Members vote for Justin Hemmes led Merivale to take over operations of Club Rose Bay

A waterside club closed down and staff were terminated after it went into receivership. But members have now voted to hand control of operations to Merivale. Here’s what the next steps look like.

The Justin Hemmes-backed Merivale could soon take over Club Rose Bay

The members of an eastern suburbs RSL have voted near unanimously to have hospitality giant Merivale take over the operations of their beloved Club after it suddenly closed last year.

In August 2024, waterside Club Rose Bay closed down and staff were terminated after the club went into receivership with debts believed to be $900,000.

The closure came less than 24 hours after launching its new bistro, Villagio.

Now, The Daily Telegraph can reveal that in a general meeting held on Saturday January 18, 147 members voted to have the Justin Hemmes-led Merivale take over club operations.

An extraordinary number of members turned out for the vote, with only one voting no.

Members voted in favour of having the Justin Hemmes led Merivale take over operations of Club Rose Bay. Picture: Mick Bruzzese

The seaside RSL closed suddenly in August 2024 after going into administration. Photo: Tom Parrish

Club Rose Bay president John Bax believed the bigger than anticipated turn out showed the “importance of our club to the community.”

The final step in the move is for regulatory approval, which is due in the coming weeks.

This is set to become the first RSL club operations in Merivale’s portfolio of over 70 venues.

It’s also believed the new operations would be keeping prices in line with those set by RSLs in the area.

“It’s very exciting we’ll be able to reopen the doors to Club Rose Bay in the coming months,” Mr Bax said.

Club Rose Bay is set to become the first RSL in Merivales portfolio of over 70 venues. Photo: Tom Parrish

Late last year, a letter was sent to members that with their vote, Merivale would become a service provider to the club and manage the food and beverage, however the proposal was for loan funding only. Merivale will not own any assets or control governance.

“The board will remain in full control of the club, your rights as a club member will not change, and your member discounts will continue to apply,” the letter stated.

Hemmes said Merivale’s support would see Club Rose Bay grow its membership and increase visitation.

“We are committed to supporting Club Rose Bay, the Rose Bay RSL sub-branch and their members to re-establish the club, while preserving, honouring and enhancing the club’s rich history and war memorial,” he said.

“By safeguarding its legacy and securing its future, it will ensure the club remains a significant part of the community for future generations.”

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