Row Over WA Winery

A row erupted in Western Australia over a fourth winery wanting to get into the booming concert business.

Lancaster Winery wants to build an 8,000-capacity amphitheatre, in partnership with local promoter Brad Mellen of Mellen Events and Melbourne-based Roundhouse Entertainment. Roundhouse is co-owned by Michael Gudinski with Michael and Anthea Newton.

Sandalford Wines CEO Grant Brinklow fired off emails opposing it on community safety grounds. Mellen and Roundhouse used to stage their A Day On The Green shows at Sandalford until it opened up its stage to rival promoters.

One of Sandalford’s emails, which claimed that the Lancaster venue would draw 12,000 and was meant for dance music, has been referred to Gudinski’s lawyer.