Club Malua is set to amalgamate with Cabramatta Bowling Club, in a bid to ensure its sustainability.
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Club Malua secretary manager, Peter Cook, said the amalgamation was part of a “long-term” vision.
“It’s been a challenging time for lots of clubs across the state, in particular smaller slubs, so we’re thinking of the long term advantages of being part of a bigger club group, to provide more stability,” he said.
“Through clubs NSW we submitted an expression of interest for amalgamation that was answered by three clubs, none local. Cabramatta was deemed to be most suitable, being a fellow bowling club.
“Recently we played Cabramatta in the pennant season, and our team on that occasion was successful, so there is a good relationship already between the two clubs.”
At a meeting on Sunday 28 October, the amalgamation with Cabramatta Bowling Club (Cabra Bowls) was approved by 83 per cent of Club Malua members.
“Our club was already in a strong financial position, however the Board of Directors wanted to ensure that we weren’t resting on our laurels and long term sustainability became the focus of our strategic planning” said Mr Cook.
“Club Malua has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cabra Bowls to provide key assurances, including the protection of core property and major assets. The MoU also sets in place timelines for the upgrade of club facilities including refurbishment of the premises for the members’ comfort.”
As well as providing facilities for the town’s bowlers, the community hub is home to the Malua Bay Fishing Club and is a key venue for community events. Mr Cook said there had been changes to the amalgamation act in the years since the unsuccessful Club Catalina-Batemans Bay Bowling Club amalgamation.
“There is more protection for clubs that amalgamate and more for de-amalgamation,” he said.
“Located in the partially-isolated Malua Bay (in the Eurobodalla Shire), it’s critical that the town has access to such an important local amenity and this amalgamation will ensure that the club is here for the foreseeable future.
“Cabra Bowls held their EGM last night (Thursday, November 8) so their members could speak on the motion of amalgamation and I am pleased to announce that it was a unanimous affirmative vote.
“Over the next few months we will work closely with the Cabra team to set in place timelines for the transition and it is expected that several months will pass before the process can be completed. We will retain our trading name ‘Club Malua’.”