Is there a way our clubs can safely reopen with COVID-19 restrictions still in place?
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The Eurobodalla Shire's clubs are waiting on directions from their governing body, ClubsNSW, after a plan was put to government.
A ClubsNSW spokesperson said the plan outlined how clubs could operate again soon. It was "reviewed by an eminent infectious diseases expert".
ClubsNSW estimated more than 40 percent of NSW clubs would have difficulty reopening.
"The longer the shutdown continues, the worse it will be," the spokesperson said.
"It's particularly difficult for the many rural and regional clubs in areas already heavily impacted by the recent drought and bushfires."
The Soldiers Club has been closed since March 23. CEO Paul Biddlestone said "2020 has not been fun".
After a seven-day closure during the bushfires and now COVID-19 closures, Mr Biddlestone said: "It has certainly knocked us down but we can manage our way forward."
Mr Biddlestone said redevelopments were put on hold and the club was in a position to reopen once given direction to do so.
"It has been a difficult time, but has given us time to rethink things and meet the challenges and changes to allow for the safety of staff and members," he said.
ClubsNSW said contact tracing was important, and clubs were equipped to manage that.
"The typically large size of clubs allows us to implement extreme social distancing measures, while our sign-in requirements mean we can keep track of who is in a club at any given time," the ClubsNSW spokesperson said.
"This means if someone is diagnosed with COVID-19, we will know who was in the venue at the same time to ensure they can be tested as a precaution."
Mr Biddlestone was unsure how closely the restrictions in ClubNSW's plan would resemble those pre-closure.
"We will see what measures come out from this - the government has done a great job in keeping us safe," Mr Biddlestone said.
"It's important people get on board downloading the COVIDSafe app."
The shire has had no new reported cases of COVID-19 since April 6. If clubs were to reopen, Mr Biddlestone said the safety of staff and members was paramount.
"No-one has been through this; we have to be mindful and cautious of how we proceed into the next few months," Mr Biddlestone said.
"We don't want to cause a jump in the number of cases."
He did not want to see an outbreak: "No-one wants to be the next Ruby Princess."
Mr Biddlestone thanked Soldiers Club staff for their support during the COVID-19 crisis: "Members can't wait to see you; when we do open it will be safe for everyone."
"Hopefully we can beat this damn virus - we need to do it together, and not be fearful but aware and alert," he said.
Tuross Head Country Club manager Stephen Hodge said a "strong committee and vision" had kept them afloat during the difficult times.
"The way the board has put things into play - they have been very progressive about it," he said.
"We aren't in the best position, but have a surplus of money put away."
Mr Hodge believed clubs should open by the end of May.
"If they [government] can open up shopping centres, surely they can open up clubs with limited people and an action plan in place," he said.
Meanwhile, golf was still in play and the club was planning to restart bowls.
The club would also spend this month painting and "sprucing things up".
"We are talking about how to reopen, and making plans for the next six months," Mr Hodge said.
