Connections Nightclub

Statement of Significance

The place has historical significance for being established as Perth's first gay club in 1975, at a time when homosexuality was criminalised.
It has high social significance to the LGBTQIA+ community. The place represents the changing attitudes, legislative change and widespread social acceptance of people of all genders and sexual orientations in the community.

History

The area to the north of Perth (now known as Northbridge) was valued by the Whadjuk Nyoongar for its low lying and swampy lakes system, which provided abundant resources. After colonisation, this land was not settled as quickly as drier areas on the ridge of Perth. In 1854 some of the swampy land to the north of Perth was drained producing fertile land for farming. As the population grew during the convict era of the 1850s the land was subdivided into allotments circa 1860 and taken up by discharged soldiers, artisans and small landholders. The area at this period was characterised by small cottages and businesses.
In 1881 the railway from Fremantle to Guildford was opened and became the main transport route. From that period commerce and trade tended to focus on smaller commercial enterprises and manufacturing to the north.
It was less fashionable to live north of the railway line, however the area was close to the city and during the 1890s and early 1900s was substantially redeveloped with further subdivision of lots and mixed residential and commercial development. This was an immediate response to the tripling of the State’s population in the recent decade due to the gold boom, and a pressing demand for affordable accommodation.
A number of trade and community organisations had their origins in the area at this time. Over the years the population of the area changed as people relocated to suburban areas of the city. As a result, Northbridge became the home for successive migrant communities. for example, communities including Greek, Italian, Chinese and more recently Vietnamese migrants have settled here as property remained relatively cheap and had the advantage of being close to the city. These communities have over the years given this area a distinctive character, generally recycling the existing buildings rather than redeveloping the area.
Northbridge, named because it is just north of Perth across the railway bridge, was approved as a suburb name in 1982.
Connections Nightclub in Northbridge was established in 1975, in the most isolated capital city on earth as a gay nightclub. "Homosexuality was still criminalised and would be for another 11 years. With a population of just over 750,000, Perth still felt more like a town than a metropolis." (Cunningham, 2020) Since then, Connections has prided itself on being Perth's premiere gay and lesbian nightspot. As legislation has gradually caught up with the LGBTQIA+ community, and the City of Perth has acknowledged the need for recognition and importance of this community, the Connections Nightclub has become a focal point.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - Medium
Authenticity - Medium

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.