

“Being the owner, you get really protective of the girls and bringing new girls into the roster. I’m proud of taking good care of our team and the venue.

“It looks after a lot of people.”