Bangalow Bowlo fight intensifies as community questions amalgamation promises

THE Bangalow community is intensifying its campaign to reclaim its local bowling club, revealing it has obtained independent legal advice and approached Liquor & Gaming NSW to examine concerns about governance, transparency and whether commitments made during the amalgamation with Norths Collective have been fulfilled.

A spokesperson for the Save Bangalow Bowlo Steering Committee said a number of commitments were contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formed the basis of the amalgamation, which officially took effect on 15 June 2023.

Among those commitments was a requirement for Norths to begin any repairs, replacements, renovations, refurbishments and upgrades necessary to ensure compliance with applicable building standards within three months of the amalgamation being completed.

The agreement also required Norths to maintain the premises in a good state of repair and condition, while committing at least $3.5 million to financially viable repairs, renovations, refurbishments and upgrades during the first 10 years following amalgamation.

“The community voted for amalgamation on the understanding that the Bowlo would be repaired, upgraded and protected for future generations,” the spokesperson said.

The committee is also seeking clarification about the basis of Norths’ financial assessment of the club, which it closed with little warning on 24 October last year. On The Bowlo website, Norths stated that following three years of trading between Norths and the former Bangalow Bowling & Sports Club Limited (the Bowlo), it had undertaken a detailed review which found the premises required substantial and costly repairs and refurbishment to meet compliance, safety and operational standards.

“The community is struggling to understand how a review based on three years of trading can be relied upon when the club had operated under Norths for approximately two years and four months,” the spokesperson said.

“What the community is seeking is transparency around the evidence that led to the decision to close the club immediately and how that decision aligns with the commitments made during amalgamation.”

The local community raised more than $100,000 in a week through a GoFundMe campaign to demonstrate to Norths that it had the financial backing to support a viable plan to resume operations.

But with some supporters concerned that the original objective linked to their donations has yet to be achieved, organisers are offering contributors the opportunity to request a refund.

Norths has granted the community an exclusive negotiation period until 14 July before opening the venue to expressions of interest from other clubs.