NSW Bush Summit: Evans Head Bowls Club saves Evans Head Fishing Co-op from closure

A regional NSW tourist town’s fishing industry “on its knees” has been saved by the local bowlo, which has brought the business – and the catch of the day – back from the brink.

A regional NSW tourist town’s fishing industry “on its knees” has been saved by the local bowlo, which brought the business – and the catch of the day – back from the brink.

Last year, trade was so dire for the Evans Head Fishing Co-op, the business was on the cusp of closing for good.

But Roger Hong, chief executive officer of the Evans Head Bowls Club and a number of other venues in town, had long recognised how integral the co-op was to the community.

On April Fools’ Day last year, you could almost say Mr Hong landed the most important catch of his life – but it was no joke.

He stepped in to manage the co-op, offering a 30-year agreement to ensure it would stay afloat.

The fishing industry is woven into the fabric of the Evans Head community. Picture: Luke Marsden.

More than one year on, Mr Hong said business is more buoyant than ever.

“The fishing industry in general has been through a very tough time. In Evans it was essentially on its knees before we stepped in, I’m talking trading insolvent, dire straits territory,” he said.

“I hate to say it, but most fishermen are great at fishing and not very good at doing business.

“Aside from that, the government in recent years have pulled back on quotas and licenses so it has been tough for everyone.

Evans Head Fishing Co-Op’s Steve McClure and daughter Hannah McClure, 20, with some fresh fish caught off the coast of Evans Head. Picture: Luke Marsden.

“The running costs of commercial fishing operations are very expensive and have been on the increase. It’s hard to stay viable.”

Mr Hong said the Evans Head township formed around its historic prawning industry. He remembers 70 prawn boats moored back in the day. Now – there’s only one.

“The co-op was doing it tough and made contact. I agreed to come and have a look at their finances,” he said.

“I don’t anything about fishing – but I do know they were stuffed.”

Evans Head Bowls Club CEO Roger Hong. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Hong said several Clubs NSW staff under his management stepped in to manage the hospitality side of the co-op, and business began to boom from there.

“And here we are today, with the Sydney Fish Market being one of our biggest customers, 16 new staff and a craft brewery and museum in the works,” he said.

Fresh catch. Picture: Luke Marsden.

“We try to employ all the high school kids so they have meaningful weekend and holiday work.

“Fishing families are still the main families in Evans. Everyone is related to somebody that has something to do with fishing.

“The fishermen just want to fish and don’t have to worry about the numbers anymore. It would have been a tragedy to lose such an iconic part of this town.”

Mr Hong said Clubs NSW is all about community: “That’s what clubs are about. They’re the heart of the community. Looking out for and looking after the community.”