Perth skimpy king still full of bounce as he throws his own wake

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 1 year ago

Perth skimpy king still full of bounce as he throws his own wake

By Linda Parri

Former skimpy barmaid boss Steve Zielinski threw himself a “living wake” to celebrate his 70th birthday, alongside his 33-year-old wife Emily, in Halls Head on Sunday.

“It’s no use having people congregate when you’re in a bowl of ashes or in a coffin because you can’t hear them or respond to them,” he said.

Steve Zielinski and friends at the former Raunchy Productions boss’ 70th birthday bash.

Steve Zielinski and friends at the former Raunchy Productions boss’ 70th birthday bash.Credit: Linda Parri

The couple’s 2019 wedding attracted international headlines for their 37-year age gap.

Zielinski told WAToday that a woman close to his age wouldn’t be able to keep up with him.

“She wouldn’t have my type of energy,” the Raunchy Promotions founder said.

“I bounce out of bed at 6am. I do 15,000 steps a day and I love water sports.”

Lingerie-clad playboy bunnies mingled with more than 300 guests at Zielinski’s canal-front home, where they danced on a floating pontoon to the tunes of Perth band Slim Jim and the Phatts and an international DJ.

After attending several funerals recently Zielinksi said it was important for him to celebrate his life and catch up with old friends.

“As you get older you don’t go to weddings and birthdays that much,” he said. “You go to funerals and you’re visiting your sick mates in hospital.

Advertisement

“The sad thing about life is that as you get older you have to prepare yourself for the unexpected.”

Footage and press clippings of Zielinski’s controversial life played on three large screens throughout the entire party.

Steve Zielinski and his wife Emily.

Steve Zielinski and his wife Emily. Credit: Linda Parri

They included coverage of a stoush with his former mate Perth Glory Boss Tony Sage, who he accused of hiring a hitman against him – an accusation Sage denies.

Other headlines related to his former Mount Hawthorn gentleman’s restaurant Slic Chix, where diners could eat their dessert from the bodies of nude waitresses.

The concept saw former WA Premier Carmen Lawrence call on Perth City Council to close the venue, saying it demeaned women and was operating without an eating house licence.

There were clippings about Zielinski’s 2010 acquittal on insider trading charges, bought against him by the Australian Federal Police.

Another story showed Zielinski was cleared of sex charges against an exotic dancer ex-girlfriend, in 1994.

He said the woman had a “fatal attraction” towards him and made the allegations in retaliation, after he tried to break off their 20-month relationship.

Explicit details about Zielinski’s love life were revealed during the court-case.

His ex-wife Karen testified she was aware of her husband’s other lovers and his reputation for “being brilliant in bed”.

That marriage ended in a bitter 11-year divorce which cost Zielinski almost $1.2 million just in legal fees.

Slim Jim and the Phatts entertain the guests at Steve Zielinski’s birthday celebration in Halls Head.

Slim Jim and the Phatts entertain the guests at Steve Zielinski’s birthday celebration in Halls Head.Credit: Linda Parri

These days Zielinski says he is monogamous. “There’s more to life than just having sex,” he said.

Zielinski and his ex, have two sons – lawyer Christopher, 39, and civil engineer Justin, 33.

Christopher Zielinski spoke of his unconventional upbringing in his speech at the party.

“Dad wasn’t exactly taking me out to kick the football, but he taught me a lot of other things,” he said.

“Like when someone’s at the door and you don’t know who it is, don’t answer because it’s someone serving legal papers.”

Zielinski and his UK-raised wife now operate home organisation business, Love and Labels.

Late nights in bars have been replaced by TV nights with their pet rabbits Foo-Foo and Elliott.

Zielinski denies making his fortune through the exploitation of women.

“Some girls are proud of their bodies,” he said. “Some girls couldn’t get a job.

“They made a bloody good income and some of them still contact me now and say ‘Thank you Steve, I’ve got my own business now’.”

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.

Most Viewed in National

Loading