A bowling club at Dubbo and another registered club that are pursuing a merger are waiting for a decision about the bid from a state government agency.
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If approved, Dubbo City Bowling Club would amalgamate with Dubbo RSL Memorial Club, in a move that could one day see the greens relocated from Wingewarra Street to new premises.
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Under the arrangement outlined in a notice of resolution to RSL club members in November, the amalgamation was being “effected by the dissolution of the bowling club and the continuation of the RSL club”.
The merger bid was approved at a meeting of bowling club members in September and of RSL club members in November, and then an application was made to Liquor and Gaming NSW.
This week the agency confirmed it was considering the proposal.
“Liquor and Gaming NSW is currently reviewing the merger proposal and we expect to announce our decision shortly,” a Liquor and Gaming NSW spokesperson said.
“When reviewing such proposals, we need to consider over 40 statutory requirements.
“As the regulator of clubs in NSW, we need to ensure merger proposals are in the best interests of members and the wider community.
“Clubs play a vital role in local communities providing opportunities for people to socialise and enjoy sporting, recreational and cultural activities.”
The bowling club in Wingewarra Street had called for expressions of interest in amalgamation last year, against a backdrop of financial challenges detailed in its annual report.
After talks the two clubs entered into a memorandum of understanding, to take to their respective members.
One intention of the merger was to “in due course” relocate the facilities of the bowling club “to new premises which will be located on land yet to be acquired by the RSL club”, the notice of resolution to RSL club members showed.
Until then the Wingewarra Street premises would continue to be named “Dubbo City Bowling Club” and the amalgamated club would maintain its bowling greens and bowling activities.
After the club and bowling facilities had been relocated, the amalgamated body would facilitate the sale of the bowling club land, the document states.
If approved the amalgamation would mark another change in the industry landscape at Dubbo.
The Erskine Street venue had entered into voluntary administration on November 15, and ceased trading on February 23.
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