When Norths Collective decided to breach the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bangalow Bowlo and the community, and closed the Bangalow Bowlo with no warning, they may not have realised how prepared the community is to fight for the return of their beloved Bowlo.
A year on, and though the Bowlo remains closed, legal proceedings have commenced in the Supreme Court of New South Wales seeking access to documents relating to the closure of the Bangalow Bowling Club and the circumstances surrounding its management by North Sydney Leagues Club Ltd (Norths).
Bangalow Bowlo member Greg Nash has filed a summons seeking preliminary discovery orders, almost 12 months after Norths closed the club in October 2025.
Since 11 June 2026, Greg’s legal representatives have written to Norths seeking documents, further explanations of decisions affecting the Bowlo, and opportunities for discussions with club members and community representatives.
Grounds for action?
The application seeks documents that may assist Greg in determining whether there are grounds to commence further legal proceedings concerning Norths management of the club and its obligations following the 2023 amalgamation.
Greg is bringing the application in his individual capacity, with the support of the Save Bangalow Bowlo Steering Committee (SBBSC), which has been campaigning for the return of the club to community ownership.
‘This application will give me what I need to know if I am to make a decision to sue or not sue Norths,’ Greg said in a press release provided to The Echo.
Preliminary discovery is a legal process that allows an applicant to seek access to documents to help determine whether they may have grounds to commence substantive proceedings. The current application does not establish that Norths has breached any legal obligations, and no findings have been made.
Community fundraising efforts over the past year have generated close to $200,000 in donations, demonstrating the strength of local support for securing the Bowlo’s future.
Greg acknowledged the financial and personal commitments involved in pursuing the application.
‘None of this is inexpensive and of course there’s risk involved, especially for myself,’ he said.
The SBBSC said they ‘support Greg’s efforts to obtain further information and remain committed to pursuing a sustainable future for the club that protects its sporting, social, and cultural functions.’
Support the Bring Back the Bowlo campaign at: www.bringbackthebowlo.com and the Community Fighting Fund at: www.gofundme.com/f/help-fund-a-fair-outcome-for-the-bowlo.
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