Club Helensvale, which is at the tail end of its own renovation plan, has come to the rescue of the financially-troubled Robina Bowls Club, purchasing the venue and renaming it Club Robina ensuring the Gold Coast venue will remain open.
Club Helensvale CEO Wayne Moffatt began talks with Robina Bowls in late 2022 when it was on the verge of closure.
“Without outside support, it would almost certainly fold,” he said.
Both boards agreed to the takeover with the merger also approved by Robina Bowls Club members in December.
Club Robina will launch a new restaurant menu, complete improvements to the car park plus employ three new staff. Multimillion-dollar renovations are also planned further down the track.
“Our first priority will be to improve the standard of the bowling greens that support the 180-strong bowling membership,” Moffatt said.
“Then we’ll turn our attention to the club facilities, with a new masterplan to be created, offering modern club facilities for the whole community to enjoy!”
The support of Club Helensvale has been welcomed by Club Robina’s bowlers, including Dawn Forrest who joined the club in 1994.
“I was quite upset to think that my club may close its doors after almost 30 years as a member,” said Forrest, a former Secretary, Games Director, Treasurer, Ladies President and Board Member of the club.
“When I heard Club Helensvale was interested in taking on the club, I felt like we were being thrown a lifeline.
“Things are now looking bright for us and I’m very positive and optimistic about the future for Club Robina.”
It was only three years ago when Club Helensvale was facing its own financial hurdles.
“When Covid shut the industry down in March 2020, we weren’t in a great position,” Moffatt recalled. “However, with the support of our members, we’ve turned that around, completing two major renovations in 2021 and 2022.
“To be in the position to renovate our entire club and now take on Club Robina is a fantastic achievement for our members.
Annual membership will be just $5 for a year or $20 for five years with members able to enjoy access and benefits across both clubs.
“Club Helensvale is proud to support our community and the addition of Club Robina ensures the local community can continue to enjoy their local club for years to come,” Moffatt said.
