Liquor and Gaming to review interests at Sporties
Liquor and Gaming NSW has undertaken to review any potential undisclosed financial interests in relation to the Woy Woy Sporties Bowling Club.
The government agency has issued a statement following reports in the previous edition of Peninsula News that Sporties had advertised through Clubs NSW for expressions of interest from other registered clubs to explore an amalgamation or merger.
The call for mergers was made days after the Sporties' annual general meeting which saw landlord Mr Tony Altavilla elected to the club's board of directors.
"A landlord can also be a director of a club if this is disclosed in the club's annual report," a statement from Liquor and Gaming said.
"Under registered clubs legislation, directors must declare any interest in any contract and would need to abstain from discussions on the matter," the statement said.
"The board of a club is permitted to approach the market regarding any potential amalgamation.
"Any such proposal would need approval of members in order to proceed.
"Liquor and Gaming NSW is reviewing any potential undisclosed financial interests in relation to the Woy Woy Sporties," it said.
The $30 million development application lodged on October 16 by Woy Woy Holdings Pty Ltd to redevelop the Sporties site has prompted over 80 submissions from community members to Central Coast Council.
In a written statement, Clubs NSW told Peninsula News: "ClubsNSW encourages its member clubs to consider amalgamations when it is in their best interests to do so.
"In many cases, particularly when a club has experienced a sustained period of financial difficulty, amalgamation represents the best way to ensure the long-term viability of the club.
"Dozens of clubs issue an expressions of interest for an amalgamation each year, but amalgamations do not eventuate in every case.
"First, an amalgamation partner must be found and then the members of both clubs must vote in favour of any amalgamation proposal.
"If the membership of either club feels the proposal is not in the best interests of their club, they can vote it down," the statement said.
SOURCES:
Media statement, 11 Dec 2017
Eric Aubert, Liquor, Gaming and Racing NSW
Media statement, 20 Dec 2017
Darren Flynn, Clubs NSW