Bangalow Bowlo given a lifeline after community’s $100,000 fundraising blitz

THE Bangalow community has had a big win in its David-and-Goliath-like battle with Norths Collective, with the Sydney-based conglomerate offering a reprieve after locals raised more than $100,000 in under a week to take back control of their beloved bowling club.

Norths had previously given the community until Friday 5 December to demonstrate a viable plan to resume operations before reopening The Bowlo to Expressions of Interest from other clubs. Instead, the organisation has now extended the community’s exclusive negotiation period through to 14 July 2026.

Norths said in an Instagram post that North Sydney Leagues Club (the name of its original club) would continue working with the Bangalow Advisory Committee (BAC) to explore opportunities to reactivate the venue.

 

The Save Bangalow Bowlo team welcomed the extension, saying it provided crucial breathing room to finalise a business plan and financial modelling needed to reopen the club.

“The current groundswell of community support confirms the wishes of the people of our area to have the club returned to us and reopened as soon as possible,” the group said in a Facebook post.

“Business plans and finances are being consolidated at present ready for the BAC to communicate to NSLC, and we look forward a favourable response from NSLC in the coming weeks.”

Save Bangalow Bowlo launched a GoFundMe campaign earlier in the week seeking $100,000 by Friday to complete priority building works, including roof repairs, guttering and painting identified in an independent building report. The fundraising target has since been raised to $150,000 to support additional essential works, restocking and preparations needed to get the club operational.

More than 300 people have contributed so far, including two $10,000 donations — one from former Bangalow Lions Club president Greg ‘Nashy’ Nash, who has been an outspoken advocate for The Bowlo since before Norths Collective abruptly closed the venue on 24 October. Norths cited the deteriorating condition of the clubhouse, ongoing financial losses and an unsustainable trading outlook as reasons for the closure.

An anonymous donor also contributed $10,000, while Mirabelle Early Learning Centre added $3,000. Several individuals and families have also chipped in $1,000 each.

 

 

Norths formally amalgamated with The Bowlo in June 2023 after members voted in favour of the merger the previous November. It is one of several clubs it has on its books, including The Greens North Sydney, The Verandah at Beecroft and Norths Cammeray.

The organisation is currently in negotiations with Twin Towns to take over the Tweed Seagulls Club as part of efforts to manage approximately $30 million in debts.

To donate to the Reopen Bangalow Bowlo Community Fund, click here.