Bowls club saved after immense financial struggles nearly fold the venue

A Gold Coast sports club on the brink of folding has been thrown a “lifeline” by another club. Here’s how they were saved.

Club Robina has formed. Pictured L-R Ann Holmes, Carmel Gibb, Tom Cowper, Dawn Forrest, Tom Moore, Margaret Donaldson, Brent Lowary, Gerald East, Paul Fern. Image: Supplied

A Gold Coast bowls club on the brink of folding has been thrown a “lifeline” by another club.

Robina Bowls Club was battling financial difficulties for years, with Covid putting the club’s future on a knife-edge.

But bowlers across the Gold Coast can now breathe a sigh of relief, with the club being purchased by Club Helensvale, ensuring it will remain open.

The purchase — which see the facility’s name change to Club Robina — will ensure bowls continue at the site, with big improvements planned for both the bowls and club facilities.

Club Helensvale CEO Wayne Moffatt said talks began in late 2022, when the imminent reality of closure began to set in.

Without outside help, it was almost certain the club would fold.

“It was clear to us very quickly that the club was on the verge of closure and without outside support it would almost certainly fold,” Moffatt said.

“As a not-for-profit community bowls club we felt it was within our charter to help out, providing a brighter future for the Robina community and adding another great facility for our members residing to the south to enjoy.”

With the support of both boards, the agreement to take over the club was approved by Robina Bowls Club members in December, with Club Helensvale taking over operations immediately.

The club with launch a new restaurant menu, complete improvements to the car park, and employ three new staff members as part of the alignment.

But that is just the beginning of an “even brighter future”, according to Moffatt.

“The club, in the leafy streets of Robina, will be given a new lease on life with multimillion-dollar renovations planned over the coming years,” he said.

“Our first priority will be to improve the standard of the bowling greens that support the 180 strong bowling membership.

“Then we’ll turn our attention to the club facilities, with a new masterplan to be created, offering modern club facilities for the whole community to enjoy.”

The support of Club Helensvale has been welcomed by the club’s bowling members including Dawn Forrest who joined the club in 1994 and has previously held positions as Secretary, Games Director, Treasurer, Ladies President and Board Member.

“I was quite upset to think that my club may close its doors after almost 30 years as a member,” Forrest said.

“When I heard Club Helensvale was interested in taking on the club, I felt like we were being thrown a lifeline.

“Things are now looking bright for us and I’m very positive and optimistic about the future for Club Robina.”

It was only three years ago when Club Helensvale was facing its own financial downfall.

“When Covid shut the industry down in March 2020, we weren’t in a great position,” Moffatt recalled.

“However, with the support of our members, we’ve turned that around, completing two major renovations in 2021 and 2022.

The club with launch a new restaurant menu, complete improvements to the car park, and employ three new staff members. Pictured: Jim Cameron.

“We’re now embarking on a $13 million renovation including construction of a new international standard undercover bowling green, two-storey bowlers lounge and function centre, and car park upgrades.

“To be in the position to renovate our entire club and now take on Club Robina is a fantastic achievement for our members.

“Members will be able to join at either club for just $5 for one year, or $20 for five years and enjoy access and member benefits across both clubs.

“Club Helensvale is proud to support our community and the addition of Club Robina ensures the local community can continue to enjoy their local club for years to come.”