ARCHIVE STORY
On April 19 2009, the NT News reported that a fire damaged Darwin live music venue the Darwin Railway Sports & Social Club in Parap, on Friday April 17.
Reportedly the police were investigating arson as a possible cause.
NT News reporter Daniel Bourchier wrote: “The Railway Sports and Social Club was gutted by a fire which appeared to begin in the bar before destroying the cool room and most of the stock supply, buckling the roof beams and destroying much of the seating area of the pub.” He also reported that the damage bill was estimated at several hundred thousand dollars. Read the news item here.
The venue has hosted some of the best live gigs in Darwin recent years, having gone through a resurrection of sorts with the involvement of – amongst others – Darwin music veterans Anna and Kane Stewart of Greedy Stout fame. Over 12+ months, the Stewarts have consistently programmed live, local and original music at the Railway Club and brought a new younger audience to this iconic Darwin watering hole, with a history as rich as the regulars who frequent it’s old wooden bar.
The venue has been a welcome addition to the Darwin live music scene, keeping original music alive in the Territory’s capital at a time when cover band culture threatens to overwhelm it. Name a Darwin band or artist who hasn’t played there – from Cooperblack, The Steve Holiday Alternative and The Aviators to Greedy Stout, Mark Hilton, Moses and countless others. And let’s not forget the overwhelming success of the recent Long Way To The Top End Fundraiser gig, held there just prior to the March NT music invasion of the Adelaide Fringe. The Club signed up hundreds of stoked new members on their first time to this old-time venue as a capacity crowd of over 250 watched 9 bands play their hearts out over four hours.
Venue manager Anna Stewart confirmed the fire and the damage caused. She is in the process of sorting out the “mess” and organizing a benefit gig to keep the place running – rumored at this early stage for around May 15. While all other scheduled gigs are on hold for the moment, the regular Sunday afternoon Top End Folk Sessions will continue at the Railway Club, however without “trade” at the bar. Musos should gather in the beer garden 2- 5pm, with the “barbie” remaining ‘on tap’.
Stewart says that they do hope to “open again” and all members are encouraged to attend a Special General Meeting in the beer garden of the Darwin Railway Club at 2pm, Sunday May 17th, 2009. Long live the Darwin Railway Club!
Words: Megan Spencer
END ARCHIVE STORY
