The 50-year reunion to celebrate this iconic 70s gay venue

In late October former patrons and staff of the 70s gay venue Old Rowes reunited to mark the 50th anniversary of its opening. Organiser Ross Cali shares more on the venue and the event.

Fifty years ago, in the heart of Brisbane, a resilient phoenix rose from the devastation of the 1974 floods.

This phoenix was none other than Old Rowes Restaurant, a remarkable establishment brought to life by three visionary friends: Don, Patti and Neil.

What they created was more than just a restaurant; it was a sanctuary, a place of joy, laughter, and community.

About Old Rowes

During the day, Old Rowes served as a bustling restaurant, delighting patrons with its inviting ambience and delicious offerings.

But it was at night, on three magical evenings each week, that the true spirit of Old Rowes came alive.

It became a vibrant gay venue, a first-class establishment that welcome all with open arms.

In an era when it wasn’t always safe to be yourself, Neil, Patti and Don gave the gay community a safe haven, a place where everyone could be free, dance without fear and celebrate life without judgement.

Old Rowes was more than just a venue; it was a home where friendships were forged and memories made.

The laughter, the joy and the love that filled its walls have stood the test of time, providing that the bonds created there were as strong as the foundations upon which the restaurant was built.

The reunion

For those who remember the thrill of doing the Bus Stop on the dance floor, the delight of ordering from the menu, the elegance of walking down (or stumbling up) the marble staircase, or the taste of a bottle of Bedoga or a refreshing Pimms – the reunion was to relive those golden days.

Around 60 people came from all over Australia to celebrate at Hairy Mary’s on the Gold Coast.

It was a wonderful afternoon and it was magical to see all those people come together after many many years. It only seemed like last night we got off the dance floor and now here we were 50 years on.

Remembering Neil

It was also a time for us to remember Neil who passed in October before the reunion.

We all have so many wonderful memories of this amazing man, the quiet achiever. What he has done for the community will never be surpassed. From Broom Hildas to Dirty Dick to Old Rowes to Silver Dollar to Terminus to Sporites and all in between.

We raised our glasses to Neil and had plenty of rum and cokes to go around as it was his favourite.

So here’s to Old Rowes, the memories we cherish, and the friendships that have endured. May its legacy continue to inspire us.