Hardys Bay Club: Calls for help as club faces closure due to coronavirus impacts
Hardys Bay Community Club is in dire straights to the tune of $100,000 following the COVID-19 shutdown. The club is appealing for help to secure its future and open the doors once again.
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The future of Hardys Bay Club is in doubt, with it now appealing for help from its members and the community to ensure its survival following the COVID-19 shutdown and follow on impacts.
The club is no longer affiliated with the RSL and operates as Hardys Bay Community Club with no poker machines.
“The recent COVID-19 situation has had a devastating impact on the club, so it is now up to the community to come to the rescue,” director Andrew Mackie said.
“Realistically, the club needs about $100,000 in funds to re-open. Money raised will be going towards restocking of the bar, working capital to pay creditors and urgent repairs and maintenance to present a refreshed club for the community.
“The restaurant will be under new management with a revamped pub style menu.”
He said the closure of the club over the last three months had been devastating. The doors were officially shut on March 23 at the start of the COVID-19 shutdown and are yet to reopen.
Vital repair work includes remediation of the bar equipment and maintenance on the airconditioning.
“The Hardys Bay cockatoos are alive and well but unfortunately have feasted on much of the deck furniture which now needs to be replaced,” Mr Mackie said.
He said the club had received a rent reduction from the landlord, however said the club needed a lot of work for survival.
“The club has applied for various government assistance packages but that will not be sufficient for the club to cover its financial requirements.
“The views of members and others in the community are being sought regarding the future of the club and to gauge the level of support for the club to re-open.
“However, it is clear that, without the support of the locals, there is no future for the club.”
A gofundme page has been set up for people to donate.