‘An eyesore’: Brothel in suburban home close to families forced to shut its doors

An X-rated business in a family friendly suburb in Melbourne’s west has been shut down by authorities, taking locals by surprise.

On the corner block of a T-intersection in Melbourne’s west, a red-bricked unit with a cream-coloured rendered frontage faces a luscious green paddock with its curtains drawn.

A small window near the property’s garage, which looks no bigger than a monopoly game board, appears to be covered from its exterior with plastic as a couple of rubbish bags linger in the driveway.

From the outside, this three bedroom, two bathroom home in the family-friendly suburb of Truganina looks like a typical family home, but just like the saying “you never really know what’s happening behind closed doors”, neighbours were oblivious to the X-rated events occurring beyond its patterned curtains and vertical blinds.

On the corner of a Truganina street, a brothel resides close to the homes of families. Picture: Facebook

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Werribee Magistrates court declared the Rymill Way unit a proscribed brothel on August 10, 2020.

Under the Sex Work Act 1994, the occupants of the property were given the go ahead to operate the risqué business provided they complied by its conditions.

The licence was granted a year after the property was put up for lease, with real estate agents describing the home as “contemporary family living” in a Facebook post back in 2019.

“Close to schools, parklands, public transport, shopping centres, easy access to freeway and all other amenities,” the advertisement read.

“Experience the absolute pleasure of living in the area of Truganina. If location is what you’re after then a closer look at this gem will surely impress.”

The brothel operated for almost three years, with neighbours unaware of its existence until recently after the same court revoked its licence last month.

Photos from when the house was up for lease in 2019, shows a lounge room right near the property's entrance. Picture: Facebook

Court documents sighted by news.com.au from a case heard on May 29 this year, show Werribee Magistrates cancelled the agreement, with the brothel now no longer legally allowed to operate.

A notice in the Victorian government’s gazette published on June 8, also subtly announced the brothel’s closure.

“The Werribee Magistrates’ Court made an order on 10 August 2020 declaring (the unit on) Rymill Way, Truganina 3029, to be a proscribed brothel pursuant to section 84(1) of the Sex Work Act 1994,” it read.

“This order was rescinded by the Werribee Magistrates’ Court on 29 May 2023. Accordingly, that premises is no longer a proscribed brothel under the Sex Work Act 1994.”

The house was put up for rent in July 2019. A year later it became a brothel. Picture: Facebook

Such news shocked locals who had no idea a brothel was operating in their own backyards, with one local real estate agent telling news.com.au, he was appalled the business was allowed to open in the area to begin with.

“The part that threw me the most is that (a brothel) was even allowed in a suburban street, you know, where there’s probably kids and families,” he said.

The father, who didn’t wish to be named, described Truganina as a welcoming suburban area which is highly sought out by families and professional couples.

He added that a lot of new infrastructure was coming to the area including potential shopping centres and a new train station.

“There’s no alarm bells for the area … the public or private sectors wouldn’t be pumping money into it if it was a dud area,” he said.

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A large block of land sits opposite the property. Picture: Google Maps

Meanwhile, from a real estate perspective, the Melburnian – who has been working in the industry for over two decades – said the brothel’s closure would certainly increase the value of properties in the area.

“I can’t imagine being neighbours or adjacent to that home in that street – it wouldn’t be doing home values any favours,” he said. “It’s not conducive with family living or suburban living.”

“The fact that (the brothel) is gone has to refresh the values to a better level.”

Other locals shared their shock online after hearing the news the brothel – which they weren’t aware existed – had been shut down.

“The look and feel of this place is definitely an eyesore,” one woman said.

“Looks like a prison wing,” said another local, while others gasped at the fact they lived so close.

A source told news.com.au the property is currently being leased for $365 per week, however this has not been verified.

The real estate company who is believed to be managing the property has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as ‘An eyesore’: Brothel in suburban home close to families forced to shut its doors