PHOTO: Christina Jaucian. FILE
The Fall of Sydney’s ‘Queen of the Cross’ Nightclub Empire
The once-promising nightclub empire of Christina Jaucian, dubbed the “Queen of the Cross,” has collapsed, leaving behind debts of nearly $400,000. Less than two years ago, Jaucian was celebrated for her vision to revive Sydney’s nightlife.
A Bold Vision for Kings Cross
In April 2023, Jaucian, 46, took over the Kings Cross venues Chicane and KX Social, vowing to bring back the area’s vibrant nightlife that had been stifled by lock-out laws. She also planned to create two safe and stylish nightclubs alongside the trendy Levant restaurant.
Financial Collapse and Mounting Debts
Despite these ambitions, Jaucian’s parent company, 24 Bayswater Pty Ltd, has gone into liquidation, owing approximately $380,000 to suppliers and staff. The nearby Eros restaurant, operated by her husband Lance Alaalatoa, also appears to have closed.
Christina Jaucian, 46, who was once dubbed ‘Queen of the Cross’, took over the Chicane and KX Social nightclubs in April 2023 to much fanfare, promising to bring back the area’s glory days before the lock-out laws killed them
The venues in Sydney’s once-infamous King’s Cross had fallen into liquidation under the previous owner Ussi Moniz Da Silva who is alleged to have fled to Bali owing over $7million to creditors (pictured: the dancefloor in Chicane nightclub)
Controversial Transactions and Liquidator’s Findings
Liquidator Stephen Dixon revealed that 10 staff members are owed over $90,000 in wages, leave, and superannuation. Secured creditors are owed $45,000, and unsecured creditors are owed over $210,000. Additionally, $42,000 remains unpaid in electricity bills.
Dixon’s report also flagged potentially uncommercial transactions, including $26,340 in payments for rent and utilities at Jaucian’s personal home and $4,386 in unexplained transactions.
Allegations Against the Previous Owner
Jaucian attributed her financial struggles to disputes with the venues’ former owner, Ussi Moniz Da Silva, who allegedly opposed her ownership and was linked to vandalism, equipment damage, and negative rumors.
Ms Jaucian vowed to create ‘safe’ and stylish nightclubs ‘operating at full capacity within a few months’ alongside the trendy Levant restaurant (the diner’s launch event is pictured)
Management Issues and Insolvent Trading
Dixon cited poor cash flow, mismanagement, and lack of working capital as key contributors to the collapse. He also noted Jaucian’s loss of access to electronic records, which hindered further investigation into potential insolvent trading.
Uncertain Future
Despite her business troubles, Jaucian appears to have relocated interstate and purchased a new car, as suggested by a recent glowing review for a finance group on the Gold Coast. Efforts to contact her for comment remain unsuccessful.
Rising Tensions in Kings Cross
Eros restaurant faced temporary closure in 2023 due to credible threats of a bikie gang storming the premises, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in Kings Cross.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL