Tiffany’s Girls is the city’s oldest brothel, nestled in the quiet Victorian terraces of Albion Street in Surry Hills, Sydney. This historic site, adorned with faux bronze urns and baroque décor, has catered to Sydney’s needs for decades. However, as developers eye prime real estate, the future of traditional brothels like Tiffany’s Girls is being questioned. Despite these changes, there are compelling reasons why brothels continue to hold significant value in the modern sex work industry.
Adapting to an Evolving Industry
Linda Pickard, owner of La Petite Aroma brothel in Chatswood, highlights the changing dynamics: “The old days are over. The ‘game’ has changed.” The post-COVID era, marked by economic challenges, cashless transactions, and online competition, has reshaped the sex work landscape.
Ensuring Safety and Security
A major advantage of brothels is the guaranteed safety and security they provide. In a controlled environment, sex workers can operate without the fear of violence or exploitation. Private sex work, on the other hand, can expose individuals to potential risks, often requiring them to meet clients in unfamiliar or isolated locations. Parry Bitsikas, the owner of Tiffany’s Girls, underscores, “A brothel provides the one thing a phone can’t: security in a safe environment.”
Professional Support and Management
Brothels offer professional management and support, which can be crucial for sex workers. Workers in brothels do not have to handle overheads, advertising, or payments. These logistical aspects are managed by the brothel, allowing sex workers to concentrate on their services. Darcy, a 27-year-old sex worker with nine years of experience in both brothels and private settings, notes, “Working out of a brothel means I don’t have to worry about overheads or advertising.” This professional support is particularly beneficial for newcomers to the industry or those who prefer a structured work environment.
Building Client Trust and Reputation
Brothels often have established reputations and client bases, which can be advantageous for sex workers. Clients may feel more comfortable visiting a well-known and reputable establishment, confident that it adheres to regulations and standards. This trust can lead to more consistent and reliable business, which can be more challenging in private work settings.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
In New South Wales, private sex workers operating out of their homes or rented premises must adhere to council rules and regulations. Some councils require development applications for home-based sex work businesses, while others prohibit sex work in residential areas. Brothels, however, operate within a legal and regulated framework, providing a clear structure for compliance and operation. This legal certainty can be reassuring for both workers and clients.
Fostering Community and Camaraderie
Working in a brothel can provide a sense of community and camaraderie among sex workers. The shared environment fosters mutual support, advice, and friendship, which can be invaluable in a profession that can sometimes be isolating. This sense of belonging and collective experience is something that private work, by its nature, cannot offer.
The Future of Brothels in Sydney
Sydney’s brothels are at a crossroads. Developers are eager to transform these historic sites into luxury apartments, driven by the lucrative real estate market. For instance, Tiffany’s Girls sits on a 687-square-metre site surrounded by new developments and is expected to fetch at least $13 million.
Linda Pickard of La Petite Aroma acknowledges this reality. With its approval for a 44-storey tower, her Chatswood brothel is also on the market. “I can see a day coming when I don’t want to be doing this anymore,” says Pickard, reflecting on her 30-year tenure in the industry.
Conclusion
The sex work industry in Sydney is undergoing significant transformation. While private work offers flexibility and independence, brothels provide a structured, safe, and supportive environment that is difficult to replicate. As developers eye these prime locations, the future of traditional brothels remains uncertain. However, the enduring benefits of brothels – security, professional management, established reputations, legal clarity, and community – ensure they remain a vital part of the sex work landscape.
Brothels offer a unique combination of safety, support, and professionalism that continues attracting workers and clients. As the industry evolves, these establishments will adapt and endure, providing essential services in a controlled and regulated environment. The landscape of sex work may be changing, but the fundamental advantages of brothels ensure they remain a cornerstone of the industry.
