Melbourne bar transforms for community auction

This Sunday the Laird Hotel in Abbotsford gets taken over by the Northside Bizarre, the venue’s annual charity auction and market for the LGBTI community.

Victoria’s oldest men-only bar, the Laird opens its doors to men and women alike on Sunday to raise money for LGBTI radio station JOY 94.9 and the David Williams Fund, a charity providing emergency financial assistance to people living with HIV.

Laird owner Brett Lasham told the Star Observer the hotel would be completely transformed for the Sunday event.

“It takes over the entire venue with three separate areas. You’ve got the auction house, where all of our donated items are, you’ve got the market place in the front area of the club…and then there’s the big backyard barbeque run by JOY 94.9,” Lasham explained.

The auction takes place across three blocks throughout the evening, and each block launching with a live show, including one from gay porn star Rogan Richards.

The auctions feature a number of items from legendary gay Melbourne artist Stuart Black, including the painting Still Life with What’s His Name’s Telephone Number and a custom leather sports duffel bag that belonged to the man, who died from an AIDS-related illness in 2007.

Doors open for the Northside Bizarre at 3pm until 11pm this Sunday, September 15. Entry is a gold coin donation, over 18 only and women are welcome.