Shock and anger as Bangalow’s beloved Bowlo closes without warning

THE Bangalow community was left reeling on Friday afternoon, with news much-loved local was closing — effective immediately.

The club announced the decision on its Instagram page around 4pm, stating that a recent review had considered the state of the clubhouse, the financial losses and trading outlook and concluded there was “no other possible outcome”.

The closure comes nearly three years after members voted to amalgamate with Sydney-based conglomerate Norths Collective — a move that divided the town.

Staff were notified via email around 1pm that the Bowlo would close “until further notice,” just hours before many were due to start their shifts. Locksmiths were reportedly called in soon after.

That evening, regular bowlers and a handful of staff members gathered for an impromptu game on the green, bringing their own beers.

The club’s sign had been altered to read: “F*ck you Norths. Liars. Save Bowlo,” with passing drivers honking their horns in support.

A regular bowler, who did not wish to be named, said he was devastated by the news.

“They promised us the earth and did nothing and shut us down,” he said.

A staff member who had worked at the club for three years said he received no warning.

“I was about to start my shift two hours after I got the email,” he said. “I’m lucky that I have a second job but that’s not the case for all staff members.”

Another staffer, Sunny, who had recently turned down a higher role at another venue, said she was still in shock.

“It’s really horrible,” she said. “Even if we are casual two weeks’ notice would be nice. At 1pm today we got an email basically saying we don’t need you to work tonight, we’ll never need you again, go get another job.

“It’s so rough because this is such a community place. It doesn’t really feel real yet. It will when we can’t pay our rent. Hopefully the community rallies around us and offers us other jobs.”

Local publican Matt Rabbidge, co-founder of Mosey On Inn — which operates venues including You Beauty!, Ciao, Mate in Bangalow and The Eltham Hotel — was among those encouraging displaced staff to get in touch about available positions.

The club had been struggling financially following the COVID-19 lockdowns and the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods when the board decided to merge with Norths Collective, which runs popular venues such as The Greens North Sydney, The Verandah Beecroft and Seagulls at Tweed Heads.

At the time, Norths promised to invest at least $3.5 million over ten years, including plans for new pergolas, an events space and improved parking.

But a local group called Keep the Bowlo Local emerged in opposition, fearing Norths would increase poker machine numbers or sell the site to developers. Despite their campaign, members ultimately voted 289 to 182 in favour of amalgamation.

Now many in the community are hoping Norths will hand the 115-year-old institution back to local control, with community members encouraged to become members of Norths Collective in case there is another vote.

 

For the latest news subscribe to the Byron Coast Times here.