Discussions start on amalgamation of Cherry Street Sports and Club Lennox

The amalgamation could see one club dissolved. A plan will be taken to members in coming months.

GRINS ON THE GREEN: The men of the Lennox Head Bowls Club were very happy to be back on the greens after the pandemic lock-down back in July 2020.

The boards of Cherry Street Sports Club and Club Lennox have started formal amalgamation talks.

Under the proposal, the amalgamation would mean Club Lennox would be dissolved due to financial hardship.

The clubs confirmed on October 6 that negotiations will take place to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding between both clubs.

Cherry Street Sports Club general manager Tere Sheehan said the move will mean more than just having a place for clubs to play bowls - it will directly benefit the whole community. 

“You might be forgiven if you were to think it was all about bowling, but for two local bowling clubs, it is all about community,” he said.

The board of directors of each club have entered discussions to negotiate an amalgamation agreement.

That agreement will be taken to members in coming months.

“Once the support of members of each club is obtained, the clubs will then seek the approval of the regulator, NSW Liquor and Gaming. It is hoped that the amalgamation process will be completed in the first half of 2022,” he said.

“Cherry Street Sports Club is very proud of the financial contribution we make to over 16 grassroots sporting clubs in Ballina.

“We would intend to grow this support to the grassroots sports of the Lennox Head sporting clubs.”

Following completion of the amalgamation, the support Cherry Street provides to the Ballina community would also be available to Lennox Head community groups, the general manager said.

“As a community club, we understand the important role clubs play in their local community, and we are excited to be able to help the members of Club Lennox keep their club open,” Mr Sheehan explained.

“Cherry Street Sports looks forward to bringing our ‘Profit for Purpose’ focus to Club Lennox and ensuring the long-term viability of this community asset.”

General manager of the Cherry Street Sports Club, Tere Sheehan, with Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond members Jodie Shelley and Col Lee.

David McKinnon, general manager at Club Lennox said the organisation called for expressions of interest last August to amalgamate with a like-minded Club within a 200km radius.

“The board and management — along with our financial advisers — concluded that Club Lennox would have difficulties operating as a financially viable club and Cherry St was selected as the preferred partner as they had similar community direction and Cherry St Sports could provide the sustainability Club Lennox needs for the growing Lennox community,” he said.

Mr McKinnon said the amalgamation will ensure a greater co-ordination of operations, improve service, and the club’s staff will have continued security of employment and greater career opportunities and stability.

“Under the agreement, there will be a commitment to investing into the redevelopment of Club Lennox, to provide a facility which aims specifically to benefit our community and affiliate groups for future years,” he said.

“The board and management of both Club Lennox and Cherry St Sports have been working closely to ensure the amalgamation is in the best interest of the community and Club Lennox retains its identity as Lennox Head’s local club.”