From the Red Carpet to Recognition: A Night to Remember at the Australian Adult Industry Awards

A Glamorous Night for an Industry That Deserves It

We’re still buzzing from the 25th Annual Sensuous Australian Adult Industry Awards — and not just because we were nominated (and won!) Best Adult Retailer category. Held at the Rydges in Melbourne, the night was a glittering celebration of sex work, pleasure, and the people who make it all happen. With around 140 awards handed out, from Best Porn Star and Best BJ to Best Adult Magazine Publisher and Best Web Developer, the night honoured the full spectrum of adult industry professionals. This year even welcomed our Kiwi neighbours, with categories like Best NZ Burlesque Performer and Best NZ Event.

Red Carpet Treatment and Real Glamour

From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty. Photographers, bright lights, and a bustling red carpet made it clear — this wasn’t just a niche industry gathering. This was a bona fide awards night, full of importance and glamour. Inside the venue, red-tinged lighting bathed the room in elegance, and the flashy table settings sparkled with a sense of occasion. The Rydge's staff were impeccable, the food was incredible, and the vibe was real. Everyone in the room — performers, retailers, event organizers, brothel workers, and more — looked stunning, dressed to impress and radiating pride.

Hughesy, Hilarity, and the Heart of the Night

The evening was MC’d by none other than Dave Hughes (yes, the Hughesy), who broke the ice with tales of losing his virginity in a Perth brothel at 19 and his time on I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. His presence was cheeky, irreverent, and surprisingly heartfelt — a perfect fit for a night that celebrated pleasure and professionalism in equal measure.

At our table, we shared food, laughter, and stories with fellow industry workers — performers, brothel workers, and event staff — all of whom brought their own brilliance to the room. And as award after award was handed out, we felt a growing sense of anticipation.

"Everyone Here Has Faced Stigma — But Look at Us Now"

All night, one thought kept circling in my mind: These people work so damn hard. And yet, nearly everyone here has faced discrimination — from law enforcement, local councils, social media platforms, marketing agencies, you name it. We’ve all been side-eyed, sidelined, or silenced.

And still, we rise.

"Despite the hardships, bringing healthy pleasure and lasting joy to our clients is worth every risk — and none of us would trade it for anything."

That was the unspoken but deeply felt truth vibrating through the room. Whether in full-service sex work, escorting, stripping, or retail — we all share this passion, this purpose. And tonight, we got to celebrate that.

Our Name on the Screen: The Moment Everything Changed

As the Best Adult Retailer category drew closer, our nerves kicked in. Being nominated felt huge — but the idea of winning? That felt monumental.

"The nomination alone put us in great company, but winning Australia’s Best Adult Retailer felt like a moment of long-overdue recognition. To win would be more than a trophy — it would be proof that what we do matters to our community."

This wasn’t a panel of judges in a boardroom. This was a public vote — real people casting real support for what we stand for: safety, education, inclusivity, and professional, stigma-free access to the tools and advice for a healthy sex life.

When our name flashed on the screen, we were stunned. Just for a second. Then came the excitement. Then, the sudden realization: we had to get up there and say something.

Monique and I leapt from our seats. We just won? We made our way to the stage, hearts pounding, hands shaking, faces beaming. They handed us the trophy — a literal, shimmering symbol of becoming Australia’s Best Adult Retailer. Then they handed me the mic.

Gratitude on Stage and in Every Corner of the Room

Looking out over the crowd — some of the most inspiring people in our industry — I felt completely overwhelmed. There were only two groups I wanted to thank:

• Our staff, without whom none of this would be possible. They show up every day with dedication, compassion, and a belief in what we’re building. They are the heart of our store.

• Our community, who voted for us. Every click, every message, every cheer — it all built this moment.

I also gave a cheeky shout-out to our fellow South Aussies, because honestly, Adelaide showed up this year!

The Party, the Pride, the Push to Keep Going

Back at our table, messages started rolling in. A few folks in the room had spotted us on Instagram. Then our socials lit up with love and support from our local community — validating, overwhelming, and incredibly humbling.

After the formalities, we caught up with industry friends, danced, laughed, and (naturally) stayed out until 4am. We rolled into our hotel room exhausted but buzzing, and the next day made the long drive back to Adelaide.

More Than a Trophy — A Testament

On that drive, we couldn’t help but reflect on what this award really means. It’s not just a plaque or a photo op. It’s a reminder — that being recognized as Australia’s Best Adult Retailer means our work matters, that people see us, and that we’re building something special.

"If we never win another award again, we’ll still have this — the moment our community stood up and said, ‘Yes. What you’re doing matters.’"

That’s the fuel we’ll carry into the next chapter. We’re not just raising the bar on what an adult shop can be — we’re living proof that Australia’s Best Adult Retailer can be driven by sex-positivity, education, inclusivity, and heart.

And to everyone who helped us get here: thank you. We’ll keep showing up, keep raising the bar, and keep proving that this industry — and the people in it — are worth celebrating.

For press inquiries/interviews, get in touch. We’re happy to spread the love — and the story.