THE outcome of Sunday’s Manilla RSL Club’s extraordinary meeting regarding its proposed amalgamation with Tamworth Services Group could have the potential to affect the small town in a big way.
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That’s the feeling of club manager Sonia Manicaros who is urging all financial members to attend tomorrow’s meeting and have their say on the important decider.
“For some, it could be one of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make in their club membership life,” Mrs Manicaros said.
The club boasts a membership of 2154 on its books, but has 1200 active members.
“That’s a fantastic number for a small town like ours. Many of those members are those who have lived here and moved away, but wanted to retain their membership. Others have family here, but also want to be part of our club, so join up.
“A ‘no’ vote would have the potential to see the club close within 12 months. It would mean another iconic building goes – we’ve already lost the Westpac this year – and see just another empty building.
“But a ‘yes’ vote would see significant growth in membership and improvements to our club facilities, as well as help promote the town and region’s growth.
“Tamworth Services Group, whose big focus is on doing it for the community, has already amalgamated with North Tamworth Bowling Club and they’ve reaped the rewards – the growth has been amazing.
“We have 13 locals on the staff here, but amalgamation would have the potential to increase that significantly.”
Mrs Manicaros said that the feeling within club membership is “very positive”.
“We held an information morning recently where Kristen Brooks (CEO of Tamworth Services Group) and two board members attended. Heaps of questions were asked, and answered, and members left feeling a lot better about the amalgamation,” she said.
“No one wants to see the club close – it’s iconic. We celebrated our 60th anniversary this year, and we support a lot of local sporting and community groups who would suffer if we weren’t here.
“Many of our members hold their parents, who have passed on, membership numbers.
“Deb Martin, for instance, lives at Kingscliff, but holds her late dad Norm Martin’s membership number. Doey Cooper holds his old dad’s (the late Lawrence or ‘Wimpy’ Cooper) number. This club holds a special place in many people’s hearts.”
The meeting will be held from 9.30am on Sunday at the RSL.
Information regarding the proposed amalgamation can be found on the www.manillarsl.com website under the financial and governance tab.
