Oxford Hotel Announces New Licencee

Given the demise of many gay venues in recent times, it is exciting to learn of the return of the Oxford Licencee.

Sydney gay scene identity Roger Z says Sydney needs a complete gay venue that is not offer a tokenistic acceptance of gays.

Z, who was appointed the venue’s licensee four weeks ago, comes to the job with impressive credentials. As licensee of the sorely missed Newtown Hotel from 2003 until the venue closed in 2007, few are in a better position to do implement the changes he wants to see at the Oxford.

He was also at the helm of the Colombian for its first year, and perhaps most significantly, at the Oxford from 1989 to 1998; years many people will say coincide with the venue’s heyday.

Z wants the Oxford to become a community hub with a real community feel again.
He cites getting involved with the community, supporting and hosting community events as the key focus here.

Z plans to re-establish the whole of the Oxford as a gay hotel. At the moment, it’s quite divided, with separate spaces – some gay and some mixed or straight.

As mentioned here on Gay Traveller before, Z agrees that Oxford Street has lost it. But with a lot of gay people in Sydney, he says that they have no where to go.

As for the NSW Government instituted lockouts, the other big problem facing a number of gay venues at the moment – including the Oxford – Z is optimistic. Z says that he doesn't think the lockouts are fair, but says that they are somethng that he will have to work with.

Let's celebrate the return to 'gay' of the Oxford Hotel with the return of Roger Z.

Shop Yourself Stupid on Oxford St

The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation and City of Sydney proudly present the return of the one, the only
SHOP YOURSELF STUPID
Saturday 3 October 2009, 11am-6pm
Taylor Square, Lower Oxford St, Crown St, Bourke St and the surrounding area

Keep your diary free to welcome the return of Sydney’s favourite fundraising day. Shop yourself stupid out of the recession blues and help the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (Australia’s longest-running HIV charity) at the same time. All the proceeds from Shop Yourself Stupid will directly assist people living in poverty with HIV.

Retailers and venues along Oxford Street and other shopping precincts in Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Paddington will be throwing their support behind this great event. Buy up big and bring all your friends along to enjoy this extravaganza of shopping, performance, art and indulgence.

Join BBQ Madness in Taylor Square from 11am-1pm and there will be live music and entertainment from 11am onwards.

Make sure you look out for our friendly volunteers in Hyde Park, Oxford St, Crown St and Bourke St who will be collecting donations throughout the day. Please give generously to this important cause.

If you would like to volunteer for a variety of roles at Shop Yourself Stupid. It’s a great way to have fun, meet new people and help raise vital funds for BGF at the same time. If you’d like to volunteer to help us out at Shop Yourself Stupid, please call Nicole on (02) 9283 8666 or email nicole.kolotas@bgf.org.au or register online at www.bgf.org.au.

Sydney One Way Street Party to Celebrate Pride

For the first time ever, Oxford Street will be coming together for a massive party to celebrate Sydney Pride. The One Way Street Party involves Slide, Gilligans, Stonewall, Columbian, Polo Lounge, Nevermind and the Oxford all combining to raise money for charity and throw a fun party up and down the strip. $10 entry direct to charity gets you a One Way Street Party wristband that gives you free entry and drinks specials at Oxford Street’s best gay venues on Friday June 26.

Arq presents Moist this fabulous Girls night will be raising money for the Lesbian Health project

Colombian Special price drinks for wristband wearers.