German Club

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:54): Over the past month I have had the pleasure of attending a number of special events at the German Club of Adelaide, including the launch of Adelaide's latest edition to the live music scene, the Gateway at the German Club. Recent renovations have shown that the German Club is serious about being at the forefront of Adelaide's live music venues, and is backed up by a dynamic team of local talent in Prestige Entertainment, Novatech and Ignition Entertainment, helping to achieve this goal.

This year's hugely successful Oktoberfest, attended by over 3,500 revellers, saw traditional music, dancing, food and of course many obligatory steins of beer in the club's newly renovated ballroom. Crowds flocked to the dance floor, with local party bands, in between strong arm and best dressed competitions, invoking huge competition and hearty cheers for crowd favourites. The food on offer was simple, hearty and delicious, expertly paired with icy cold Pilsner and enthusiastically celebrated with many renditions of Ein Prosit.

The Gateway will see activation of additional rooms at the German Club, hosting home grown and international acts, in a fully-serviced venue, supported by outstanding technical and catering facilities. Live music events are nothing new to the German Club, as it has been a hub of live music since the 1960s. The club currently boasts a brass band, accordion orchestra, two choirs and two dance groups in its special interest stable. Now the club, in partnership with Prestige Entertainment Adelaide and Novatech Creative Event Technology is breaking new ground with the Gateway project.

Stage 1 of the Gateway could not have been accomplished without the support of industry giant Novatech, who have sequenced their audiovisual requirements in line with available cash flow. Shane and Mark at Prestige Entertainment have booked a plethora of iconic Australian and international acts for next year, and Ignition Entertainment has secured around 180 performances for the Fringe Festival 2016 venue. It is estimated that this will bring approximately 30,000 to the German Club during the months of February and March, with function room capacities ranging from 50 to 500 people. This, of course, will generate further employment opportunities at the club and its business associates.

The addition of regular Saturday night music events will see another 30 jobs created at the club. Ignition Entertainment Director, Alan Rosewarne, as quoted in a Glam Adelaide online article, described the German Club as:

…one of Adelaide's best kept secrets…it's a fabulous facility in a central location with relatively easy parking, no nearby residents to disturb and within walking distance of the East End and city centre.

The German Club also has plans for further improving facilities to enable greater disability access where possible, given the age and individual design of the building. Other improvements include plans to introduce new systems into bar and meal sales for patrons.

The South Australian German Club is proud to be part of the vibrant Adelaide project, and has received excellent mentoring and support from Adelaide music legend, Mr John Reynolds. The German Club has a long celebrated history of presenting successful shows that have contributed to the vibrancy of the city, and the Gateway cements its place on Adelaide's map of dedicated live music venues. Through the government's Music Development Office we will continue to support the growth of the live music industry as we recognise the cultural and economic value it brings to our state.

I would like to wish the German Club every success for the ensuing years and acknowledge the hard work of the committee, staff, business partners, mentors and members in bringing the club up to the forefront of the South Australian arts and live music industry.