Perth Steam Works will be inducted into the Proud Awards Hall of Fame next Sunday, while this weekend the venue is celebrating its 30th birthday.
We sat down with venue owner Michael Drummond and manager Shane Nelson to learn how Steam Works has evolved over the years, the changes introduced in recent years, and what patrons can expect from its anniversary celebrations.
Asked how he would describe Perth Steam Works to someone who had never visited, Drummond had a simple answer.
“Wonderland,” he said with a laugh.
“It’s a place where you can come and be yourself and have fun. It’s not just a sex-on-premises venue anymore. People come here because it’s social. We have lounges, an outdoor area, dance floors, a stripper pole and regular parties.
“Many people come here to have a drink and catch up with friends. We have a group of regulars who come every Thursday just to socialise.”
Since taking over the venue, Drummond and his team have renovated the space and expanded its event program. Regular events include Naked Night on Thursdays, an Under-30s night, the monthly Fluid event for people of all genders, and Saturday night DJ parties.
Drummond said Fluid reflects the venue’s commitment to inclusivity while continuing to serve its core clientele.
“Day to day, we are a male sex on premises venue, but we appreciate that times in general are changing.” Drummond said. “There’s broader needs than just that. But at the same time, we also appreciate that there’s a niche market that still needs to be served, and we’re not ashamed to say that that’s we we have a niche market that we that we do serve, but at the same time we want to be as inclusive as we can. So through nights like Fluid allows us to do that.
“So once a month we throw the doors open and it’s everyone’s hedonistic wonderland that they can come and enjoy. And everyone loves it, it’s a really popular night.”
Nelson said first-time visitors are given a guided introduction to the venue and its expectations.
“It’s actually I just tell most people like it’s like a normal night out, but like you’re not getting in trouble for having fun.” he explains. “We give an arrival tour, point out everything and answer any questions.”
Drummond believes some people are returning to in-person social interaction after years of relying on dating applications.
“People are getting fatigue from the apps, and it’s so interesting seeing all that around the world. Obviously, sex-on-premises venues closed if they if they didn’t if they didn’t morph, obviously we morphed into more of a social and entertainment space.”
Safety is something that Perth Steam Works offers that a lot of patrons are funding appealing. At a time when there are regular reports of people being catfished, lured to bashings, and illegally recorded in digital spaces, meeting up in a safe and protected space has growing appeal.
Steam Works also works in partnership with M Clinic to host twice-weekly health clinics, offering anonymous STI testing, access to PrEP prescriptions and mpox vaccinations. The service is available regardless of Medicare eligibility, helping improve access for international students, backpackers and other at-risk groups.
Drummond said purchasing the venue was motivated by a desire to keep it operating when former owner Mike Chester retired.
“I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone, but I love this place. Like there’s just it’s there’s something about it that’s just so fun. Everyone that we deal with is amazing. The staff are amazing.” he said reflecting on his journey as the venue’s owner.
The birthday celebrations began on Friday with special performances. Saturday’s festivities include champagne on arrival, performances from BarbieQ and Karl Kayoss, and several surprise acts.
Next Sunday, the Steam Works team will be honoured at the Proud Awards with induction into the Hall of Fame in recognition of 30 years of service to LGBTQIA+ communities.
Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under and Vs The World star Hannah Conda, the event opens with a red carpet at 7pm before the awards ceremony begins at 9pm. Tickets are on sale now.
More information about Perth Steam Works and the anniversary celebrations is available through the venue’s official channels.
