Acing President Peter Wallace

In its 100th year, an extraordinary meeting of Kiama Bowling & Recreation Club’s members has been called to discuss options for the Club’s future.

Peter Wallace, the Club’s Acting President, says the Club is not yet in dire straits,  but needs to act sooner rather than later to ensure its long term viability.

“We had a meeting four weeks ago to say we are not travelling as well as we should be.

“Competition for business is a lot stronger today, and costs keep mounting.

“The Board feels the time to act is now, while we are still in a position of strength.

“We’re not in trouble, but because of that meeting we’ve had a lot of reaction from the community and approaches from other clubs.

“We want to discuss the future with members, present current offers and seek permission from them to explore any offers we receive.”

One offer that will be discussed is a possible amalgamation with Kiama Golf Club. The Golf Club has issued a call for expressions of interest from clubs within a 50km radius seeking to amalgamate.

This is the first step in a legal process that has emerged to assist clubs in similar situations to combine their resources and reduce their costs. It is a process that has seen five clubs successfully amalgamate with the Bomaderry Bowling Club, including Nowra Golf Club and Berry Bowling Club.

The Board of the Bowling Club have signalled their intention to recommend that the Club register its interest in an amalgamation.

“The consolidation of the two clubs will greatly increase the long term sustainability of two great sporting and social facilities in Kiama,” says Director Brian Hudson, who is Chair of the Bowling Club’s Finance Committee.

“It is important to understand that the lodgement of an expression of interest is not binding on the Club, but just the first step in a detailed process of evaluation on both sides.

“We are still talking to other parties and looking into all options for our long term viability.

“As a Board it is our responsibility to keep members fully informed during this process.”

For the purposes of the approval of any deal, social members have the same voting rights as bowling members, who number around 250 of the total 1400 members.

Unlike Gerringong Bowling Club, where a new guard was elected to provide a different direction for the Club, the Kiama Club’s September election passed uneventfully.

The AGM was told of a $50,669 loss in 2016/7, up from a loss of $18,636 in the previous year.

The Club has net assets of $5 million, largely due to its prime location.

“Our Club is celebrating its centenary this year, and we want to make sure it is around for members in the future,” says Mr Wallace.

A program of centenary celebrations are planned to begin in March.

Details: All members are invited to the meeting at the Club on Saturday 19 January, 10am