The club’s Commodore Mick Henderson said there is still a long way to go before it’s safe after a general meeting was held on Sunday to determine it’s fate. 

“We raised over $15,000 today which will certainly help us to continue,” he said. 

“We are looking for more sponsorship and donations and membership over the next month. 

“The meeting was very productive and indicated the community wants the club to stay open.” 

Members of the club and the public answered the call to arms to help decide the next step. 

During the general public section of the meeting, Mr Henderson said in order for operations to continue, all issues could be boiled down to one fact. 

“If we don't get bums in the seats, we can't survive,” he said. 

Expenses were bared to the public, as the board explained the realities of the situation. 

“To open the doors of this club is $869,445.89, the total income was $734,468.18 and the loss was $134,977.71,” Mr Henderson said. 

“We can't cut our costs anymore. The only way we can improve it is, more people through the door.”

The club had made cuts in various areas, including staffing and wages. Main topics of discussion in the meeting revolved around attracting younger crowds, fundraising, the issue of blue-green algae and how to get a flow of business through the door.  

One member, Robyn McPherson, said it wasn’t enough to solve the immediate problem, but rather there was a need for a long-term solution. 

“We can bail the club out temporarily,” she said. “Whether you bail the club out or not, you need to have a forward-projection plan.”

Mr Henderson raised the potential solution of apartments or motels being built on top, which would increase foot traffic, while keeping the land and club in their ownership. 

Denise Flockton cautioned against an increase in membership prices, citing ‘basic economics’. 

“When you increase the price of somthing significantly, the number of things that are sold go down,” she said. “I think that will affect the club.” 

Darryl Forbes-Taber, a current member who was previously on the board, said he knew people would be willing to donate to save the club.  After the meeting, Mr Forbes-Taber said he knew of someone who committed $1000. 

Paul Funnell, a Wagga councillor and member of the club, addressed what he called ‘the elephant in the room’. 

“There’s comments going around about the blue-green algae,” he said. “The Tatton drain is still going ahead, but it’s reliant on rain and we’re in the middle of a drought. I have been in negotioations with Professor John Blackwell.” 

Cr Funnell said Professor Blackwell had offered his services to work with council and politicans to look at ways to solve the problem. 

“It’s a case of a watch this space,” he said.

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