THE Fly by Night Musicians Club has asked Fremantle council to forgive a $20,000 debt.

The club has been battling to stay afloat since moving to Victoria Hall almost a year ago, hamstrung by the lack of a liquor licence. But chair Steve Wells says they’re on the verge of sorting that out and signing a lease for the hall with the council. He says if they can clear some debt the club has a bright future.

A report to the council’s finance committee this week says an independent audit commissioned by the council came to the same conclusion.

Councillors voted to give the Fly a five-year lease, pay about $20,000 to soundproof the hall and write off the debt. That decision will have to be ratified at the next council meeting.

• Fly by Night chair Steve Wells and new treasurer Richard Skead at Victoria Hall.

Mayor Brad Pettitt told the Herald the council also flagged having a representative on the Fly’s management board. He says writing off the debt was made a little easier when it was discovered the soundproofing would be much cheaper than expected. He predicts the Fly will face a tough year trying to rebuild.

Mr Wells says lease negotiations, while protracted, had helped to mend strained relations with the council over the club’s eviction from the old drill hall on Parry Street.

He says the goodwill has prompted the Fly to get involved in the upcoming Fremantle Heritage Festival where they’ll offer tours of the historic Victoria hall and have booked folksy history-teller Justin Walshe. The Fly turns 30 this year, and Mr Wells says if all goes as planned they’ll turn that significant milestone into a celebration and grand re-opening party. It’ll be a three-day shindig bringing together the best local acts, he promises.

by STEVE GRANT