Coronavirus: Bankstown Sports sheds 650 jobs, locals flock to Centrelink
Thousands of jobs in southwest Sydney have been wiped out in a day following the government’s decision to close clubs and pubs in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Express
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Bankstown Sports, one of the biggest clubs in NSW and Australia, has laid off more than 600 staff as the forced closure of clubs and pubs due to the coronavirus outbreak takes its toll on the local economy.
The club CEO Mark Condi confirmed they were forced to stand down 650 staff across six venues on Monday..
“The staff are devastated with many being there for more than 40 years,” a gutted Mr Condi told The Express.
“It’s an absolutely awful time for all of us and our goal is to look after the staff as best as we can.
“We are hoping to get funding from the banks to remain as we are until things get back to normal.”
The other clubs attached to Bankstown Sports chain are Birrong Sports, Bankstown Bowls, The Acres Club, Greenacre, Auburn Tennis Club and Baulkham Hills Sports.
Blaxland federal Labor MP Jason Clare mentioned the job losses at Bankstown Sports during his speech at parliament Monday.
“There are lots of people that are going to lose their jobs,” Mr Clare said.
“A lot of them work in pubs and clubs, and the decision made last night is going to force a lot of them into Centrelink queues.
“For example, at Bankstown Sports Club in the heart of my electorate, 500 people were stood down today and another 120 have been made redundant.
“That doesn’t count the 300 cleaners and restaurant staff and security workers that are contractors there.
Bankstown Sports, founded in 1958, has more than 80,000 members and supports more than 40 sporting clubs in the city.
The club’s Flinders Centre Bankstown and TraveLodge will operate as normal for the time being but its popular UFC Gym will be closed.
Mr Condi, who began his career at Bankstown Sports washing and cleaning glasses 28 years ago, said, “we will keep going.”
Meanwhile, hundreds packed the Centrelink office at Bankstown from Monday morning as news broke about the closure of many establishments across the city and NSW.
The queues snaked down the road for hours with many like Greenacre’s Antonio Gonzalez and Mary, of Bankstown, saying they were reluctant to ask for help but had no choice.
“I have been living and working in Australia for more than 30 years and never have gone to Centrelink for help,” Mr Gonzalvez, 62, of said.
“But I have not been working for more than three weeks as I am a painter and maintenance man and work has dried up.
“So I thought I better do something and am now hoping Centrelink can help me.
“If the office shuts before my turn, I will return tomorrow.”
Mary, who declined to give her full name, said she worked in retail and had been laid off.
“I was one of the 18 staff who lost their jobs and I am worried,” the 22-year-old said.
“I am ashamed to ask for financial help because I like to own my own money.
“Even my family members have lost their shifts so I am now willing to do any job to survive.”
Shariyer Hassan, 42, of Lakemba, said he is very upset as he lost his job in hospitality and is jobless after five years.
“I never took any money from the government and paid all my taxes so I hope the government can help me now, “ he said.
Mr Hassan said his wife and two children back in Dhaka, Bangladesh, rely on him for financial support.
His friend, Mohammed Shahinur Shokel, is doing a masters in professional accounting and had worked at Bankstown Sports for more than a year.
“Then today we were told our jobs were gone,” said Mr Shokel, a pizza chef at Bankstown Sports Club.
Clubs NSW said in a statement said it was a devastating time for the industry, its 3.5 million members and 63,000 who rely on the clubs for employment.
“We are acutely aware that for many people, clubs provide them with their primary social outlet,” the statement read.
“Our message to club members and employees is - look after yourselves and if you need to talk to someone, call a family member or friend, or failing that contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.”