Mosman Rowers Club needs $150k within weeks to avoid closure
THE famous Mosman Rowers needs an immediate cash injection of $150,000 or else the iconic harbourside venue may be forced to close its doors for good.
Mosman
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MOSMAN Rowers is sending out an SOS to the community.
The club needs a cash injection to help reopen the doors, otherwise it will be shut down.
“If the members cannot raise $150,000 then the administrators advise that the club will be liquidated,” member Tim James said.
“That’s the end of the line. There is no club.
“Mosman Bay would never be the same again. It would be a great shame for our community, heritage, culture and amenity in our local area.”
Voluntary administrators were appointed to the club in May and they have been working to resolve the financial distress.
The club is 145 years old and in the past decade a lot of work was done to make it more appealing to the community.
Mr James explained that this work included removing the poker machines, organising community events on days such as St Patrick’s Day and reducing membership fees.
But there have been challenges.
The old heritage club requires a lot of “costly repairs and maintenance” and it faced competition from newer, more sophisticated offerings in the area.
The lease with Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) also did not offer tenure to secure a third party investment in the club as it has been month-to-month since 2014.
If the community and members can raise $150,000 it will help to secure a long-term lease with RMS and bring in a third party catering operator.
“There’s a terrific opportunity here,” Mr James said. “It’s much more than saving the club. It is recognising the club must adapt and improve to have a future.”
Mr James said the Rowers is a special place for him and many locals.
“There are many long-time, passionate members for whom the club is much more than a club,” he said.
“It’s a home away from home, another living room, a place of friendship, and a caring neighbour.”
IN OTHER NEWS
Club members have until July 30 to communicate that they are willing to contribute funds to save the club. If every member contributed $150 it would help save the club.
A RMS spokeswoman said a meeting was held with the administrator last week to discuss possible next steps, including the need for safety work on the structure which is built on pylons.
To donate email mosman.rowers@fh.com.au.