Kirribilli Club closes down throwing events into chaos

A popular Sydney wedding venue has abruptly closed its doors, throwing several events into chaos and leaving couples without their deposits.

Kirribilli Club, a popular nightclub overlooking Sydney Harbour, closed without warning on June 27 after being placed into voluntary administration on June 19.

Many people who had planned an event at the venue only heard about Kirribilli Club’s closure after the announcement was posted on the venue’s Instagram page.

Sasha Avvali and James Saddington hosted an engagement party at the venue and just six weeks before the special day, the venue announced it would be closing.

They have lost thousands of dollars in deposits and have little hope of ever getting their money back.

“We have family and friends coming from out of state and overseas; our big event has turned into total chaos,” she told the Mosman Collective.

To make matters worse, the club had received a $350 payment from Ms. Avvali on June 20, just a day after they were placed into voluntary receivership.

“The Kirribilli Club knew they were in financial trouble, yet they still accepted my payments, which were made in good faith,” said Ms Avvali.

Kirribilli Club (pictured), a popular venue overlooking Sydney Harbour, ceased operations without warning on June 24

“The engagement party was supposed to be my contribution to our wedding, and I feel like I was robbed financially and emotionally.”

Ms Avvali said she was unlikely to get her money back because unsecured creditors, like herself, are “at the bottom of the chain” compared to banks and employees.

Meanwhile, Rachel and Steven had just days left to arrange a new venue for their wedding reception after finding out their booking at Kirribilli Club on July 13 would not be going ahead.

The bride and groom had planned to host 100 guests in the Grand Ballroom, with canapés and a three-course dinner.

However, they were ‘caught off guard’ when Kirribilli Club announced its closure on June 24.

“This past week has been every bride’s worst nightmare,” Rachel said. “There has been no official communication from the club and my wedding has been thrown into complete chaos.”

She and her fiancé had chosen the Kirribilli Club as the venue for the reception, following a romantic proposal on the harbour in June 2023.

Rachel and Steven (pictured) had just days to arrange a new venue for their wedding reception after finding out their booking at Kirribilli Club on July 13 was cancelled.

They had put down a 10 percent deposit of $1,679 to secure the club for their reception. The expectation was that this would be $16,790 for welcome drinks in the Harbourview Room, canapés, a private wedding planner, on-site security and a five-hour premium beverage package.

It’s also unlikely that Rachel and Steven will get their money back.

“It seems we got off lightly as there were other events booked and fully paid for,” Rachel said.

‘I’ve heard there are at least four other weddings going to be at the Kirribilli Club. It’s just awful to think they could let people down like that.’

Fortunately, both couples were saved by alternative venues in Sydney for their wedding.

Rachel said Le Montage at Lilyfield ‘pulled out all the stops to ensure my wedding day was perfect’ by hosting her reception.

Doltone House will host Ms Avvali and Mr Saddington’s engagement party at one of their locations in the CBD.

Many only discovered that Kirribilli Club would be closing after it was announced on the venue’s Instagram page

Couples who have paid a deposit to Kirribilli Club (pictured) are unlikely to get their money back as they are at the ‘bottom of the chain’ compared to banks and employees

On June 19, the club appointed Hugh Armenis of SV Partners as manager.

“The manager recognises the emotional and financial burden this closure will place on many people and will work closely with the staff and management of the Kirribilli Club to ensure a smooth and orderly transition and assist affected clients as much as possible,” SV Partners said in a statement.

“The patience and cooperation of all stakeholders during this difficult time is greatly appreciated,” said SV Partners.