Bride’s heart break as Kirribilli Club closure robs her of dream engagement party.

Published On: July 8, 2024

Sasha and James were engaged in January – thanks to a little help from Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac.

By ANNA USHER

It is every Bride’s worst nightmare: the big day cancelled just weeks out from her big celebration.

Sydney couple Sasha Avvali and James Saddington, both aged 23, had set August 24 as the date for their engagement party at the Kirribilli Club, with 108 guests looking forward to the milestone moment.

“We paid for a service, and they have taken our money,” Sasha told Mosman Collective.

But six weeks out from the gala bash, the pair learned it wouldn’t be happening.

“To say I am devastated is an understatement,” Sasha told Mosman Collective.

“We have family and friends coming in from interstate and overseas; our big event has been thrown into utter chaos.

“How on earth can the club do this to people?”

The landmark venue went into voluntary administration on June 19, and ceased trading on June 24.

Sasha, who paid a $920 deposit to secure the space, has worked overtime all year to make regular instalments, totalling $5,750.

“The engagement party was to be my contribution towards our wedding, and it feels like I have been robbed financially and emotionally.”

Stadia bought the landmark venue for $22.85m in 2022, and currently owns it through a single asset fund.

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Sasha said she made her last payment of $350 on Thursday, June 20, one day after the club had been placed into voluntary administration, leaving a balance of $7350.

“The Kirribilli Club knew that they were in financial trouble, and yet they still took my payments, which were made in good faith,” she said.

“They even took $350 from me the day after they went into administration. Who does that?”

The club appointed Hugh Armenis of SV Partners administrator on June 19. After an initial period of trading to “assess the status” of the club, it ceased trading – without notice – on June 24.

Sasha said 108 guests were to attend her engagement party, which was being paid off in instalments.

The ex-services club, with over 18,000 members, was founded in 1946, and boasts some of Sydney’s best harbour views.

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

Sasha said she has received advice that her money will unlikely be returned.

“As unsecured creditors, we are at the bottom of the chain and will be the last people on the list to be paid,” she said. “The banks and Kirribilli Club staff will be paid first. So, getting any of my money back is slim.”

“Honestly, I don’t know what to say; it’s like a bad dream. We paid for a service, and they have taken our money.”

“I feel utterly duped, I feel ripped off, and I feel blindsided by them,” Sasha said.

Fortunately, Sydney company Doltone House came to the rescue last week by offering Sasha and James a location at one of their CBD venues.

“They have been fantastic and realise the financial pressure I am now in,” Sasha said, “we have booked a ‘new’ engagement party at Doltone House, and I am sure they will make it an event to remember.”

“Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the Kirribilli Club.

“I feel utterly duped, I feel ripped off, and I feel blindsided by them.

“We are just one couple to be impacted, and many others must be in the same boat. It’s a disgrace.”