A push is on to save Port Macquarie's Hibbard Sports Club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Members have given the go ahead to the board to seek expressions of interest to either amalgamate with other interested clubs or sell the freehold land with the club to lease back the site.
The board outlined the club's situation at a members' meeting on March 10 and about 200 members in attendance voted overwhelmingly in support of advancing the two options.
The board will seek expressions of interest for both measures with the final decision in the hands of members.
Hibbard Sports Club chairman Jim Scott said the club had been taking one step forward and two steps backwards.
"We need to keep the club going," Mr Scott said.
The Boundary Street club is struggling with a lack of capital and revenue, coupled with declining membership.
The club, formerly owned by the Panthers Group, has been in local hands since 2014.
A grant from Panthers to Panthers Men's and Ladies' Bowling Clubs, which pays for upkeep of the bowling greens, has helped Hibbard Sports Club stay afloat.
Secretary/manager Bob James stressed the importance of the members and community.
"You can see it in a lot of the members' eyes, some of the ones that have been there so long, the passion they have for the place," he said.
Hibbard Sports Club has more than 500 members, three bowling greens, bar and function room, new entertainment area and picnic grounds.
Management has plans to make the club more family oriented and more pet friendly, as well as boosting membership.
The club in its heyday was a magnet for bowlers, families and supporters of events.
"We just need the support of the community," Mr James said.
"Please come and support your little club."
What else is making news?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.