(Apparently a lot of live band venues are finding it rather tough going, with the GST hitting them twice, making people reluctant to spend money on seeing bands and also taxing the bands performing. According to the Metro News, the Dan O'Connell may be forced to close soon, and other venues are also feeling the pinch. Well, at least there's a moratorium on poker machines, so they can't just turn them into pokie venues; only executive townhouses and such.)
The Conti wasn't the most comfortable venue (for one, unless you ordered dinner, you were stuck standing in a narrow corridor-like area), but they did have some great shows. I recall seeing The Paradise Motel play a double set there once, with strings and some great lighting.