12/09/2017
WOW what a send off!!!!
Straight Shooters ROCKED!! Saturday night was amazing with cover band “The Vulcans” performed to a huge crowd with patrons from as far as Geelong and Warrnambool which capped off a fantastic night.
I Prepred to say a few words on stage but some of the crowd was a little voistress and excited LOL, I thought I would say it in a message;
It would be approximately 12 years I had a vision, a vision that a small town of Colac would benefit creating a venue that not only looked Cool but which would entertain for all ages big or small.
If punters can recal the day trading hours was marketed to ecourage 18 years & under to have a safe haven where they could entertain by Juke box, gaming machines or Billiards among mates. This was a hit to the youngsters but was short lived and soon closed the day trade after approximately 4years.
Within the first 6 months of operating you may remember I was pursing a Liquor licence which was providing me to sell liquor from 7pm, 7days a week. I eventually had to attend VCAT hearings to accumilate this lisence, from then Shooters was a Hit!! especailly for the Live music industry “at that time” Hush was the fresh night club & the Union was running as a bar (only) So you can say it was great to bring the Live scene back.
Another asset was the Billiards, at the beginning I had lucky 13 pool tables and started with only 1 team in the Colac & District 8ball Assoc, which then grew and honoured to have 6 teams representing Straight Shooters in the past 3 years.
Shooters was a Hub of entertainment, from Live music with tribute shows such as Lady Gagga who was played by Local talent Lisa Tucker 300ppl attended that show, ACDC, Matchbox 20, Cold Chisel, & more, not always music can you remember; Jelly wretling, Pole Dancing, Mechanical bull, Adults jumping castle, Open Mic nights, Karaoke...
I had an extensive number of employees, volunteers over the years but too many to list but I wish to note the recent guys that have helped Straight Shooters send of with a Bang!!
Mathew Cutting; or better none as Gutter!! he is a entertainer week in week out to all punters who come through the door, but provides his services even though sometimes is not required, I no he will miss this place, or maybe the Cheap drinks. LOL.
Danny Vouk; this man has bent over backwards especially over the past 18 months doing all the behind scenes work which sometimes does not get the recogntions. Thanks mate.
Warren Heath; This man provided sound to another level, took control of the live music by the throat and perfected with pure sound, he will be an asset to other venues.
Lauren Swanson; last but not least, she says it how It is!! She has been a rock taking control over the last 18 months as if it was her own, I dont know how I could had continued operating without you, asset material. Cheers
After writing this out I do feel saddened and a sense of a huge hole that has been left behind, but Ifeel that the Live music and entertainment industry will continue but at what level? That is upto the next explorer!!.
Again I wish to share my sincere Thanks from all levels. I as you will miss this time but as they say one Chapter closes another one Opens.
Straight Shooters signing off for good.
Shannon Bell
