Footscray’s first “community bar” is on the verge of becoming a reality.
Pride of our Footscray, which will be co-owned by hundreds of shareholders, is the brainchild of Yarraville’s Mathew O’Keefe.
Mr O’Keefe saw the need for a LGBTIQ safe space in Footscray that would be a welcoming haven of belonging.
While Mr O’Keefe will stand as the “Chief Bar Officer”, he wants everyone who has chipped in their $500 for a share in the project to feel a sense of pride in the place.
“I will be the licensee for practical purposes, but I want this to be a chance for anyone who has always wanted to own a bar to have that chance,” he said.
A number of venues were considered, but the decision was made to take over an existing venue so the operation could hit the ground running. The venue is due to be revealed soon.
Further details: www.facebook.com/PrideofourFootscray
