Bangalow community mobilises to save its beloved bowlo
A Northern Rivers community up in arms over the closure of their beloved “bowlo” by a Sydney Leagues Club have rallied and raised more than half the funds to reclaim the club following a community meeting.
A Northern Rivers community up in arms over the closure of their beloved “bowlo” by a Sydney Leagues Club have rallied following a community meeting to reclaim their club.
More than 120 residents gathered at the Moller Pavillion on Sunday for a public meeting facilitated by the Save Bangalow Bowlo steering committee and the Bangalow Advisory Committee.
Local’s were informed of the stalled negotiations with Norths Collective, formerly the North Sydney Leagues Club, and are demanding the return of the “vital social and cultural hub”.
Traditionally a “heat haven” for locals, Norths Collective locked and declared the Bowlo unsafe on October 24 but an independent building report has since challenged the claims showing straightforward and affordable repairs.
100 locals have since signed up for specialised working groups along with 20 tradies volunteering their labour for immediate maintenance.
A GoFundMe campaign swiftly surpassed $30,000 within 24 hours, raising $55,000 in three days with philanthropic discussions also underway. At time of publication donations are sitting on $59,360.
More than $30,000 has also been pledged outside the online donations, group spokeswoman Sally Schofield said.
The swift uptake of community fundraising proves the community’s ability to run the club and secure its licence.
This comes on the back of concern over Norths Collective’s management and alleged breaches of the Memorandum of Understanding signed during the 2022 amalgamation which reportedly committed Norths to maintaining the club and keeping it operational until at least June 2026.
Furthermore, the meeting heard concerns that Norths’ reported a $5 million trading loss over the last two financial years and the sale of Seagulls for an estimated $30 million, the group said in a statement.
This information had locals asking about the true reasons behind the Bangalow Bowlo’s closure.
The historically significant Northern Rivers club, the Bangalow Bowling Club is one of the earliest clubs in the region, welcoming women as full-time members.
Surviving two world wars, the club settled in its current site in 1964 becoming instrumental in its adoption of Tifdwarf grass on its bowling greens.
A century-plus old institution, the Bangalow Bowlo is a foundation for social connection, cultural life and community wellbeing.
In a statement from the Save Bangalow Bowlo, the steering committee confirmed that legal advice has been sought and the community will be investigating all options to end Norths’ Expression of Interest process and get the Bowlo back in community hands.
The Steering Committee outlined progress on a draft business plan, including hospitality models proposed by local and Sydney-based operators.
“Concepts include revitalised food and beverage offerings, a sustainable rent structure, and a renewed commitment to bowling programs, live music and community events.
Other models under consideration involve separating the land and building into a protected community trust structure to ensure long-term security, regardless of future operational partnerships,” the representative of Save Bangalow Bowlo said.
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Originally published as Bangalow community mobilises to save its beloved bowlo
