The House Of Love

I don’t recall the very first dance party I attended, but it would have been in the early 90s. I do, however, clearly remember my first Mardi Gras in 1989—enjoying the festivities with friends from Bourke and Sydney.

At the time, whether I was living in Renmark or Wagga Wagga, I made the trek to Sydney specifically for those parties. Without sounding too nostalgic (or “boomerish”—and for the record, I’m not a Boomer!), they truly were memorable occasions. I can still vividly recall the music, the incredible art direction, and the sense of inclusive, mixed crowds. It’s hard to believe those memories are now 30 or 35 years old.

Some of those moments came rushing back tonight at a preview launch for a new documentary titled House of Love, which a friend of mine is producing. The film dives into the late 80s and early 90s—the era of the RAT parties and the massive events that turned Australia into a global leader in dance culture. Back then, we were at the forefront of innovation, with people travelling from the UK, Europe, and America just to experience the Australian scene.

We saw a “sizzle reel” of the project, and it was wonderful to see familiar faces and incredible archival footage from that era. There were some fantastic anecdotes shared, particularly about Grace Jones. Her appearances at those Sydney parties were career-defining moments—even if she often jokes that she can’t remember a thing about them!

The production has recorded a wealth of material and is now seeking funding to bring the full story to life. If you’d like to support the film or know someone who might, here are the details on how to get involved.