The Bangalow community has been left reeling after the unexpected and immediate closure of the much-loved Bangalow Bowlo on Friday 24 October, with no prior communication from current operators 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.
Three years ago, Bangalow Bowlo members voted on a highly contested—and for many, emotionally charged – amalgamation with Norths Collective, whose business model relies heavily on income from gambling machines, including its flagship club, North Sydney Leagues Club. 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 10 years.
In response to the abrupt closure, 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 Advisory Group, disgruntled supporters of the original amalgamation, along with those who objected to the amalgamation from the start – united now in their desire for transparency, accountability and a positive outcome for the community.
“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,” says Asren Pugh, spokesperson for the new Bowlo advocacy group.
“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,” Asren says.
Closing the Bowlo without notice to members or the community has sent shock waves through the village, and may have even breached the terms of the contentious MOU. The current Advisory Committee, appointed after the MOU was signed off, will be meet with Norths management on Wednesday. “We expect those discussions to be transparent and constructive,” Asren says.
“We hope Norths comes 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,” he says.
After a positive and productive meeting on Sunday, the Advisory Committee, with the support of the new community advocacy group, look forward to presenting a united front at the meeting with Norths Collective on Wednesday.
There are plans to 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. Keep an eye on The Bangalow Herald and Bangalow Community Facebook page for more information.
Sally Schofield