THE recently formed Friends of Hurstville RSL are desperate to save their club, with only days to go before the big general meeting to decide on a merger between Hurstville RSL and South Hurstville RSL (The Pinnacle).
The friends assert that members have been given only one choice to solve the club’s financial problems: amalgamation and the total loss of property and identity — even though there is a development offer on the table which could allow Hurstville RSL to continue to exist in its own right.
They also say that the Hurstville board has not been frank about its future plans for the club — that when amalgamated, The Pinnacle would have its own development agenda.
The friends insist the August 10 general meeting considers a second item, giving members a vote on the development proposal.
The developer Will McDonald from from Skye Pacific said he was prepared to redevelop the Hurstville club property in a joint venture.
Hurstville RSL would get a 20 per cent profit share from the redevelopment, he said.
It would also get a loan to keep it afloat, and a new club and restaurant with a childcare centre to provide a continuing income stream.
Most importantly, the club would retain its property and identity in the local community.
But Hurstville RSL chairman Bruce Worsley said they had already had offers from developers but decided that in the interests of members, a merger with a like-minded club was the best way.
‘‘Our club is for the community; most of our members are fully aware of what can happen when developers gain control of a club’s assets,’’ Mr Worsley said.
Friends spokesman Mikall Chong said the friends believed that the board’s appeal to RSL community traditions was
deceptive and that there was another agenda.
He quoted from the terms of amalgamation:
‘‘Pinnacle, as the amalgamated club, will maintain, renovate, upgrade and improve the Hurstville RSL premises and for at least three years following completion of the amalgamation, carry on the business of the licensed registered club under the Registered Clubs Act and Liquor Act at those premises with all the facilities and amenities of a registered club, subject to any temporary closure due to redevelopment of the premises.
‘‘Any redevelopment may include other uses such as commercial, retail and residential development and uses of Hurstville RSL’s land which the amalgamated club will explore ... ’’
Mr Chong said South Hurstville would not have the funds for a major development and would have to strike a similar deal with a developer as the one offered by Mr McDonald.
‘‘Do they already have a developer in mind and finances ready to go?’’ Mr Chong said.
‘‘Is that the reason they did not acknowledge Skye Pacific’s offer.
‘‘How can we disappear off the face of the earth while South Hurstville gets the whole deal for nothing.’’
ONE SIDE LIKES IT
South Hurstville RSL Club held an extraordinary general meeting on Saturday, August 2, and the members were overwhelmingly in support of the amalgamation with Hurstville RSL.
MERGER ‘SENSIBLE’
Response from South Hurstville RSL general manager, Simon Mikkelsen, and supported by Hurstville RSL general manager Rodney Bell:
‘‘There appears to be a very strange and desperate pro-development push from a very small part of Hurstville RSL’s membership.
‘‘What is most disturbing is that it seems to be a push for one developer. How did this happen?
‘‘While I acknowledge the group wants the best for the their club and the community, it seems rather näive that they believe a developer with a very sketchy proposal wants the same thing.
‘‘Under the ClubsNSW code of conduct all clubs need to consider more than one development option. Certain people are conveniently forgetting that Hurstville RSL’s board has already looked at other developer proposals and a merger with Marrickville RSL. Because we are another like-minded RSL in close proximity and trading well, they approached us and we honestly believe that with the right support and industry expertise Hurstville RSL can become profitable again.
‘‘Sure, in due course we will look at maximising the assets of both clubs and we will look at all development options. However, the difference is we will do it from a position of strength. If we amalgamate we will not be going to any developer with cap in hand. We will have a strong balance sheet, a great membership base and the Hurstville community in mind.
‘‘I would sincerely suggest the friends of Hurstville RSL look at the facts, not some ‘pie in the sky’.’’
Did you vote in favour of an amalgamation? If so, why?
