Sunny Massage: brothel changes name to Healthy Massage, defies court order
An illegal brothel in Cheltenham which operated in a bustling family area could be turning tricks on its customers after it reopened with a subtle rebranding. It comes as eight more dodgy sex dens were identified in Melbourne’s southeast.
Inner South
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner South . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A proscribed Cheltenham brothel which operated in earshot of children could be turning tricks on its own customers after the business reopened with a subtle rebranding.
Sunny Massage — recently rebranded to Healthy Massage — was slapped with a proscribed brothel notice at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on April 1.
Management of the Bay Rd bordello were ordered to display the proscribed brothel notice on the front door.
The order means anyone who enters the business — unless for a lawful purpose — could cop a prison term.
The Leader revealed in April the notice was partially obscured as the front door was left ajar during business hours. The business closed soon after.
Parlour operators have now gone one better as the notice is nowhere to be seen.
However, an advertisement for Sunny Massage posted earlier this month on notorious online sex classifieds site Locanto lists the same phone number and same address as Healthy Massage.
Pennydale Resident Action Group president Derek Screen said he hoped police were “keeping tabs on the business”.
“You’d hope they were flying on the straight and narrow and not doing what they were doing before,” Mr Screen said.
“But if they are then I expect the police to close them down for good this time.”
Mr Screen previously had concerns with the parlour as it operated in area frequented by children and families.
“It’s totally inappropriate for a business like this to be operating and it’s definitely not something we want in the community,” he said.
MORE MELBOURNE'S ILLEGAL BROTHEL CAPITAL
POLICE NET TIGHTENS ON ILLEGAL BROTHELS
VENUS BABES GIRLS DANCE SEMI-NAKED IN THE STREET
Acting Senior Sergeant David Quirk — who has knowledge of the brothel’s history — confirmed the sign must be attached to the front of the business in a visible position for 12 months.
The Victoria Police Front Line Tactical Unit is understood to be investigating the matter.
Healthy Massage management could not be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, families in Melbourne’s southeast have been urged to dob in dodgy sex dens as police admit illegal brothels can be opened and closed with “relative ease”.
The call out comes as Australian Adult Entertainment Industry (AAEI) identified eight new clandestine parlours had opened for business in Casey since April.
The Leader cannotreveal the exact location of each brothel but they are scattered around Narre Warren, Hampton Park, Berwick, Pakenham, Cranbourne and Eumemmerring.
Several are close to shops and primary schools.
AAEI spokesman William Albon — whose group manages the interests of the majority of Victoria’s legal brothels — said illegal sex den activity was “rife” in Casey.
“I wonder what is happening to curb the proliferation of illegal brothels in Casey,” he said.
“When is this calamitous situation going to finish?
“Organised crime running the city which is rife with infectious disease through the illegal brothel dynamic of unsafe sex practices.”
Mr Albon said he reported the eight suspected brothels to police.
In April, police confirmed it was investigating several illegal brothels in Casey but could not provide an update on where the investigation was at.
MORE: VILE ONLINE FORUM NAMES, RATES ILLEGAL SEX WORKERS
CLASSIFIEDS WEBSITE’S NAUGHTY SEX SECRET
FIRE BANANA MASSAGE DEEMED A BROTHEL
Sex Industry co-ordination Unit Senior Sergeant Trinette Charleson said her unit took all allegations “seriously”.
“Victoria Police targets suspected illegal brothels based on an assessment of intelligence received,” Sen-Sgt Charleson said.
“For operational reasons, we will not provide commentary around the specific areas or establishments we are investigating.
“From a statewide perspective, the number of illegal brothels can fluctuate because premises can be opened and closed with relative ease.”
Do you know an illegal brothel in your suburb?
Contact: Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
‘White Australia’ fundraiser raises $27k in just eight days
A crowd-funding page created by a controversial neo-Nazi figure has raised more than $27,000 to help “create a home for white people in Australia”.
Pictures: Victorian preppies start their first day of school
About 70,000 Victorian grade prep students have started their first year of school this week. Check back to see all the photos from primary schools across the state.