Sporties advertises for merger, as developer joins board

Sporties at Woy Woy has advertised through Clubs NSW for expressions of interest from registered clubs to explore the possibility of an amalgamation or merger.

However, the move was not mentioned at the Woy Woy Bowling Club's annual meeting held just days earlier, where a second director of redevelopment company Woy Woy Holdings, Mr Tony Altavilla, was elected to the Sporties board, joining Mr Rod Chippendale.

It was described as "a complete surprise to club members" by Woy Woy Men's Bowling Club life member Mr Ken Dixon.

"The Expression of Interest wasn't even raised at the meeting, which is mysterious," Mr Dixon said.

He said Sporties had circulated a statement on the back of the expression of interest document from its general manager, drawing members' attention to the decision made by the Board of Directors to advertise for expressions of interest.

The Clubs NSW Circular calling for expressions of interest stated: "In accordance with regulatory requirements, initial preference will be given to expressions of interest received from registered clubs located within a 50km radius.

"However, this does not preclude expressions of interest from registered clubs located outside the 50km radius also being taken into consideration," it said.

"The club leases the 7500 square metre property from a private owner.

"It currently has 900 members and 26 gaming machines.

"The club is about to enter a period of renewal with the landlord awaiting approval for a DA for the club site.

"The DA will turn the club's current premises into an over-55's residential development with provision for a club.

"The proposed club house will feature a bar, function room, restaurant with kitchen, outdoor dining, outdoor and indoor gaming and administration offices.

"It is also proposed to have an eight-rink, fully enclosed and climate controlled synthetic green and parking for 130 vehicles.

"Construction, pending DA approval, is expected to commence within the next 12 months and be completed within the next two years.

"During construction of the new clubhouse, there will be no ability to operate out of the Brick Wharf Rd site and as such, an ideal amalgamation partner will be able to accommodate the club's members during this time."

Clubs interested in expressing interest were told to contact Sporties at Woy Woy general manager Mr Kevin Jenkins.

The closing date for expressions of interest was Sunday, December 31.

The annual meeting saw the current chair Ms Di Elsom, deputy chair Ms Gaye Scarfe and treasurer Mr Rod Chippendale re-elected unopposed and two other nominees, Mr Eddie Burgess and developer Mr Tony Altavilla, elected unopposed.

Two other directors, Mr Jim Cassidy and Mr John Hughes, were elected from the floor.

Mr Cassidy was a former president of the registered club and current chairman and life member of the Men's Bowls Club.

Mr Hughes was also a former director of the registered club.

The bid for election by Mr Ross Cochrane was unsuccessful, missing out by just three votes.

SOURCES:

Interviews, 7 Dec 2017

Ken Dixon, Woy Woy Men's Bowling Club

Ross Cochrane, Save Woy Woy Waterfront

Amalgamation EOI Circular, 5 De 2017

Anthony Ball, Clubs NSW

Reporter: Jackie Pearson