Four potential ways forward for the Bangalow Bowlo to reopen have been put on the table by the Save Bangalow Bowlo Steering Committee (SBBSC), from challenging the breach of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) by Norths Collective to a philanthropic support for a buyback.
Option 2 is to continue with the in-principle agreement negotiated by the Bangalow Advisory Committee (BAC) with Norths. This option has Norths hand over the assets to community ownership but would retain a $2 million mortgage over the property for 25 years. However, if the Bowlo defaults (closes, goes insolvent, etc.), Norths can sell it.
Some community members have raised concerns around this proposal saying that, ‘This deal is outside the MOU, so there is no expression of interest (EOI) process required. Norths can go straight to open market sale upon default.’
No working capital
‘The $2m mortgage prevents the Bowlo from borrowing for improvements, refurbishment, or working capital. Lenders won’t touch a club with a $2m debt, that isn’t decreasing (no repayments), and hasn’t turned a profit for years.’
The Bowlo closed after Covid losses of approximately $250k, and then in October 2025 as a result of the Norths closure.
Speaking to The Echo hospitality consultant Allan Strahle said, ‘Typically a struggling venue needs meaningful capital to turn around. Norths promised $3.5 million over ten years to be invested for renovations and upgrades because that’s what it needs.
‘It could reopen on the funds raised but that’s significantly undercapitalised and staying open requires capital. A $2 million mortgage means it’s starting on the back foot with restricted borrowing capacity. If it reopens in the same condition that failed twice, without the ability to make meaningful changes, closure is just a matter of time.’
‘Given this track record and the inability to borrow, default at some point within the 25 year window is highly probable,’ said a community member who asked not to be named.
‘When the Bowlo defaults, Norths is positioned to sell the land on the open market for at least $5m.’
Local councillor and member of the SBBSC, Asren Pugh, responded to these concerns telling The Echo that, ‘there is no easy way forward in negotiating with Norths to get the Bowlo into community hands and to ensure the long term financial viability of the club for generations to come.’
‘There are lots of opinions on the best options and the SBBSC is committed to hearing all opinions from the community and being as open and transparent about the possible ways forward. We have released a “Pros and Cons” summary that we encourage everyone to look at, and to fill in the community survey that is open at the moment. We want the community asset back in community hands, viable long term, and open as soon as possible.’
The ‘Pros and Cons’ summary is below:
OPTION A: Offer to buy Norths out
Pros:
- Club on pathway to reopening
- Title and management returns to community
- Complete independence from Norths
- Funds already raised can complete initial building repairs and get the club open
- New entity has full control over finances, operations and successCons:
- Price on purchase is uncertain and depends of a variety of factors
- Loan repayments may impact the financial viability of community ownership
- Loan may make borrowing against property harder
- Community to pay for repairs that Norths should have completed
- New entity must create/rebirth registered club, and all associated admin/costs
- Uncertain terms for loan at this stageNext Steps If We Go Forward
• Secure funding options, make an offer to Norths and negotiate terms
OPTION B: ‘Pathway to Community Ownership’ – in-principle agreement from Norths
- Title of land and assets returned to Bangalow entity via a conditional 25 year mortgage/security with Norths
- New Bowlo club makes no repayments (other than on default) and has unencumbered title after 25 years
- Many details (such as default triggers) of the conditions of this offer are To Be Confirmed (TBC)Pros:
- Club on pathway to reopening
- No repayments is positive financial position for revived club starting out
- New entity has control over operations and successCons:
- Option is dependent on Norths membership vote for Seagulls deal
- If new Bangalow entity fails, Norths get the land and building back at any time
- New club retains a relationship with Norths for the next 25 years
- Current terms will make borrowing very difficult for new Club entity, including toreplace the roof in 7+ years
- A new agreement with an organisation who has previously breached anotheragreement
- Terms require community to pay for repairs that Norths should have completed
- New entity must create/rebirth registered club, and all associated admin/costsNext Steps If We Go Forward
- Continue self-funding path to independence
- Work with local philanthropists to secure no or low interest loan to buy the assetback off Norths unconditionally
- Use existing GoFundMe money and volunteer labour to complete repairs
• Respond to Norths and continue discussions
OPTION C: Open an Expression of Interest with other local clubs
- Norths will open up an Expression of Interest for other clubs to bid for the club
- All assets and operation transferred to other club
- Title and land still with Norths and Bowlo remains closed until completedPros:
- Transparency in terms of asking price, financial statements and conditions set by Norths
- Bangalow entity and rebirthed club can participate in the EOI
- EOI process has a defined timeline so could potentially be the shortest route to re-opening
- Amalgamation by another club removes Norths involvement and financial ties withBangalowCons:
- Title and asset do not return to community if Bangalow entity is not successful
- Club remains closed while EOI process happens
- Norths controls the EOI process with ClubsNSW. It is completely at Norths discretionto accept or reject any EOI.
- Failure of the EOI process triggers the ability for Norths to sell the assetWinning EOI club might not be aligned with Bangalow values, eg gambling, andcommunity could have little say into the operation of the club
- Risk of new club owners selling the land, developing etcNext Steps If We Go Forward
• Advise Norths they can open up the Expression of Interest process
OPTION D: Restart public and legal campaign
- Continue investigating legal avenues, regulatory actions, and parallel media campaign
- Norths requested these activities be stopped while positive negotiations were activePros:
- Taking proactive stance against the admitted MOU breaches eg a moral/ethical position
- Applying pressure from a number of angles to negotiate more favourable sale terms, or at least devalue asset for others / discredit Norths reputationally
- Title and asset potentially returned to the community (uncertain)
- Multi-strand approach allows for both professional and grassrootsactivism/advocacyCons:
- Norths have said they will withdraw from negotiations if this path is taken
- Costs depend on how far the legal challenge needs to be taken
- GoFundMe money raised so far cannot be used for legal or media campaign
- Labour intensive for volunteers/community doing campaigning
- Uncertain outcome from legal action – eg could reduce sale price – eg repaying Norths for bailout costs at time of Amalgamation
- If unsuccessful, could result in community liable for Norths legal costs
- Uncertainty about how long this process could take to resolve
- Club remains closed while the process is in playNext Steps If We Go Forward
- Raise money and get formal legal advice
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
