The president of a 50-year-old hinterland club has given a “blunt” message as the establishment faces possible closure due to financial woes.
The club’s committee is now seeking to have the struggling venue taken over by a nearby club in a last-ditch effort to save it.
Club Glass House held an annual general meeting on Monday to put forward a resolution to members for consideration.
The proposed resolution would see Caboolture Sports Club acquire Club Glass House.
In a letter to its members, Club Glass House president Gary Gray said it was time to “look seriously” to the future.
“To be blunt, the club has reached a critical point,” Mr Gray said via the letter.
“If Club Glass House does not secure immediate financial assistance, our club will not trade into the future.
“Nobody wants to hear this news but we cannot avoid the facts.
“Our most recent annual report revealed some concerns in our financial figures, including a loss for the year and an admission that we had ‘plateaued in growth’.
“This comes at a time when inflation is adding to ever-increasing costs.”
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Mr Gray said the club engaged auditors to complete a financial review, which delivered “concerning news” that substantial debts and tax payments were owing.
“Current trade and cost practices will not enable us to fight our way back into a viable financial position.
“If we do not secure financial assistance, the club cannot legally continue to trade into the future.”
Under the agreement, Club Glass House would transfer the land at 6 Gardner Street, Glass House Mountains, and the club’s business assets, including gaming machines, to Caboolture Sports Club.
Caboolture Sports Club was chosen due to its proximity to Club Glass House and its experience in revitalising struggling clubs, including the Caboolture RSL.
It currently has four licensed venues that donate $2 million each year in cash and in-kind support back to the community.
“Caboolture Sports Club has been built by community organisations and understands the importance of community in underpinning the success of a club,” Mr Gray said.
“We held preliminary discussions with Caboolture Sports Club to understand how this acquisition would work and how Club Glass House could benefit.
“We looked at examples of where smaller clubs in Queensland have been taken over and thrived under new ownership.”
It is understood all Club Glass House employees will be retained and the adjoining Glass House Country Bowls Club would be provided with a long-term licence to remain at the club.
Caboolture Sports Club would also invest in immediate improvements to Club Glass House including sealing the car park, improving lighting and providing new carpet and furniture.
During the AGM, 232 members voted in favour of Caboolture Sports Club taking over, with 29 members against the proposal.
Mr Gray has been contacted for further comment on the outcome of the vote and what the next steps in the acquisition would be.
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