'Save The Night Cat' Campaign Launched To Safeguard Melbourne Venue's Future

Another beloved venue is in need of help, with Naarm/Melbourne mainstay The Night Cat launching a new crowdfunding campaign to help safeguard the Fitzroy nightspot’s future.

Having first opened its doors back in 1994, The Night Cat has been an influential and long-standing fixture of the Melbourne music scene, with countless bands have performed on its stages over the years.

However, owner Justin Stanford has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the venue to continue in light of increasing compliance demands from the City Of Yarra in relation to developments in the area.

“The venue is now under immediate threat of closure unless costly soundproofing upgrades are implemented,” Stanford wrote. “As an independently owned venue, we simply can’t shoulder these costs alone and continue to operate.

“Whilst development in the City Of Yarra continues to grow, we face new challenges in keeping live music alive the way we love it. To secure The Night Cat’s future and ensure it remains a cornerstone of Melbourne’s music scene, we need to act now.”

Standford noted that the venue is required to install advanced sound monitoring equipment, implement additional soundproofing and sound-limiting solutions, and to hire expert acousticians to prove they are compliant with planning laws. Ultimately though, these necessities come with a high price tag.

“These crucial upgrades come at a significant cost – over $60,000 – but they will safeguard The Night Cat not just for today, but for years to come,” Stanford added. “By making these improvements now, we can continue to support artists, protect local jobs, and ensure that music lovers have a place to experience live performances in the heart of Fitzroy.

“We’re turning to our community - our friends, our patrons, and the artists who call this place home - to help us reach our goal. Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference.”

The campaign, which launched on Tuesday, April 8th, has set a goal $60,000 to ensure it is able to meet the demands placed upon the venue. “Let’s stand together to protect live music and keep The Night Cat thriving,” Stanford urged.

The campaign follows on from a number of high-profile campaigns to save venues in recent years. Most notably, Collingwood venue The Tote was saved after a crowdfunding campaign was launched by owners of The Last Chance Rock And Roll Bar to raise $3 million to save the venue. The campaign was successful and The Tote lives on to this day.

The ‘Save The Night Cat’ fundraiser can be donated to here.