But in those days she was a he - and he was called Harry. Varis-Beswick thinks it's a shame that the torch relay is not staying overnight in Kalgoorlie. And the flame wouldn't have to put up with the tin-shack bordellos that have lined Kalgoorlie's notorious Hay Street since the first gold rush in 1893. Hailed as one of the world's most elaborate super brothels, Langtree's 181 is Kalgoorlie's most talked-about new attraction. The club opened at the end of May on the site of an older bordello that was more in keeping with the Kalgoorlie tradition.
Clients can take their pick of the themed rooms.
According to the club's manager, David Murray, the response has been overwhelming. In addition to Varis-Beswick's madam shows, there's a growing program of comedy and cabaret acts, and art exhibitions are also in the pipeline. The club's motel licence means that tourists can even spend a whole night there. Strangely enough, the Olympic torch-relay organisers have not routed the flame through Hay Street. Perhaps the flicker of the Olympic torch might struggle to be seen amid all the red lights.