Tugun Surf Lifesaving Supporters Association faces six-figure court battle with management

A Gold Coast surf lifesaving club faces being barrelled for more than $222,500 after a messy dispute about management of their supporters club.

The Tugun Surf Club.

A Gold Coast surf lifesaving club faces being barrelled for more than $222,500 after a messy dispute about management of their supporters club.

The Tugun Surf Life Saving Supporters’ Association (SLSSA) is being sued by Australian Pubs and Clubs Management (APCM) after management of the Tugun club was abruptly terminated.

APCM has lodged a $222,500 claim in the Southport District Court alleging the Tugun club did not pay them according to the management agreement.

The court documents claim in April last year APCM and the Tugun SLSSA entered into an agreement that APCM would manage the supporters club, for a flat weekly flee and a small amount per drink and meal sold.

The Tugun Surf Club.

The agreement was to run until April 2024.

It is claimed in September last year the agreement was varied allowing APCM to terminate it with seven days notice if “the current Supporters Committee’s Executive be removed, change or adopt a different operational focus which will impact and result in an expectation of a change of (APCM’s) role”.

The court documents state in that case APCM would be paid $1000 for each week remaining in the contract.

On August 17, APCM emailed the Tugun SLSSA saying they were terminating the contract and providing an invoice for the remaining contract, the court documents claim.

It is further claimed on August 25 the then-treasurer of Tugun SLSSA emailed APCM saying the invoice would be paid.

An AGM of the club was on August 25 and a new committed was formed.

The court documents allege on August 27, Paul Bell, the new treasurer texted APCM and said: “I’ve talked to all the new committee and they wish to retain your services if you are ok with that?”.

The court documents also claim on August 29 Mr Bell said in a phone conversation “the invoice is not to be paid because that would mean you were not coming back”.

In a text message Mr Bell stated “to the effect” that Tugun SLSSA had accepted APCM’s resignation, the court documents claim.

In the court document APCM claim this then means that Tugun SLSSA terminated the agreement, and were therefore required to pay $222,500 to APCM.

APCM is now claiming it is owed that debt.

The Tugun SLSSA is yet to file a defence.

Tugun SLSSA president Steven Mannion declined to comment as the matter is before the courts.

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