SIMONE McGURK says Sunset Events should keep its hands off the Fly by Night.

Following last week’s Herald front page story that has sent shockwaves through Fremantle, the local Labor MP told the Herald the Fly is a community organisation and she wants it to stay in the heritage-listed drill hall under its own steam.

Ms McGurk is backing a petition calling on the National Trust to ditch its expressions of interest process and re-issue the Fly with a new lease.

“It’s a vital part of the Fremantle cultural scene and should continue to exist at its current location,” she says. She also delivered the Trust a backhander.

“You only have to look at the dilapidated Royal  George Hotel in East Fremantle to see that the National Trust hasn’t got a great track record in the Fremantle area.”

The Fly has also won support from Something For Kate frontman Paul Dempey. He’s due to play Mt Lawley’s Astor Theatre in early July, and when he heard about the club’s woes he booked a show.

“I learned recently that the future of the Fly By Night Musicians’ club in Fremantle is in doubt and whilst I dearly hope that the current discussions will resolve in favour of the club renewing its lease and remaining open as the world-class venue that it has been for thirty-odd years, I do not want to miss the opportunity to play in one of my absolute favourite venues for what may be the last time,” he emailed the Fly.

by STEVE GRANT