A year on from launch, Carousel has become the first ever Australian venue to crack Nightlife International’s prestigious top 100 list after it placed in 87th overnight.
"We’re stoked to be the first Australian club in history to make the top 100 rankings,” said Carousel’s Owner and Director Kerry Wallace. Additionally, Wallace is also the driving force behind S.A.S.H, one of Australia’s largest underground house music events.
“Sydney genuinely feels like it is entering a new era of nightlife. We’re proud to be playing a role in putting Sydney back on the map as a destination where there is not only an actual clubbing scene, but an award-winning venue that rivals nightlife meccas like Fabric, Berghain and Pacha.”
The recognition comes at crucial time for Syney’s nightlife, which currently has two ongoing public consultations concerning changes to existing nightlife restrictions.
Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney, is hopeful that the changes will herald in an era of nightlife “that our global city deserves.
“On the back of lockouts and lockdowns and amidst increasing cost of living pressures, we need to ensure we are doing all we can to support this integral part of Sydney’s economic, social and cultural fabric,” he continued.
“We need to ensure we’re getting this right, so we will be holding community and stakeholder forums and extending the exhibition period to ensure everyone has a chance to have their say.”
Drinks Trade recently caught up with Michael Rodrigues following the relaunch of the Inner West Ale Trail via the Uptown District Acceleration Program.
“Our vision for the state’s 24-hour economy is to cement NSW as a world-class nightlife destination for visitors, locals and workers alike,” Rodrigues told Drinks Trade.
“We are committed to supporting an environment for venues and artists to flourish, simplifying the regulation of entertainment sound, removing red tape for local councils to host special events and supporting outdoor activation through our Vibrancy Reforms.”
Given Wallace’s extensive experience operating in the house music scene, it is unsurprising that Carousel received recognition for being a spot favourited by both local and international DJs on tour. Additionally, Carousel was also commended for fostering an authentic and safe club environment - which includes aspects such as a culture of limited phones on the dancefloor - and for having affordable drinks and cocktails.
"Carousel's inclusion in the Top 100 Clubs list is a reflection of the enormous amount of work they have put into creating a world-class venue,” said Mick Gibb, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association Australia, one of Nightlife International's eight affiliate associations.
“They are helping put Australia's night time economy on the global stage, it's vital their contributions are recognised and their cultural significance protected and cherished."
Grant funding of between $20,000 and $80,000 was recently made available to NSW hospitality businesses looking to purchase and install live performance equipment as part of the ongoing plan to revitalise its nightlife.
“Live music has always been an essential part of night time culture and while the bad old days of lockouts and lockdowns are well and truly behind us, we’ve got a job to do when it comes to amping things up across NSW,” said Rodrigues.
“This program will provide operators with the vital skills they need to re-establish live entertainment as a core part of their night time offer and it's a pleasure to work alongside our specialist music agency Sound NSW to deliver this initiative.”
Kerry Wallace expressed his gratitude to the various industry bodies that are currently working to improve the quality of Sydney’s nightlife.
“The various bodies who are assisting venues with issues, including the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Night Time Industries Association, in addition to the new Vibrancy Reforms, will hopefully see the entire CBD become a thriving Special Entertainment Precinct, protected from petty noise complaints."
Carousel Club is located at 169 Oxford St in Darlinghurst, Sydney, and is open 10pm until late on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
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