Back to the Xchange

Back to the Xchange, the 40th Anniversary Reunion!

Sunday 29 November 2026 · 4pm till late @The Peel, 46 Peel Street, Collingwood

Get your old crowd together for a Sunday session celebrating 40 years since the Xchange began.

From 1986 to 2011, the Xchange was part of Melbourne’s gay heartbeat. For so many of us, it was where we worked, played, made friends and found somewhere we belonged. Now it’s time to catch up, share a few stories and make some new memories.

Here’s what’s in store:

• The legendary Beer Bust, kicking off at 4pm with 50-cent pots. Get in early, prices rise as the session rolls on!

• Your hosts, Doug “Ellie” Lucas and Barbra Quicksand, joined by Suzie Ridge, Connie Stevens-Lingus and Michelle Tozer for a night of shows and familiar faces.

• The Backyard BBQ, from 5.30 to 6.30pm in the courtyard, with a complimentary sausage sanga with onions and toppings included with your ticket.

• Xchange video memories on the big screen, revisiting the people, performances and nights that made the place our own.

Whether you worked behind the bar, graced the stage, came for a knock-off catch-up with friends after work or never missed a show, we’d love to see you. Friends, partners and those who missed the original Xchange experience are welcome too!

Coming on your own? Come along. There’ll be plenty to talk about and enjoy on the big screens as we reminisce about the good times.

A personal invitation from Kevin:

“It’s been 15 years since we closed the doors, and I’ve lost touch with many of the people who made the Xchange so special. If you’re still in contact with former staff or regulars, please pass this invitation on, especially to anyone who isn’t on social media. I’d love to bring as many of us together as possible.”

Don’t leave it at ‘we should go’. Get your friends together and book your tickets today. Booking ahead helps us plan a wonderful reunion for everyone.

Let’s get Back to the Xchange!