Hunter residents have been confronted with news of the closure of historic Miller Park Bowling and Recreation Club in Branxton.
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The announcement, made via a Facebook status on the club's page on the July 29, sparked a wide range of responses including some outrage towards the closure.
Formed in 1955, the club has been known for its support of local sporting associations, including being used regularly for bowling.
Situated at the forefront of Miller Park sports ground, there was potential for growth, however, more financial and community support was needed according to Secretary Manager of Greta Workers Club, Phil Johnston.
"I am very sorry that it closed", Mr Johnston said.
"The local people didn't support the club and therefore, it couldn't continue to operate".
Five years ago, in 2015, the club was ready to shut its doors due to extreme renovation overheads and a decline in patronage. Through the guidance of Newcastle insolvency and advisory firm Raspey Griffiths, Greta Workers Sports and Recreation Club was chosen to merge together with Miller Park Bowling Club, allowing operation to continue.
In response to over 100 comments on the Facebook status, Greta Workers shared another post stating the financial statistics provided by reputable financial company Cutcher & Neale Assurances.
These statistics highlight the financial difficulties over the past three years, showing a total loss of $649,269. Following was the question; "If you owned a business producing these losses - What would you do?". This data can also be found in the Greta Workers Club's recent 2018/2019 Financial Report on their website.
Other comments raised discussions about the hard competition between other local venues such as the Royal Federal Hotel, who has a great reputation for entertainment.
Saying he "pleaded with the board over the last two years to keep it open", the club continued to make losses. "Unfortunately the figures speak for themselves at the end of the day", Mr Johnston said.
The Greta Workers Club are encouraging the public to attend the venue which has now taken on the three staff members that were previously working at the Miller Park Bowling Club, and is encouraging bowlers to take advantage of their facilities.
"In good faith we had good employees at Miller Park so rather than them lose their jobs, we absorbed them into Greta Workers", Mr Johnston said.
"I had a meeting with the bowls committee on Friday. They are still all members and are more than welcome to come and use the facilities at Greta Workers Club".