Norths Collective, a hospitality group based in Sydney, is seeking to sell two sporting clubs on the Far North Coast as part of a strategy to reduce its $30 million debt. The decision follows the controversial closure of the 115-year-old Bangalow Bowling Club on October 24, which has sparked community backlash. Byron Shire councillor Asren Pugh is leading efforts to reclaim the club from Norths Collective, which managed the venue for three years. "Our demand to Norths is just hand the keys back and walk away," Pugh stated. "If you can't run it, let the community have a shot."

In addition to the Bangalow Bowling Club, Norths Collective is in talks with Twin Towns, a major licensed club operator in the region, regarding the sale of the Tweed Seagulls Club. According to a notice on its website, the sale of Seagulls for $30 million would significantly alleviate Norths' debt, reduce ongoing maintenance costs, and allow for investment in other areas.

Tony Mathew, the newly appointed CEO of Norths Collective, acknowledged the group's financial struggles, reporting a loss of $7 million over the past two years. "We do have significant debts, we are trying to take corrective action," he said. Currently, only two of the six clubs operated by Norths Collective are profitable, with the Seagulls Club being described as the group's "jewel."

Mathew emphasized that the club would not be sold for development or to another registered club, preferring to sell it to Twin Towns, which he believes understands the local community's needs. "They know how to look after that local community and we honestly believe that is the most genuine and sensible outcome," he said.

Regarding the Bangalow Bowling Club, Mathew noted that despite investing $250,000, including an $80,000 grant, the club's financial situation and the condition of the 60-year-old building were concerning. "Not all my decisions will be popular, I get that, but at the end of the day, we need to make sure the place is safe, sustainable and solvent," he explained. He pointed out that during a recent visit, the club had very few patrons, contrasting it with the nearby Bangalow pub, which was bustling with customers.

The Bangalow community will have the opportunity to raise funds to purchase the bowling club. However, Mathew indicated that he would also seek interest from other registered clubs in the Northern Rivers area. "If there's some local benefactors that love the club and are financed appropriately to assist in rebirthing it, that would be great," he said. He believes that a local registered club would have better support due to its community ties.

Tere Sheehan, CEO of Cherry Street Sports Group, which operates bowling clubs in Ballina and Lennox Head, suggested that a local consortium could be the ideal solution for the Bangalow Bowling Club. "I think Bangalow has still got so much potential, but there is a lot of history that needs to be tidied up before another club takes it on," he said. "It has got to be a clean slate to make any go of it."