Larger profit does not silence club

Profits have increased by 27 per cent to $545,637 over the past year at the Everglades Country Club, according to secretary-manager Mr Wayne Dean.

Despite this, Mr Dean has criticised the State Government for its poker machine tax.

He said he was recently advised that 126 clubs had closed or amalgamated in the last four years.

At least another 27 were in administration or liquidation at June 30, he said.

Mr Dean said he hoped the State Government would realise its policy was harming clubs and communities before even more clubs closed their doors.

He said he hoped that the new State Treasurer would review the tax on poker machine revenue.

It appeared this would not happen, with negotiations apparently off the agenda, he said.

Club president Mr Brian Cawley said the October and November results were particularly strong.

October showed a profit of $108,842 and November a profit of $112,858.

The year to date figure stood at $465,017 on November 30, compared to $350,375 at the same time last year.

The cash surplus to November was $628,050.

Bulletin, February 1 Wayne Dean, Everglades Country Club