A local DJ is keen to pump up the volume on Bacchus Marsh’s nightlife by opening a nightclub in the rural town centre.
Disc jockey James Waters, a Bacchus Marsh resident, said his passion for electronic dance music had spurred him to put the idea to the people.
An online survey Mr Waters published recently has so far received 42 responses.
“I used to DJ many years ago in South Africa under the name James from Durban, and when I researched nightlife in the past in Bacchus Marsh I found there were nightclubs, but they’ve all gone now,” he said.
“The town has nothing for those who want a uniquely electronic music experience.”
About 100 Bacchus Marsh residents responded on Facebook in the past week to debate on whether a nightclub would be a popular idea in the town.
“I’ve been blown away by the response from the community so far,” Mr Waters said.
“The overwhelming sentiment from people who have given feedback is that they would love a place that’s closer to home, where they can go and enjoy some music and have a few drinks.
“They have to go to Melton or into the city if they want to enjoy electronic music, which is a long way to go and a very expensive taxi trip.
“One of the main concerns is that nightclubs can sometimes attract troublemakers and this is something we want to consider very seriously.”
Mixed response
While most people who left posts for Mr Waters were supportive, some believed a nightclub would be out of character for the area.
“We’re in the Marsh, not South Yarra,” one poster wrote.
Another said: “Not to knock it, but how many of those 42 could afford a 20-buck entrance fee and a couple of 10-buck drinks a couple of nights a week to keep something like this going?”
Mr Waters said although the responses to the survey were a promising start in getting the ball rolling, he would continue researching.
Click here to complete the survey.
