Tracy Village shock: One of Darwin’s largest social and sports clubs goes into administration

DARWIN’S difficult economic times have forced the northern suburbs’ largest social and sports club, Tracy Village, to go into voluntary administration

Largest social and sports club, Tracy Village

DARWIN’S difficult economic times have forced the northern suburbs’ largest social and sports club, Tracy Village, to go into voluntary administration.

The club, which has more than 5000 members, features large playing fields that accommodate Aussie rules, baseball, softball and cricket.

It is also home to darts, eightball and the Tracy Village basketball club.

The news has sent more shockwaves through Darwin’s business community, which has seen a number of businesses forced to shut their doors with the loss of hundreds of jobs.

MOBILE ELECTRIC GOES INTO LIQUIDATION WITH THE LOSS OF 60 JOBS

OTHER BUSINESSES AT RISK AFTER MOBILE ELECTRICS SHUTS

The club, founded in 1975 after Cyclone Tracy, was only recently named the Hospitality industry’s 2018 Most Outstanding Club – Community Service and Achievement.

The administrator said the administration process was temporary.

“We intend to work closely with the board, Tracy Village management and employees to ensure the process runs smoothly,” the administrator said.

FLIP OUT DARWIN DRAMA AS NATIONAL FRANCHISOR TAKES BACK CONTROL OF EMBATTLED BUSINESS

DISASTER FOR DARWIN RSL: FIRST PICTURES INSIDE GUTTED CLUB

“In conjunction with the board we will consider a range of potential projects to improve operating performance at Tracy Village.”

The administrators will also review Tracy Village’s debts and consider whether a restructure of those debts is required to ensure Tracy Village remains strong and viable going forward.

It said indicative funding approval for operations and for key projects had been sought from Tracy Village’s bank.

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said she had talked to the club president and offered assistance from the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation.

“I’ve been advised by the club president that this is a period of voluntary administration to allow for some restructuring of the club, which it expects to be out of in the next four to six months,” Ms Manison said.

​The peak body that represents clubs and hotels said it feared new gaming taxes that came into effect last July may have impacted the club.

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS TO THE NT NEWS FOR JUST 50C A DAY

Australian Hotels Association NT chief executive Des Crow said club closures in Groote Eylandt, Katherine and Darwin showed how tough things were.

Opposition Leader Gary Higgins said the appointment of administrators was telling of the declining Territory economy.