Another struggling regional RSL club has gone under with Monto & District RSL Citizens Memorial Club Inc in Queensland going into voluntary administration. ASIC records that administrator Michael Beck of Worrells was appointed on June 6, with the first meeting of the creditors of the company meeting on Thursday 9 June in Rockhampton.
Club Management has sought further information from the administrators, Worrells.
The news follows Narrabeen RSL Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches going into administration with the sub-branch now putting the site up for lease and Bomaderry RSL Sub-Branch on the NSW South Coast selling the Bomaderry RSL Club site to a developer. Meanwhile, Busselton RSL Club in WA, with the support of WA RSL, is hoping to survive by expanding to create a new, larger venue that will include a veterans’ advocacy centre, and 50 apartments on top of a new clubhouse.
Like many others, the combination of a decline in membership, little patronage and the high cost of operations are believed to be behind the closure of Monto club in the rural town in the North Burnett Region which has a population of about 1200.
The club had been struggling to stay afloat amid “increased prices in utilities and the slow decline of patronage”, former Monto RSL president David Watson said on Facebook.
“Thanks to all the committee past and present who volunteered their time for free to help make it work,” he wrote.
Wide Bay and Burnett District president Trevor Williamson said while the club had gone into voluntary administration, the RSL sub-branch was still going.
While the Memorial Club, which was established in 1999, operated within the Monto RSL building it was not affiliated with RSL Queensland.
Bangalow bowlo to vote on merger
In bowlo news, Bangalow Bowling Club is expected to soon vote on an amalgamation with North Collective to ensure its long-term future.
The not-for-profit Norths Collective (Sydney’s Norths, The Greens North Sydney and The Alcott and Seagulls Tweed Heads) lists assets of $127 million and $58 million in total annual sales.
Bangalow Bowling Club members are expected to vote on the proposed amalgamation in the coming weeks.
Maitland Park Bowling Club, meanwhile, has announced it will cease operations from July 4.
Members made the decision to close the club, which is owned and leased out by Maitland City Council, before the matter was taken out of their hands.
If you have any bowlo or RSL club news please email gjones@intermedia.com.au
