Last Friday (24 October) locals, visitors, and employees of the Bangalow Bowlo were shocked to discover that the Bangalow Bowlo had been closed with little or no notice.
Workers at the Bowlo were told via email just hours before they were due to start work, and the sign went up on the doors stating that, ‘The Club is closed until further notice. A review has been conducted and the state of the clubhouse, the financial losses as well as the trading outlook has determined that there is no other possible outcome’.
The Banglow Bowlo was handed over to Norths Collective three years and four days prior to the closure, amongst a contentious vote by members of the Bowlo. The vote taken on Sunday, 13 November 2022 saw 289 ‘Yes’ votes versus 192 ‘No’ votes in favour of handing the club to Norths Collective. Norths Collective, whose business model relies heavily on income from gambling machines, including their flagship club, North Sydney Leagues Club took over the club with the terms of that amalgamation, including how the club was to be operated and under what circumstances it could be closed, are set out in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that applies for the first ten years.
Norths Collective posted losses in 2023 of around $3.6 million and 2024 of around $2.59 million and is currently considering a ‘de-amalgamation of the Seagulls property’ in Tweed Heads, according to a letter seen by The Echo.
Community takes action
Following the notice of closure of the Bangalow Bowlo club on Friday local community members came together to discuss how they would respond to the closure, which under the MOU potentially gives Norths the right to sell the property after three years.
A group of dedicated and informed Bangalow residents has formed a Bowlo Advocacy group to investigate the options of restoring the Bowlo to local operation and ensuring it continues to serve as a vital social and sporting hub. The group includes members of the existing Banglow Bowlo Advisory Group to Norths, disgruntled supporters of the original amalgamation, along with individuals who initially opposed the amalgamation – united now in their desire for transparency, accountability and a positive outcome for the community.
‘The Bangalow community has been shocked by the unexpected and immediate closure of the much-loved Bangalow Bowlo on Friday, with no prior communication from Norths Collective. Even on Sunday afternoon, long-time members and locals arrived at the club expecting to share a drink and support weekend bowls, only to find the doors locked and a closure notice on display,’ said spokesperson for the Bowlo Advocacy group, Bangalow resident and Byron Shire Councillor, Asren Pugh.
‘Our group represents the full diversity of the Bowlo community, people from every side of the original amalgamation debate, all united in our determination to get our local Bowlo reopened and serving the community once again.’
‘Norths’ sudden closure has caused deep frustration and disappointment among members, local sporting clubs and the broader community. These decisions impact real people and the social fabric of our town.’
‘By closing the Bowlo without notice to members or the community, we believe Norths may have breached the terms of the MOU. The Advisory Committee will be meeting with Norths management on Wednesday and we expect those discussions to be transparent and constructive.’
‘We hope Norths to come to the table, engages openly with our community representatives, and commits to returning the Club to local hands, allowing for trading to recommence as soon as possible.’
‘The local Bowlo Advocacy group will hold a community meeting in the coming weeks to share information, answer questions, and discuss the options available to secure the future of the Bangalow Bowlo.’
♦ Norths have been contacted for comment but had not responded by the time of print
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