Ballina Croquet members say they have been evicted from the Ballina Bowling and Recreation Club (BB&C).
And while the BB&C, located on Cherry Street, have said in a statement that ‘a new unified operating structure’ for croquet in Ballina has been implemented, members are not impressed.
The club says the new structure is ‘designed to increase community access and support long term sustainability’.
Yet the media release is also at odds with the views of Ballina councillor Kiri Dicker, who renamed the media release ‘Ballina’s oldest croquet club evicted’.
BB&C’s media release is titled ‘New Unified Operating Model to Expand Community Access to croquet in Ballina’.
Their statement reads, ‘The Ballina Bowling and Recreation Club Ltd (BB&C), as lessee of the croquet facility at Bentinck and Moon Streets, is implementing a new unified operating structure designed to increase community access and support long term sustainability of the sport in Ballina’.
‘Effective 15 April 2026, croquet operations at the facility will be delivered through a single BB&RC affiliated sub-club model’.
The Echo sought comment from the club as to how the ‘new unified operating structure’ would work, along with the claims by members, but no reply was provided by deadline.
The club says in the statement, ‘This structure will allow the lawns to be open for play six days per week for everyone, providing significantly increased availability for all registered players’.
Enhancing a community asset
‘As lessee of this Crown Land site, BB&RC is responsible for ensuring the facility is managed efficiently and in a way that maximises benefit to the broader community. A unified operating model will create consistent administration, streamlined scheduling, and greater overall access.
“Our focus is on supporting croquet’s ongoing growth in Ballina by ensuring the facility can be enjoyed as widely and consistently as possible,’ said John Whitty, Chair of BB&RC. ‘The expanded six day schedule will allow more people to participate, socialise, and enioy this wonderful community sport’.
‘BB&C wishes to emphasise that this change relates only to the administrative model, not to individual players. All current croquet players within the community – including members of the Ballina Croquet Club – are warmly invited to continue playing by joining the unified sub-club’.
‘We are committed to an inclusive environment where every local croquet player has the opportunity to participate,’ Mr Whitty said. ‘Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to supporting a strong and vibrant future for croquet in Ballina’.
BB&RC say they ‘will continue to maintain the lawns and clubhouse to a high standard through its established sports turf contractor and will provide the facilities, administration, and support required to sustain expanded weekly play’.
Ballina’s oldest croquet club
Ballina councillor Kiri Dicker told The Echo the decision impacts around 70 members and that she has been trying to find them a permanent home for some time.
Cr Dicker said in a public statement on social media, ‘Cherry Street Sports Club was quick off mark in controlling the narrative this week with a slick media release, after giving the Ballina Croquet Club four weeks notice to vacate the Croquet Lawns and remove all its equipment’.
‘This decision has only been made possible because the club now holds the licence for the lawns with Crown Lands directly, as opposed to the previous arrangement where Council was the licence holder.
‘The Ballina Croquet Club celebrates its 90th birthday this year. Its membership is predominately older and mostly female. For many, this Club has become a part of their identity and critical to their sense of connection. They are beyond devastated.
‘They are a fiercely progressive bunch who have never been afraid to question the gambling and alcohol profits and challenge fee increases on lawns that are leased for a pittance. Dissent is part of a healthy democracy and I’ve never witnessed the Club make personal remarks about any individual involved in Cherry St or its affiliated Club.
‘The invitation for members of the Ballina Croquet Club to join Cherry Street’s new “amalgamated” and “affiliated” Club is pure fakery designed to make this decision appear fair and warranted. They are well aware that this is a Club where they feel unwelcome and marginalised.
‘I have tried for years to find an alternative home for the Ballina Croquet Club, including at Cawarra Park, but attempts have ultimately failed.
‘This week my thoughts are with Ballina Croquet Club and their members. I am sorry it has come to this. Public land should never be managed by corporations for profit’.
Club member appeals to Council
Ballina Croquet Club member Carolyn Reay-Young wrote to Ballina councillors on Thursday, March 19.
She said, ‘Dear Mayor & Councillors, I think most of you know that Ballina Croquet Club have been told to vacate croquet at Cherry Street by 14 April and clear out all our possessions.
‘We were given 28 days notice and 90% of everything in the clubhouse belongs to us. We have no idea where it is all going to go.
‘This is not just us leaving, but the end of our club. I don’t know if you are aware but at present there are 6 clubs in competition with each other in the Northern Rivers.
‘These are Cherry Street, Ballina, Byron, Alstonville, Lismore & Casino. At present we are all playing pennants which we will be unable to complete without help from other clubs. Cherry Street, Byron & Ballina are the strongest clubs in the competition. Cherry Street has over 70 members & Ballina has 66 members, way more than any of the other clubs & far too many for one club.
‘The other clubs are shocked to hear that we are being dismantled and our whole club is also in shock & sadness.
One suggestion was that we go to Alstonville, which already has its own club and does not want to be invaded by us.
‘Cherry Street in their latest post, says the lawns will operate 6 days a week. I just want to say the lawns are always open 6 days – 3 days for us & 3 days for Cherry Street. Joining us together does nothing to promote Croquet & lessens competition.
‘So now you know a bit more about what is happening we are begging you to find Ballina Croquet some land at Ferngrove or near the airport or Spoonbill. As we have said before we only want a lease and we will do the rest.
‘Please, please, please help us keep our club together which turns 90 in May’.
The Echo sought comment from the club but no reply was provided as of deadline.
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